Preharvest boron application and its relation with the quality of 'Galaxy' apples after harvest and controlled atmosphere storage

Abstract

ABSTRACT: The aim of this research was to evaluate the effect of preharvest boron application on the physical and chemical quality of 'Galaxy' apples after harvest and in controlled atmosphere storage during eight months, plus seven days of shelf life at 20°C. The experiment was performed with two treatments applied on the field: [1] Control (fruit without boron application) and [2] Foliar application of boron (four applications of 1.5kg ha-1). Findings showed that the boron application promoted a higher ethylene production and respiratory rate and it application also reduced the flesh firmness in relation to the fruits without it. A similar result was obtained after eight months of storage plus seven days of shelf life. The preharvest application of boron makes it possible to harvest apples earlier due to the fact that it accelerates the fruit metabolism. However, the fruits end up presenting a lower storage potential as a result of the higher ethylene production, respiration rate, decay incidence, mealiness and a reduction of the healthy fruit percentage and flesh firmness after CA storage.