Influence of application of nitrogen doses on the post-harvest quality of cucumber

Abstract

The conditions of cultivation and the management of fertilization influence the productivity and the post-harvest quality of cucumbers in an expressive way. In this sense, the aim of this study is to evaluate the physical, chemical and sensorial post-harvest quality of cucumbers for canning purposes submitted to different doses of nitrogen fertilization. The experiment was carried out in a greenhouse at the Goiano Federal Institute (IF Goiano), campus Urutaí and After harvest, the material was sent to the food technology laboratory located in the campus. The soil of the area is classified as Red Latosol according he cucumber cultivar used was the Cucumis sativus L. Kybria F1 hybrid, most suitable for the processing of canned foods. The experimental design was randomized blocks and five treatments (nitrogen doses 0, 50, 100, 150 and 200 kg ha-1), and four replications. The physical parameters fruit length and diameter, fruit fresh matter, production per plant, titratable acidity (TA), pH, soluble solids (SS), moisture, ash content, and SS/TA ratio were evaluated. A sensory analysis was performed using acceptance and ordering-preference tests, in addition to an instrumental evaluation of texture. The application of different doses of nitrogen to cucumber in a protected environment influenced the production per plant and the physical-chemical characteristics of the fruits. However, the sensory quality was not affected. The doses 100 and 150 kg ha-1 of nitrogen is recommended for the production of canned cucumber