Calcium Sprays Research Articles

Influence of Calcium Foliar Application to Increase Growth and Yield of Two Strawberry Cultivars (Fragaria x ananassa Duch.)

There are many studies about calcium effect on strawberry plants in the world, but few studies have been devoted to investigating its effects on strawberries in Kurdistan-Iraq. Strawberry, which has around twenty documented species, is native to Asia, Europe and South and North America. In the horticulture, it is considered the most important fruits. This research investigates the effect of spray of calcium on growth, flowering and yield of two strawberry cultivars (Fragaria X ananassa Duch.). Three different concentrations of Ca (0, 250 and 500 ppm) were applied by foliar method on two cultivars of strawberry (Festival and Albion). The results revealed a substantial increase in all the vegetative growth parameters at the level (500 ppm) of calcium for Alboin cultivar. However, the highest number of daughter plants was recorded at the level (250 ppm). while all flowering parameters increased significantly at the level (500 ppm) of calcium for Festival cultivar, significant increases were observed in the fruit parameters such as dry weight (g), dry weight percentage and fruit length (cm) at the level (500 ppm) of calcium for Alboin cultivar. Furthermore, it is monitored that fresh weight (g), fruit diameter (cm), fruit size (cm3), number of fruits, yield/plant (g) and yield/ha were increased significantly at the level (500 ppm) of calcium for Festival cultivar. Moreover, the highest value of fruit fall percentage was recorded at the control of Albion cultivar, conversely the lowest value was at control of Festival. The TSS and ascorbic acid were significantly elevated at the level (500 ppm) for Alboin cultivar, however, acidity percentage and sugar percentage raised significantly at the level (500 ppm) calcium for Festival cultivar. The biggest amount of vitamin C was acquired after storage of Festival cultivar that treated with (500 ppm) calcium, whereas the smallest amount was from the control group of Festival cultivar.

Vineyard calcium sprays induce changes in grape berry skin, firmness, cell wall composition and expression of cell wall-related genes

Having a central role in cell wall pectin cross-linking, calcium has been increasingly used as supplement to promote fruit firmness and extended shelf-life. However, the molecular rearrangements associated to increased fruit robustness are still a matter of debate. In this study, mechanical, histochemical and molecular assays were conducted to understand the mechanisms underlying the effects of Ca in fruit physical properties. In a two-year field trial, grapevines were sprayed with exogenous CaCl2 throughout the fruiting season. Results showed an increase in berry Ca concentration at harvest, associated to increased fruit consistency and skin resistance. Scanning electron microscopy showed that fruits from Ca-treated plants had smoother skin surfaces than control fruits, and that microcracks encircling the lenticels were less prominent. Histochemistry assays suggested higher deposition of pectin-like material in skin cell walls in grapes from Ca-treated vines, but no evident modifications in cellulose content were observed. Accordingly, the expression of cellulose synthase family gene CesA3 was not affected by exogenous Ca, while polygalacturonase-encoding genes PG1 and PG2 were downregulated, together with EXP6 belonging to expansin family, and CER9 and CYP15 involved in cuticle biosynthesis. These results suggested that Ca acts by inhibiting pectin degradation and cell wall loosening, while remodeling cuticle structure.

Reduction of Botrytis cinerea Infection on Petunia Flowers following Calcium Spray Applications

Botrytis blight on petunia flowers causes significant losses in the postharvest environment. Infection occurs during greenhouse production, and symptoms are expressed during transport. This phenomenon is termed petunia flower meltdown because of the rapid collapse of flower petal tissue as the plants are transported from the production greenhouse to the retail store. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of calcium (Ca) spray applications on botrytis blight severity in petunia flowers. For the first experiment, petunia ‘Pretty Grand Red’ plants were sprayed twice per week for 2 weeks with calcium chloride (CaCl2) at rates of 0, 400, 800, and 1200 mg·L−1 Ca. A fungicide (cyprodinil, 37.5%; fludioxonil, 25%) was used as an additional control treatment. Twenty-four hours after the last treatment, freshly opened flowers were harvested, placed into a humidity chamber with 99% relative humidity, and inoculated with a Botrytis cinerea spore suspension (1 × 104 conidia/mL). Disease progression was recorded every 12 hours for 72 hours. The results showed a 96% reduction in botrytis blight severity as Ca concentration increased from 0 to 1200 mg·L−1 Ca. The Ca treatments provided better disease control than the fungicide treatment because of the fungicide resistance of the isolate used in the study. A second experiment was performed to determine whether the beneficial response to CaCl2 application was influenced by chlorine (Cl) or the electrical conductivity (EC) of the spray solutions, and no significant responses were observed. These studies prove Ca is the sole source of the reduction in botrytis blight severity following treatment with CaCl2 sprays, and demonstrate the benefit of using Ca as a tool for the management of botrytis blight on petunia flowers.

