Texture and Other Quality Attributes in Olives and Leaf Characteristics after Preharvest Calcium Chloride Sprays

Abstract

The effect of three preharvest sprays with water or 58.5 mm calcium chloride (CaCl2) on texture and other quality attributes was investigated in ‘Konservolia’ olives harvested at the black-ripe stage and measured after 1 and 15 days of storage in air at 10 °C with 85% relative humidity. Effects on fruit calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) concentrations during the period of spray applications were also studied. Concentrations of Ca, Mg, and chlorophyll and photosynthesis rate in leaves were measured on the day of final fruit harvest. No foliar or fruit toxicity was observed. In leaves, Ca sprays increased Mg but did not affect Ca and chlorophyll concentration and photosynthesis rate. In fruits, Ca sprays prevented the gradual decrease in Ca concentration that occurred in untreated fruits and maintained Mg at constant levels during ripening on the tree but did not affect fruit size and oil content as measured 1 day after storage. Ca-treated fruits were firmer with lower soluble pectin (SP) concentration and higher calcium pectate (CaP) than controls in both storage days, whereas the protopectin levels were similar in all fruits. Results showed positive linear correlation between Ca concentration and either firmness or CaP, whereas that between Ca and SP was negative as found in fruits stored for 1 day. Fruit production rates of carbon dioxide and ethylene, L* and chroma (C*) of peel, and hue angle (h°) of flesh were unaffected either by Ca treatment or storage time. Ca treatment did not affect fruit weight loss, the decreases in peel h° and flesh L*, but increased flesh C* during storage. The results indicate positive effects of preharvest calcium sprays on olive firmness without any negative effect on fruits or leaves.