Abstract
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.
Highlights
IntroductionItalica) is a dicotyledonous biennial herbaceous member of cabbage family Brassicaceae, genus Brassica, belonging to the larger group of Cruciferae [1]
SPAD meter values are proportional to the amount of chlorophyll present in plant tissue and serves as a good nondestructive indicator of chlorophyll
We evaluated the effect of supplementary foliar application of Ca, Mn, Zn, and Fe on growth, bioactive compounds, and postharvest behaviour of broccoli heads
Summary
Italica) is a dicotyledonous biennial herbaceous member of cabbage family Brassicaceae, genus Brassica, belonging to the larger group of Cruciferae [1]. Other known vegetables that belong to this family are brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, Chinese cabbage, kale, and kohlrabi. The green colour of broccoli comes from the chlorophyll present in sepals of its floral buds [2]. Apart from being a high commercial value crop, broccoli is highly nutritious and health-promoting food, due to its high vitamin (A, C, E, B2 and K1), minerals (Ca, Na, Mg, K, Zn, Fe, etc.) and phytochemical content (primarily glucosinolates and phenolic antioxidants). One of the main postharvest problems of this crop is chlorophyll degradation and rapid senescence of broccoli heads [3]. Various post-harvest treatments such as edible coatings and γ-irradiation [4], Agronomy 2019, 9, 711; doi:10.3390/agronomy9110711 www.mdpi.com/journal/agronomy
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