Fruit Quality Of Sweet Pepper Research Articles

Integration of Biochar with Vermicompost and Compost Improves Agro-Physiological Properties and Nutritional Quality of Greenhouse Sweet Pepper

Applying organic fertilizers is an issue that is acquiring high attention in modern agriculture. This study aims to evaluate the impact of the co-application of vermicompost and biochar on the growth performance and productivity of sweet pepper plants grown under greenhouse conditions. The applied treatments were as follows: 100% vermicompost (T1), 75% vermicompost + 25% biochar (T2), 50% vermicompost + 50% biochar (T3), 50% biochar + 50% compost (T4), 75% compost + 25% biochar (T5), and 100% compost (control-T6). All applied treatments were distributed randomly, and each treatment was repeated three times over two seasons. The data analysis revealed that the application of vermicompost—alone or in combination with biochar—significantly increased the plant growth measurements (plant height, SPAD value, leaf area, No. of leaves, and No. of branches), leaf nutrient content (N, P, K, and Ca), and total yield in both seasons. The application of vermicompost—alone (T1) or in combination with biochar (T2 and T3)—on average over both seasons significantly increased the total yield by 31.12%, 26.47%, and 22.53%, respectively, compared with the control treatment (T6). Furthermore, the aforementioned treatments also increased the physical quality (fresh fruit weight, fruit length, fruit diameter, and flesh thickness) and chemical quality of sweet pepper fruits [total phenol content (TPC), total soluble solids (TSS), ascorbic acid (AsA), β-carotenoids (β-Carot), and titratable acidity (TA)]. In addition, the co-application of biochar with vermicompost and compost caused a significant reduction in the fruit nitrate concentration compared with the control (T6) over two seasons. In conclusion, the simultaneous application of biochar with vermicompost and compost is a promising strategy to improve the growth performance, nutrition status, total yield, and fruit quality of pepper plants, as well as to reduce the nitrate concentration in the fruits.

Effect of Gelatin and Ascorbic Acid Edible Coatings on the Quality of Sweet Pepper Fruits.

Effect of Gelatin and Ascorbic Acid Edible Coatings on the Quality of Sweet Pepper Fruits.

The influence of mucilages extracted from some vegetable plants residues as an edible coating on maintaining the quality of sweet pepper fruits.

The influence of mucilages extracted from some vegetable plants residues as an edible coating on maintaining the quality of sweet pepper fruits.

Effects of rare-earth light conversion film on the growth and fruit quality of sweet pepper in a solar greenhouse.

Light is an important environmental factor influencing plant growth and development. However, artificial light supplement is difficult to spread for its high energy consumption. In recent years, rare-earth light conversion film (RPO) covering is being focused on to be a new technology to study the mechanism of light affecting plant growth and development. Compared with the polyolefin film (PO), the RPO film advanced the temperature and light environment inside the greenhouse. Ultimately, improved growth and higher yield were detected because of a higher photosynthesis, Rubisco activity and Rubisco small subunit transcription. Compared with that in the greenhouse with polyolefin film, the plant height, stem diameter and internode length of sweet pepper treated with RPO increased by 11.05, 16.96 and 25.27%, respectively. In addition, Gibberellic acid 3 (GA3), Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), Zeatin Riboside contents were increased by 11.95, 2.84 and 16.19%, respectively, compared with that with PO film. The fruit quality was improved, and the contents of ascorbic acid (Vc), soluble protein and soluble sugar were significantly higher than those of PO film, respectively, increased by 14.29, 47.10 and 67.69%. On the basis of improved fruit quality, the yield of RPO treatment increased by 20.34% compared with PO film. This study introduces an effective and low-energy method to study the mechanism and advancing plant growth in fruit vegetables production.

