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Foliar Application of Potassium and Gibberellic Acid to Improve Fruit Storability and Quality of Parthenocarpic Cucumber

Priyanka Pal1, Kuldeep Yadav, Satender Yadav and Narender Singh

Pertanika Journal of Tropical Agricultural Science, Volume 41, Issue 3, August 2018

Published: 30 Aug 2018

The study was carried out during the 2013–2014, 2014–2015, and 2015–2016 seasons in an insect-proof nethouse at the Centre of Excellence for Vegetables, an Indo-Israel project, at Gharaunda (Karnal), India. The aim was to examine the effect of foliar application of potassium at 1.0 (K1), 2.5 (K2), or 5.0 g/L (K3), and gibberellic acid (GA3) at 0.005 (G1), 0.010 (G2), or 0.015 g/L (G3), used alone and in combinations on fruit quality and storability of the parthenocarpic cucumbers (Cucumis sativus L.) 'KUK 9' and 'Sevenstar' stored at high (27°C) and low (10°C) temperatures. Among individual treatments, foliar application of K2 alone resulted in least weight loss, electrolyte leakage, and fruit decay percent. The fruit from the treatment combination of G2 + K2 was best in total soluble solids, with reduced weight loss, electrolyte leakage, and less decay compared to fruit from other treatments or the control. Fruit of 'KUK 9' exhibited better shelf-life than did 'Sevenstar'. Storability of fruit from plants treated with K and GA3, either alone, or in combination, was found to be better, as it minimized fruit weight loss and decayed fruit, and extended the storage life of parthenocarpic cucumber.