article · Agronomy
Field trials tested the impact of pre-harvest foliar sprays containing calcium, zinc, manganese, or iron on broccoli growth, postharvest quality, and shelf life. Individual sprays at a concentration of one gram per kilogram were applied four times during the cultivation period, and harvested broccoli heads were stored at four degrees Celsius for twenty-eight days. The treatments did not significantly alter overall plant growth, although they enhanced chlorophyll meter readings. During postharvest refrigeration, the mineral applications reduced head yellowing and weight loss. The treated broccoli tissue showed significantly higher levels of nitrogen, phosphorus, and the applied minerals. Furthermore, all treatments increased total chlorophyll, phenolic compounds, ascorbic acid, peroxidase activity, flavonoids, glucoraphanin, and glucobrassicin. Calcium and manganese applications also elevated crude protein and sulforaphane levels. Pre-harvest foliar mineral feeding therefore helps maintain nutritional quality and extends storage life.
Broccoli rapidly deteriorates after harvest, losing colour, moisture, and key health-promoting compounds during storage. Demonstrating that simple pre-harvest sprays of standard minerals can slow postharvest yellowing and weight loss while preserving beneficial nutrients provides practical insight for vegetable producers looking to retain produce quality and dietary value through cold storage.
This applied field research offers an agronomic approach for commercial vegetable growers and postharvest handlers aiming to extend fresh produce shelf life and nutritional value. Because the method relies on standard foliar mineral applications and conventional cold storage, the approach appears close to farm-level testing and adoption, though specific commercial product formulations or packaging guidelines are not detailed in the findings.
AI-generated from the published abstract. Always read the original work before citing.
Foliar application of micronutrients has become a common farm management practice to increase the overall yield of various crops. However, the effects of foliar fertilization on shelf life and postharvest quality of the crops are rather under-researched. The aim of this field experiment was to evaluate the effect of foliar application of individual mineral nutrients (calcium (Ca), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), and iron (Fe) on pre and postharvest quality of broccoli. The broccoli plants were subjected to single foliar sprays of either Ca, Fe, Zn, or Mn, which was repeated four times during plant growth at a 1 g/kg concentration. Once harvested, the broccoli heads were refrigerated at 4 °C for 28 days. Our results indicated that foliar application of Ca, Zn, Mn, and Fe did not have a significant effect on plant growth parameters, apart from enhancing Soil Plant Analysis Development (SPAD) chlorophyll meter values. However, during postharvest, foliar application treatment showed a positive response on weight loss during storage and reduction in yellowing of the broccoli heads. Foliar treatments increased the concentration of Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), Ca, Zn, Mn and Fe significantly in the broccoli head tissue. Total chlorophyll content, total phenolic compound, ascorbic acid, peroxidase activity, glucoraphanin and glucobrassicin and flavonoids were significantly increased by all foliar treatments. Crude protein content and sulforaphane were enhanced by Ca and Mn treatments. Overall, foliar application of the investigated mineral nutrients may prove beneficial in improving the shelf-life and nutrient content of broccoli during postharvest handling and storage.
This page summarises published work. The authoritative version sits with the publisher.
DOI: 10.3390/agronomy9110711
Is something wrong with this record? Report it or request removal.
Discussion
Have you built on this work, tried to replicate it, or seen it applied in practice? Share what you know. Verified researchers and MARATTO™ domain experts can open a discussion, and any member can reply. Contributions are reviewed before they appear.
No discussion yet. Open the first thread.
New to MARATTO™? Create a free account.