Комбінована дія Chlorella vulgaris Beijer. (Chlorophyta) та кремнієвмістного органічного добрива на продуктивність болгарського перцю, мікробіоценоз, алелопатичні та агрономічні характеристики ґрунту

The combined effect of green microalgae Chlorella vulgaris and siliceous organo-mineral fertilizer (analcite + peat (pH 5.8) in a ratio of 1 : 3) on the characteristics of growth, development, photosynthetic productivity, yield and fruit quality of sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum L., variety "Bieloziorka"), as well as microbiocenosis, allelopathic and agronomic characteristics of the soil was studied in pot experiments. The microalgae culture medium was applied in a volume of 10 mL per a pot (0.7 L) with sifted and sterilized gray podzolic soil. Plants were grown in a phytochamber under controlled conditions of light, temperature and soil moisture. The vitality of the pepper plants was assessed by morphometric growth characteristics (shoot height, stem diameter, leaf surface area, length of roots, shoot and root dry weights, quantity and weight of fruits), content of photosynthetic pigments in leaves, protective antioxidants (carotenoids, flavonoids and anthocyanins) in fruits. At the end of the experiment, the content of phenolics, electric conductivity, redox potential, pH, the content of NH4+, NO3- and HCO3- in the soil solution were determined. A synergistic enhancement of the positive effect of microalgae and siliceous organo-mineral fertilizer on the growth, development, productivity and yield quality of sweet peppers has been established. The combined application of chlorella culture medium with siliceous organo-mineral fertilizer more effectively improved agronomic and allelopathic characteristics of the soil, stimulated the development of agronomically useful ecological and trophic groups of microorganisms, the intensity of mineralization and transformation of organic matter compared to control and treatments in which microalgae or fertilizer were applied separately.

Effects of different soil amendments and age of transplant on the post-harvest quality and shelf life of sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum) fruits

BackgroundTwo separate experiments were conducted in the minor season from September to November, 2019 and major season from March to May, 2020 to determining the type of soil amendment and transplanting age that can best improve the post-harvest quality and shelf life of sweet pepper fruits at Benso oil palm plantation of Adum Banso Estate in the Mpohor District of the Western Region of Ghana. The experiments were conducted as a 4 × 2 factorial, arranged in a Randomized Complete Block Design. Four fertilizer treatments including no fertilizer (control), 10 tons/ha of poultry manure, 300 kg/ha of NPK 15-15-15 and 5 t/ha of poultry manure + 150 kg/ha of NPK 15-15-15 and two ages of transplants including 6-week-old seedlings and 7-week-old seedlings were applied during the cultivation periods and were later evaluated of their effects on the post-harvest quality and shelf life of harvested fruits after a two-weeks storage period. Data collected on weight loss, shrinkage, decayed fruits and shelf life of harvested fruits were subjected to analysis of variance using the Genstat Statistical package. The least significant difference criterion was used to separate treatment means at 5% probability.ResultsPost-harvest qualities of sweet pepper fruits were not significantly influenced by age of transplant throughout the study. Fertilizer application generally increased percentage fruit weight loss, fruit shrinkage, fruit decay and reduced shelf life of sweet pepper fruits in the major season. Sole application of poultry manure mostly enhanced post-harvest quality of sweet pepper fruits in the minor rainy season, but fruit shelf life was improved if no fertilizer was applied. Application of a combination of poultry manure and NPK 15-15-15 to 6-week-old transplants gave relatively low fruit weight loss and shrinkage values. Generally, fruit quality and shelf life were enhanced in 6-week-old transplants treated with no fertilizer.ConclusionsThe use of poultry manure alone should be encouraged to probably increase yield while improving the quality and shelf life of harvested sweet pepper fruits. Transplanting of 6-week-old seedlings is also encouraged for quality harvested fruits and extended shelf life.

Multispectral Assessment of Sweet Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) Fruit Quality Affected by Calcite Nanoparticles.

Sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) is one of the most important vegetable crops in the world because of the nutritional value of its fruits and its economic importance. Calcium (Ca) improves the quality of sweet pepper fruits, and the application of calcite nanoparticles in agricultural practice has a positive effect on the morphological, physiological, and physicochemical properties of the whole plant. The objectives of this study were to investigate the effect of commercial calcite nanoparticles on yield, chemical, physical, morphological, and multispectral properties of sweet pepper fruits using a combination of conventional and novel image-based nondestructive methods of fruit quality analysis. In the field trial, two sweet pepper cultivars, i.e., Šorokšari and Kurtovska kapija, were treated with commercial calcite nanoparticles (at a concentration of 3% and 5%, calcite-based foliar fertilizer (positive control), and water (negative control) three times during vegetation). Sweet pepper fruits were harvested at the time of technological and physiological maturity. Significant differences were observed between pepper cultivars as well as between harvests times. In general, application of calcite nanoparticles reduced yield and increased fruit firmness. However, different effects of calcite nanoparticles were observed on almost all properties depending on the cultivar. In Šorokšari, calcite nanoparticles and calcite-based foliar fertilizers significantly increased N, P, K, Mg, Fe, Zn, Mn, and Cu at technological maturity, as well as P, Ca, Mg, Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu, and N at physiological maturity. However, in Kurtovska kapija, the treatments increased only Ca at technological maturity and only P at physiological maturity. The effect of treatments on fruit morphological properties was observed only at the second harvest. In Šorokšari, calcite nanoparticles (3% and 5%) increased the fruit length, minimal circle area, and minimal circle radius, and it decreased the fruit width and convex hull compared to the positive and negative controls, respectively. In Kurtovska kapija, calcite nanoparticles increased the fruit width and convex hull compared to the controls. At physiological maturity, lower anthocyanin and chlorophyll indices were found in Kurtovska kapija in both treatments with calcite nanoparticles, while in Šorokšari, the opposite effects were observed.

Combined application of hot water treatment and methyl salicylate mitigates chilling injury in sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) fruits

Chilling injury (CI) is the major limitation in shelf life extension and quality conservation of sweet pepper fruits subjected to below optimum storage temperature (<10 °C). In the current work, the effect of hot water (HW) treatment (45 °C for 15 min), methyl salicylate (MS, 0.05 mmol L−1), and the combined treatment (HW + MS) of HW and MS was investigated. Results exhibited that HW + MS treated fruits exhibited reduced chilling injury, mass loss, hydrogen peroxide, superoxide anion, and malondialdehyde content, in contrast with control. Likewise, ascorbic acid concentration, total phenolics content, and radical scavenging capacity were observed to be markedly higher in HW + MS treated sweet pepper fruits, as compared to control. In addition to this, HW + MS treatment showed markedly higher activity of peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, catalase, and ascorbate peroxidase, in contrast with control. In conclusion, our study suggested that pre-storage treatment with HW + MS could be considered as a potential approach for reducing chilling injury and maintaining a better quality of sweet pepper fruits during shelf life following cold storage.

Planting density and yield of sweet pepper grown in an organic system

Abstract The objective of this work was to evaluate the yield and fruit quality of sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum) genotypes grown at various planting densities, in an organic production system under protected cultivation. The experiment was carried out in duplicate, to compare the yield and fruit quality of the 'TE 300', 'Mallorca', and ‘Timor’ sweet pepper genotypes, at the densities of 2, 4, 6, and 8 plants m-2. A randomized complete block design was used, with three replicates, in split plots. Mean fruit size and mass, yield per plant, and total yield were measured. Dunnett’s test was used to compare means between the standard density of 2 plants m-2 and the other densities. Scott-Knott’s test was used to compare the densities within each genotype. The increase of planting density in the organic production system provided a yield similar to that of the conventional system. A greater density increases yield and reduces the production cycle, without impairing the fruit size or quality of the ‘TE 300’ and ‘Timor’ genotypes. The densities of 8 plants m-2 for ‘TE 300’ and 'Timor', and of 6 plants m-2 for ‘Mallorca’ show the highest total yield per hectare.

Influence of drop irrigation and ways of primary tillage on yield and quality of fruits of sweet pepper in the conditions of the Republic of Dagestan

Relevance. In the conditions of the dry-steppe zone of lowland Dagestan, the beneficial effect of drip irrigation in combination with dump cultivation on the yield and quality of sweet pepper fruits from Moldova proved. Results. It experimentally established that maintaining moisture in the active 0.5 m soil layer during the growing season within 80- 100% of LMC against the background of dump processing to a depth of 0.23-0.25 m led to an increase in yield and biochemical composition of sweet pepper fruits. Differences in the influence of dump and small (0.10-0.12 m) tillage on agrophysical and phytosanitary indicators of fertility of meadow medium loamy soil were revealed. The data showing the inappropriateness of using small-scale cultivation under conditions of irrigated vegetable growing, which leads to a deterioration in the agrophysical indicators of fertility: increase in soil density by 0.05-0.08 t/m3, decrease in the number of water-resistant units by 7,0%, water permeability reduction by 22.0% and water resistance coefficient by 12.9%, 2.1 times increase in planting weed and 212.6% potential soil weed. Of the three studied thresholds of soil moisture (70, 80 and 90% LMC), it was established that the best conditions for plant growth and development, optimization of their photosynthetic activity are created at a humidity threshold of 80% LMC, at which the most efficient use of irrigation water is noted. Drip irrigation with maintaining the pre-irrigation threshold for soil moisture not lower than 80% of against the background of dump processing leads to an increase in the number of fruits on 1 plant, an increase in the mass of 1 fruit, which contributed to an increase in yield to 62 t/ha.

