Fruit cracking/splitting is reported to cause up to 20% crop loss in blueberries. Genetics, pre-harvest rain and plant management are some of the causes. Can anyone explain to me the actual process taking place at cellular level that helps the fruit to split or stay intact and the role of nutrients (like Ca and B) in this process?
Thanks.
Dear Mr. Dereje Ashebir Bezabih,
Well, once the cell is "broken", some enzymes and their corresponding substrates are put in contact, which fastens many decline processes such as browning, firmness loss, etc. Moreover, microbiological attacks might take place. We can slow down these (by using antioxidants, disinfectants, etc.), but not stop them completely.
As far as I know, calcium strengthens fruit tissues, but to a certain extent. Dehydration is also important, as when a damage takes place, cells can not resist as effectively as in the case of fruits with a proper irrigation.
In my opinion, the most important thing is to keep a good handling policy.
Greetings!
- Badges
- Science topic
- Similar topics
- Agricultural Science
- Agronomy
- Crop Science
- Crop