EFFECT OF CALCIUM AND BORON AS FOLIAR SPRAY ON “LE CONTE” PEAR TREES PRODUCTIVITY

This study was carried out during 2016 and 2017 seasons on twenty years old “Le Conte” pear trees budded on Pyrus communis rootstock, grown at El-Kanater Horticultural Research Station to investigate the effect of foliar application of Ca (NO3)2 (1 and 2 % ) and borax (100 and 200 ppm) as individual or in combined on yield, leaf mineral content and fruit characteristics. The results obtained that, the highest fruit length, size, and diameter as well as fruit weight (g), fruit yield/ tree (kg) and fruit yield as ton/ fed. were recorded when pear tree was sprayed with 1or 2 % calcium nitrate + 100 or 200 ppm borax compared with both calcium and borax alone. Fruit firmness and acidity were increased by foliar spray of combined treatment calcium 100 or 200 ppm borax + 1 or 2 % Ca (NO3)2 compared to control. Spraying 1 or 2% Ca (NO3)2 alone gave the highest significant value of N % for pear leaves meanwhile P % was improved significantly using 200 ppm borax + 2% Ca (NO3 )2. Also, K, Ca and Mg % were increased significantly with spraying 200 ppm borax +2 % Ca (NO3 )2. In most cases, leaf Fe and Zn contents were increased significantly by combined treatment of 100 or 200 ppm borax + 2 % Ca (NO3)2 or 100 ppm borax alone .

Vineyard calcium sprays shift the volatile profile of young red wine produced by induced and spontaneous fermentation.

Calcium supplements have increasingly been used at pre-harvest stages for improving fruit firmness, aiming at mitigating environmental stress. However, as recent studies demonstrated that calcium modifies the polyphenolic profile of grape berries, we hypothesize in this study that it also affects wine volatile profile. In a two-year study, grapevines cv. "Vinhão" were sprayed with 2% CaCl2 throughout the fruiting season, and musts were prepared at a laboratory scale. Musts from calcium-treated fruits contained higher calcium levels and less anthocyanins. Increased calcium content did not affect the course of fermentation induced with a S. cerevisiae starter inoculum, but impacted the course of spontaneous fermentations carried out by endogenous berry microflora. Several compounds associated to varietal and fermentative aromas were largely influenced by the calcium treatment. For instance, volatile phenols decreased, together with β-damascenone, benzaldehyde and γ-nonalactone, while several acetates and alcohols increased. Principal component analysis showed that the volatile profile of control wines produced by spontaneous fermentation substantially differed between replicates, but calcium treatment lowered replicate variability. Volatile profiles were also influenced by the vintage and fermentation type. The shift in wine volatile profile upon calcium treatment may be relevant from an oenological perspective.

Effect of regulated irrigation and calcium sprays on fruit yield and quality of Dehradun litchi

Effect of regulated irrigation and calcium sprays on fruit yield and quality of Dehradun litchi

Effect of pre harvest foliar application of micronutrients and sorbitol on flowering, pollen fertility and fruit set of litchi cv. Bombai

An investigation was carried out to study the effect of foliar spray of micronutrients, viz, calcium and boron and sorbitol on fruit-set, yield and fruit quality in litchi (Litchi chinensis). cv. Bombai, grown at Regional Research Station, Gayeshpur, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design (RBD), with three replications and seven treatments including control viz. T1 – (Calcium nitrate – 0.06%), T2 – (Boric Acid – 0.02%), T3 – Sorbitol – 2%, T4 - Calcium nitrate – 0.06% + Sorbitol – 2%, T5 - Boric Acid – 0.02% + Sorbitol – 2%, T6 - Calcium nitrate – 0.06% + Boric Acid – 0.02% + Sorbitol – 2%, and T7- control plot. Results revealed that Calcium nitrate – 0.06% + Boric Acid – 0.02% + Sorbitol – 2%, were the most effective for enhancing initial fruit set (61.37) and number of fruit per panicle at harvest (32.00), yield (41.72 kg /tree), fruit weight (29.14 g), TSS (20.80 °Brix), total sugars (16.80%) and ascorbic acid content (23.80 mg / 100 g). while control recorded minimum yield, fruit weight, TSS and total sugar content of fruits.

