EFFECT OF DIFFERENT FOLIAR SPRAYS ON THE STORAGE POTENTIAL AND FRUIT QUALITY OF 'CONFERENCE' PEARS

摘要

The experiment was carried out in years 2004-2005. The effect of different foliar fertilizers (calcium chloride, Kalcisal, Kalcisal+Kalcifos and Sanisal) on fruit quality as well as on calcium content of Conference pear was investigated. The treatments consisted of five foliar sprays (at the rate of 0.5%) in two week intervals followed by five (at the rate of 1.0%) in one week intervals. At harvest and, additionally after 150 days of cold storage at 0°C, fruits were analysed for firmness, soluble solids content (SSC) and titratable acidity (TA). The occurrence of fungal diseases was also investigated. Samples of fruits were mineralized and the content of calcium and potassium was assessed using atomic absorption spectroscopy. The highest fruit firmness, both at harvest and after the storage, was noted for these treated with Kalcisal+Kalcifos. Pears sprayed with calcium chloride revealed the highest SSC. The investigated foliar fertilizers significantly affected TA. At harvest, the lowest TA was noted for pears sprayed with Sanisal (0.19%), whereas the highest for CaCl_2(0.23%). The lowest acidity reduction during the storage for Kalcisal+Kalcifos was observed. All of investigated fertilizers had a beneficial effect on fungal diseases reduction. Calcium content was very differentiated and varied from 75.9 mg-kg~(-1) f.w. (Control) to 101.3 mg-kg~(-1) f.w. (CaCl_2).