Интенсивная технология возделывания сладкого перца при капельном орошении в условиях Дагестана

In the dry steppe zone of the Tersko-Sulak sub-province of the Republic of Dagestan, a positive effect of drip irrigation against the background of heap tillage on the yield and quality of sweet pepper fruits was established. The effectiveness of maintaining the pre-irrigation threshold for soil moisture not less than 80 % of HB in the root-inhabited layer in combination with dump tillage to a depth of 0.23…0.25 m proved. This combination provides fruit yield at the level of 60…62 t/ha with an increase in sugar content and content Vitamin C compared to fine processing. The data obtained indicate the inappropriateness of the use of fine processing sweet pepper at 0.10…0.12 m under irrigated conditions, which leads to a deterioration in agrophysical and phytosanitary indicators of fertility. In particular, the soil density increases by 0.05…0.08 t/m3, the number of water-resistant aggregates decreases by 7 %, water permeability decreases by 22 % and the coefficient of water resistance increases by more than 2 times weed plantings and potential soil weed. Determined that out of the three studied constant pre-irrigation thresholds of humidity of the root layer (70, 80 and 90 % LMC), the best conditions for plant growth and development are formed at 80 % LMC: photosynthetic potential increases by 12 %, photosynthesis net productivity by 20.9 %, the efficiency of photosynthetically active radiation to 1.02 %, a decrease in the utilization rate of irrigation water by 28.3 % (70.3 m3/t). In order to maintaining a pre-irrigation moisture threshold of at least 80 % LMC, irrigations with a norm of 216 m3/ha carried out, after-planting irrigation of seedlings with an irrigation norm of 65 m3/ha with an average irrigation rate of 4384 m3/ha The combination of pre-irrigation threshold in a layer of 0.5 m 80 % LMC and dump processing provides a return on production costs of 173.1 % with a payback period of 1 year.

Growth, Yield and Quality of Sweet Pepper Fruits Fertilized with Polyphosphates in Hydroponic Cultivation with LED Lighting

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of phosphorus application in the form of polyphosphates on the yield and quality of sweet pepper fruits grown with LED (light-emitting diodes) assimilation lighting. Phosphorus is absorbed by the root system of plants mainly in the form of orthophosphates ions. The availability of phosphorus depends, among other things, on the pH of the substrate and the temperature. Two cultivars of sweet pepper with red fruits were tested in hydroponic cultivation on a mineral wool substrate. The plants were fertilized with one of three schedules, each of the same concentration of components, but differing only in the form of the applied phosphorus: polyphosphates (PP) and orthophosphates (OP). In the experiment, stem length extensions and number of leaves, chlorophyll concentration in leaves and fluorescence of the chlorophyll in a leaf were measured. The number and weight of fruits in total as well as marketable and non-commercial fruits with symptoms of dry rot (BER—blossom end rot) were studied. The concentration of dry matter and selected chemical components in fruits were examined and the sensory quality of fruits was evaluated using the QDA (Quantitative Description Analysis) method. The nutrient status of the pepper plants was also examined. Polyphosphates used in the medium increase the activity of photosynthetic apparatus of leaves and have a positive effect on the share of marketable yield of the total yield in the cultivar susceptible to BER. Fertigation in hydroponic cultivation with medium containing 30% phosphorus in the form of polyphosphates increased the uptake of calcium in pepper plants growing with LED lighting. The pepper cultivars tested differ in, among other things, the susceptibility to BER and the quality attributes of the fruit.