EFFECT OF CALCIUM AND BORON AS FOLIAR SPRAY ON “LE CONTE” PEAR TREES PRODUCTIVITY

This study was carried out during 2016 and 2017 seasons on twenty years old “Le Conte” pear trees budded on Pyrus communis rootstock, grown at El-Kanater Horticultural Research Station to investigate the effect of foliar application of Ca (NO3)2 (1 and 2 % ) and borax (100 and 200 ppm) as individual or in combined on yield, leaf mineral content and fruit characteristics. The results obtained that, the highest fruit length, size, and diameter as well as fruit weight (g), fruit yield/ tree (kg) and fruit yield as ton/ fed. were recorded when pear tree was sprayed with 1or 2 % calcium nitrate + 100 or 200 ppm borax compared with both calcium and borax alone. Fruit firmness and acidity were increased by foliar spray of combined treatment calcium 100 or 200 ppm borax + 1 or 2 % Ca (NO3)2 compared to control. Spraying 1 or 2% Ca (NO3)2 alone gave the highest significant value of N % for pear leaves meanwhile P % was improved significantly using 200 ppm borax + 2% Ca (NO3 )2. Also, K, Ca and Mg % were increased significantly with spraying 200 ppm borax +2 % Ca (NO3 )2. In most cases, leaf Fe and Zn contents were increased significantly by combined treatment of 100 or 200 ppm borax + 2 % Ca (NO3)2 or 100 ppm borax alone .

Effect of calcium sprays on fruit quality and shelf-life of apple (Malus × domestica)

The present investigation was carried out during 2011- 2012 in an apple orchard situated 1935 m amsl in Shimla, district in Himachal Pradesh in order to assess the effect of foliar nutrition of calcium on growth, yield, fruit quality and shelf-life of apple. Two commercial grade calcium formulation, viz. CaCl2 at 0.4, 0.5 and 0.6% and Ca(NO3)2 at 0.2, 0.4 and 0.6 % were sprayed once (75 days after full bloom), thrice (45, 60 and 75 days after full bloom) and five times (15, 30, 45, 60 and 75 days after full bloom). The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with 19 treatments (replicated thrice). Two years pooled data revealed that five sprays of 0.6% Ca(NO3)2 significantly increased annual shoot growth and leaf area, but reduced the total yield, fruit size and weight. However, results of storage studies revealed that five sprays of 0.5 and 0.6% CaCl2 significantly reduced the physiological fruit weight loss, retain higher fruit firmness, TSS and sugar contents and improve the shelf-life of fruits in ambient storage conditions.

Effects of calcium and growth regulators on sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.) quality and sensory attributes at harvest

Effects of preharvest sprays of calcium with and without traditional and novel growth regulators (gibberellic acid, abscisic acid and salicylic acid, glycine betaine and a biostimulant (Ascophyllum nodosum)) on quality and sensory attributes of ‘Skeena’ and ‘Sweetheart’ sweet cherries were investigated at harvest. Experiments were carried out during 2015 and 2016 in a Portuguese orchard. Spray treatment effects were affected by cultivar and year, with spray treatments eliciting more responses in 2016 and for ‘Sweetheart’ cherries. Abscisic acid spray treatment showed small effects on quality attributes at harvest. Gibberellic and salicylic acid increased fruit weight, while glycine betaine with calcium increased fruit weight, appearance and colour development. The spray treatments did not affect the soluble sugars, while salicylic acid and Ascophyllum nodosum with calcium increased total organic acid levels. Gibberellic acid and glycine betaine sprays are candidates to increase quality attributes at harvest for two important commercial cherry cultivars.

Economics of Peach (Prunus persica L.) Production under Different Nitrogen Regimes through Neem Coated Urea and Calcium Sprays

Economics of Peach (<i>Prunus persica</i> L.) Production under Different Nitrogen Regimes through Neem Coated Urea and Calcium Sprays

Effect of Planting Date and Calcium Spraying on Peanut Quality

Effect of Planting Date and Calcium Spraying on Peanut Quality

Effect of Different Sources and Concentrations of Pre-harvest Calcium and Boron Sprays on the Quality and Yield of Apple (Malus x domestica Borkh.)

Effect of Different Sources and Concentrations of Pre-harvest Calcium and Boron Sprays on the Quality and Yield of Apple (<i>Malus x domestica</i> Borkh.)

English

English

EFFECT OF FOLIAR APPLICATION WITH CALCIUM, MAGNESIUM AND FERTILIZING WITH HUMIC ACID ON GROWTH , YIELD, AND STORAGE ABILITY OF POTATO TUBERS.