Impact of Organic and Chemical Compounds on Growth, Yield and Fruit Quality of Sweet Pepper under Saline Conditions

Two field experiments were carried out in a private farm under drip irrigation with fertigation system at Kafr El-Sheik Governorate, during summer seasons of 2018 and 2019 in order to study the effect of organic compounds like algae extract freely( at a rate of 4,3, 2 L/Fed. for 3 times and control ) and chemical treatments application like K ,Ca compounds ( at a rate of 4 L/Fed. for 3 times) and the interaction between them (at half amount of each one for 3 times) to minimize the harmful of salinity compared with control on vegetative growth characters, leaf pigments, yield and yield components, fruit quality and leaf chemical constituents of sweet pepper plants (Capsicum annuum L.). cv. Spanish pepper. Vegetative growth characters, i.e. plant hight, number of branches, leaf number, dry weight / plant, leaf area /plant, fruit yield and its components parameters and TSS in fruit juice were significantly decreased by decaling the amount of algae extract freely in the irrigation water from 4 L/Fed. (3 times) to control (without addition of algae extract freely), while treats with 4L/Fed. gave the highest values of K percentage on fruit. On the other hand, control treatments resulted in the highest values of titratable acidity and proline contents in the leaves. Sweet pepper plants were treated with the combination of K chemical compounds at 2L/Fed. and Ca chemical compounds at 2 L/Fed. for 3 times recorded the highest values of all studied growth characters, average fruit weight, early yield, total yield, TSS and nitrogen percentage followed by Ca chemical compound at 4L/Fed. with non-significant differences between both treatments. While, plants were received K chemical compound at 4 L/Fed. was recorded the highest values of phosphorus percentage. Algae extract freely at a rate of 4 L/Fed. in combination with k chemical compound at a rate of 4 L/Fed. separately or with Ca chemical compound at 4 L/Fed. caused a stimulatory effect on most of the studied characters of sweet pepper plants. Meanwhile, the same treatments were recorded the lowest values of TSS in fruits of sweet pepper. On the other hand, the control plants without either algae extract freely or K and Ca compounds recorded the lowest values of all studied growth characters, yield and its components and fruit quality as effects of salinity. Economically, it is inferred that using of algae extract freely at a rate of 4L/Fed. plus potassium chemical compound at a rate of 4L/Fed. could be recommended for increasing unit productivity and also net profit, in addition of high quality of pepper fruits.

Effect of Mineral and Organic Nitrogen and some Natural Substances on Productivity and Fruit Quality of Sweet Pepper

Effect of Mineral and Organic Nitrogen and some Natural Substances on Productivity and Fruit Quality of Sweet Pepper

The influence of foliar fertilizers on the quality and yield of sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum L.)

Abstract Optimal feeding of field-grown plants is thought to be a key factor modifying their growth and development. Natural biostimulants, foliar fertilizers and plant growth regulators have been applied in horticultural production; however, their effect varies depending on the plant species treated, and those have been mainly cucumber, tomato, pepper, potato, and melon. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of preparations produced through nanotechnology on the yield and fruit quality of sweet pepper grown under cover. The experiment comprised plants grown in three different combinations: combination I (plants treated with 2 kg ha−1 Nano Active); combination II (plants treated with 1% Nano Active Forte + 4 kg ha−1 Nano Active Forte + 2 kg ha−1 Nano Active, a single treatment carried out at the initial stage of fruit formation); and combination III (the control, where all plants were sprayed with water). The obtained results showed that Nano Active Forte foliar treatment of sweet pepper plants significantly increased fruit yield in protected cultivation. Supplementation with foliar fertilizers modified the fruit chemical composition. Application of the Nano Active Forte preparation led to an increase in dry matter content as well as in the concentrations of total sugars, vitamin C and carotenoids. Applications of Nano Active Forte and Nano Active enhanced the potassium and phosphorus contents, while the concentrations of nitrates and calcium remained at the same level regardless of the preparations used.

Enhancement of postharvest sensory quality and antioxidant capacity of sweet pepper fruits by foliar applying calcium lactate and ascorbic acid

Abstract In this experiment, the impact of foliar spraying of ascorbic acid (AsA; 100, 200, and 300 mg L−1) and calcium lactate (CaL; 0.5, 1 and 1.5 g L−1) on sensory quality and antioxidant capacity of sweet pepper fruits during storage at 7 °C for 30 days was investigated. Our results showed that sweet pepper fruits sprayed by AsA or CaL exhibited higher fruit firmness, chlorophyll, carotenoid, total soluble solids (TSS) and titratable acidity (TA) accompanied by lower weight loss. In addition to enhancing sensory quality, sweet pepper fruits sprayed by AsA or CaL exhibited higher DPPH scavenging capacity arising from higher phenols, flavonoids and ascorbic acid accumulation during storage at 7 °C for 30 days. According to our results, foliar AsA or CaL spraying may be promising strategies for enhancing sensory and nutritional quality of sweet pepper fruits during storage at 7 °C for 30 days.

The influence of additives to the peat substrate on the yielding and chemical composition of sweet pepper fruits (Capsicum annuum L.) grown in greenhouse

The aim of this work was to determine the effect of using various additives to the substrate on the yield and quality of sweet pepper fruits grown in greenhouse. In the experiment four objects were used: 1) peat substrate (control object), 2) peat substrate with coconut fiber, 3) peat substrate with an addition of expanded keramzite, and 4) peat substrate with an addition of perlite. The experiment showed no significant effect of additives on the early, marketable and total yield of fruits and on the content of chlorophyll b. Beneficial effects of coconut fiber added to the substrate were found on the fruit quality: dry matter content, soluble sugar and L-ascorbic acid. The additive of perlite to the substrate had a significant effect on chlorophyll a and chlorophyll a&nbsp;:&nbsp;b ratio. Significant differences in the content of the analysed macroelements: Ca, K, Mg and P in fruits were found depending on the type of substrate used.

Fruit quality of sweet pepper as affected by foliar Ca applications to mitigate the supply of saline water under a climate change scenario.

Sweet pepper fruit quality disorders have been related mainly to an unbalanced nutrient supply and non-optimal growth conditions. Increases in the atmospheric CO2 concentration ([CO2 ]) have been associated with a reduction of transpiration, which can affect calcium (Ca) uptake as it is linked closely to water uptake. We investigated whether foliar application of Ca can counterbalance the effects of saline water and elevated [CO2 ]. High CO2 favoured generative growth instead of vegetative growth. Foliar Ca supply did not affect the marketable yield, but reduced the total yield when combined with salinity and 400 µmol mol-1 CO2 . Salinity affected negatively the total yield but this was overcome when CO2 was applied. The B and K concentrations were reduced by foliar Ca application, while Ca and Mn were increased at 400 µmol mol-1 CO2 . Salinity increased the Mn, Cl, and Na concentrations, regardless of the [CO2 ], and decreased K at 800 µmol mol-1 CO2 . The total protein was affected negatively only by elevated [CO2 ], and the total free amino acid concentration was reduced by all treatments. The effect of Ca application differed according to the other treatments applied. This procedure should be optimised to overcome future climate impacts on fruit quality. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

Effect of shading by coloured nets on yield and fruit quality of sweet pepper

Effect of shading by coloured nets on yield and fruit quality of sweet pepper

Yield and fruit quality of sweet pepper depending on foliar application of calcium

The proper feeding of field plants is one of the most significant factors with an impact on their growth and development. Calcium is one of the basic nutrients of plants, crucial in many cell processes. Calcium in a plant is reutilized very poorly, and hence symptoms of deficiency of this component are observed on the youngest leaves, apexes of stems and roots, and, most importantly, on the fruits. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of foliar Ca feeding on the yield of sweet pepper 'Caryca F1' and on selected elements of its fruit quality in field ground cultivation. Ca was applied in the form of the following preparations: Ca(NO3)2, Insol Ca, or Librel Ca. Calcium preparations were applied on 3 or 5 dates in 1% concentration of the solution to the full wetting of the plants. A positive influence of Ca feeding on the marketable yield of the fruit was observed: 4.26-4.63 kg m-2 as compared with the controls at 3.80 kg m-2. Calcium foliar feeding caused a limited number of fruits with BER symptoms at 4.3%-5.2% of the total number of fruits, as compared with 14.4% of those of the control fruits. The use of Ca(NO3)2 had a positive effect on the accumulation of vitamin C and carotenoids as compared with other fertilizers. Reduced Ca spraying proved to be beneficial in terms of fruit yield and concentrations of carotenoids.