Two experiments were carried out, the first at the College of Agriculture - University of Baghdad during spring season 2017 Everest cv. class (Elite) was used to study the effect of foliar application of calcium and magnesium and addition of humic acid to the soil on potato growth and yield, The layout of the experiment was factorial within RCBD design using three replicates. Calcium and Magnesium sprayed with concentrations (0, 500, 1000 mg.L-1), while the humic acid was added to the soil with (0, 0.75 gm.m2), The second experiment included storage of tubers produced from the spring season, with to study the effect of field treatments on improving the storability of the tubers. The results showed that the treatment of calcium spray was superior a concentration of 1000 mg.L-1 in plant height, leaf area, weight of tuber, plant yield and protein % in tubers after storage and reduced the percentage of damaged in tubers stored by 1.57%. The magnesium spray treatment with 1000 mg. L-1 exceeded the number of leaves, leaf area, number of tubers per plant, plant yield, the accumulation of dry matter and the percentage of protein in the stored tubers. Humic acid with 0.75 gm.m2 was superior in the plant height , the tuber weight and the single plant yield , the concentration of dry matter and the protein percentage in the stored tubers produced. The interaction treatment (500 mg.L-1 calcium + 0.75 gm2 of Humic acid + 0 mg.L-1 of Mg) was superior in the single plant yield which 1.28 kg.plant-1.

Calcium- and hormone-driven regulation of secondary metabolism and cell wall enzymes in grape berry cells

The efficacy of calcium sprays for improving fleshy fruit resistance to abiotic/biotic stress and enhancement of fruit shelf life has increasingly been explored. However, because calcium is a powerful secondary messenger in many signaling pathways, including those driven by abscisic acid (ABA) and jasmonates, it may interfere with the biosynthesis of specialized metabolites highly important for fruit and wine quality, such as phenolic compounds. In this study, a combination of biochemical and molecular biology approaches were applied to grape cell cultures and detached grape berries, in order to investigate the effect of calcium in the modulation of enzymes involved in the biosynthesis of phenolic compounds and in cell wall organization. Concentrations up to 10 mM CaCl2 did not affect cell growth, size or viability, but triggered modifications in total phenolics content, particularly in anthocyanin levels in grape cell suspensions. The effects of calcium applied alone or in combination with ABA or methyl jasmonate (MeJA) were visible in several branches of specialized metabolic pathways, confirming that the calcium-hormone interplay regulates the expression of phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL), stilbene synthase (STS), dihydroflavonol reductase (DFR) and UDP-glucose:flavonoid 3-O-glucosyltransferase (UFGT). The activity of PAL and UFGT enzymes was also specifically modulated by calcium, ABA and MeJA. These results closely correlated to the modifications observed in the expression of VvAM1 and VvABCC1 encoding vacuolar anthocyanin transporters. Modulation of the expression and activity of pectin methyl esterases (PME) and polygalacturonases (PG) by calcium was also evident, confirming an important role of calcium in cell wall organization via the regulation of enzyme activity, besides its well-known role in the formation of cross links between pectin molecules. Overall, this study uncovers important biochemical mechanisms induced by calcium and stress hormones on grape berries, and highlights the need to consider the consequences of calcium treatments and stress for fruit quality.

Effects of calcium supply on soybean plants

This paper aims to evaluate the effects that calcium application on leaves and flowers of soybean plants exerts on yield and yield components. Two experiments were carried out in the 2013/2014 crop season under field conditions. In the first experiment, two soybean cultivars – one of determinate growth habit (BMX Ativa) and another of indeterminate growth habit (BMX Alvo) – were submitted to calcium spraying with four nozzles (twin flat, twin flat fan, cone and hollow cone). In the second experiment, soybean plants (BMX Ativa cultivar) were sprayed with calcium on the leaves and flowers at R1 or R3 growth stages. Subsequently, the plants were maintained or not under a 50-percent shade protection during flowering stage. Calcium spraying on soybean leaves or flowers during the flowering stage did not increase pod set, number of seeds, or grain yield. The calcium content in soybean flowers is not affected by foliar application thereof.

Effects of calcium spraying to the leaves and fruits on postharvest physiological characteristics of papaya fruits

In order to evaluate the effect of foliar application of calcium chloride (0, 0.5, 1, 1.5 and 2%) to the aerial parts of the plant (leaves, fruits and leaves plus fruits) on postharvest quality of papaya fruit, a trial was conducted in the orchards of Universiti Putra Malaysia during the year 2012. The results showed that the highest calcium content was observed in the fruits where the spray had been applied to the fruits or fruits plus leaves, while the lowest calcium content was recorded when the spray had been applied to the leaves. In addition, the magnesium content in the peel and pulp of fruits where the spray had been applied to the fruits or fruits plus leaves, was the lowest while the highest was observed when the spray had been applied to the leaves. The respiration rate and ethylene production decreased in fruits where the spray had been used on the fruits or fruits plus leaves. However, the soluble solids content was the lowest in the fruits where the spray had been applied to the fruits plus leaves, followed by the spraying of fruits and leaves alone. The inverse results were recorded for titratable acidity. In addition, results showed that when calcium was applied to the fruits and leaves overall quality was the best followed by spraying of fruits and leaves alone. Moreover, the calcium content in the peel and pulp, titratable acidity and overall quality increased when the application of the calcium chloride concentration in fruits and fruits plus leaves increased. Moreover, the calcium content in the peel and pulp, titratable acidity and overall quality increased when the calcium chloride concentration applied to the fruits and fruits plus leaves increased. While the increased calcium concentrations had no effect on the calcium content in the peel and pulp when applied to the leaves, the titratable acidity increased with increasing calcium chloride concentrations. The results of this study showed that calcium could not transfer from leaf to fruit and vice versa in papaya.

Effect of different nitrogen levels through Neem coated urea and calcium sprays on leaf and soil NPK and Ca status and phytotoxicity in peach

Effect of different nitrogen levels through Neem coated urea and calcium sprays on leaf and soil NPK and Ca status and phytotoxicity in peach

Effect of Irrigation Systems and Calcium on Productivity and Quality of Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) at New Valley

Two field experiments were carried out at Desert Research Center (D.R.C.), Agricultural Experiment Station (27°47.7 42 N, 30°24.7 63 E), EL-Kharga Oasis, New Valley Governorate during the two growing seasons of 2016 and 2017 to study the effect of irrigation systems (surface, advanced surface, drib and sprinkler irrigation) and calcium foliar application levels (0, 2, 4 and 6 cm3 Ca/ L) on productivity and quality of peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) under New Valley conditions. Results showed that the effect of irrigation systems on all studied parameters were significant. The lowest values of number of pods plant-1, pods weight plant-1, 100 seed weight, pods yield and seed yield were obtained when surface irrigation system was applied, while maximum values were when sprinkler irrigation system in both seasons. However, the difference between this irrigation system and drip irrigation was not significant in both seasons. The lowest values of harvest index (%), shelling (%), oil seed yield (kg/ fed.), water use efficiency (kg/ m3) and protein (%) were obtained when surface irrigation was used, while the highest values were obtained when drip irrigation was used in both seasons. On the hand, applying of the drip irrigation system gave the lowest values for phosphorus, calcium, zinc, manganese and iron. Maximum values of the mineral content of seed produced by using advanced surface irrigation system. However, the seed content differences between it and the application of surface irrigation system were insignificant during both seasons. Raising of calcium foliar levels up to 6 cm3Ca/ to a significant increase in all studied parameters except, oil seed yield (kg/ fed.), water use efficiency (kg/ m3), phosphorus seed content (%) and Zn seed content (mg/ kg) during both seasons. On the other hand, Mn seed content (mg/ kg) and Fe seed content (mg/ kg) had adverse trend where, maximum values had obtained with control treatment and there was a gradual decrease as concentration of calcium spray application in both seasons. Maximum values of these parameters were produced by 6 cm3Ca/ L foliar application in both seasons as compared with (control). However, the difference between spraying with this concentration and spraying with the lowest concentration (4 cm3Ca/ L) was not significant with all the studied traits during both seasons. The interaction between irrigation systems and calcium foliar application levels had a significant effect on all studied characters except, Protein (%), phosphorus seed content (%), Zn seed content (mg/ kg) and Fe seed content (mg/ kg) during both seasons. The highest values of studied traits concerning the number of pods plant-1, pods weight plant-1 (g), 100 seed weight (g), pods yield (kg/ fed.), seed yield (kg/ fed.) and oil seed yield (kg/ fed.) were obtained when sprinkler system and Ca foliar spraying at rate of 6 cm3Ca/ L was used both seasons. However, maximum values harvest index (%), shelling (%) and water use efficiency (kg/ m3) were obtained when drib irrigation system and spraying Ca at rate of 6 cm3Ca/ L was applied in both seasons. On the other hand, maximum values of Ca seed content (mg/ kg) were obtained at the irrigation by advanced surface system and spraying by the higher rate of calcium (6 cm3Ca/ L).Nevertheless, the highest values of Mn seed content (mg/ kg) were obtained at the irrigation by advanced surface system and the control treatment of calcium (without foliar) in both seasons. Therefore, the study recommends that using of sprinkler or drip irrigation system and spraying by the rate of 6 cm3Ca/ L for the cultivation of peanut under NewValley conditions.