Seaweed for a quality production

06 Sep 2024
549

Seaweed-based biostimulants, including those extracted from Ascophyllum nodosum, Ecklonia maxima, Laminaria digitata/Laminaria japonica, Sargassum and Enteromorpha prolifera, are essential for regulating plant growth and development, improving tolerance to abiotic stresses and enhancing plant hormonal activity.

Studies have already shown that these extracts, especially those obtained from Ascophyllum nodosum, were effective in increasing the weight and diameter of ‘Sweetheart’ cherries and in reducing the incidence of cracking in cherries (e.g. in cv. ‘Skeena’). Other authors reported that pre-harvest applications of algae extracts did not affect flesh firmness, total acidity or fruit size of ‘Staccato’ cherries at harvest.

However, the treatment had a significant impact on the accumulation of soluble solids, increased vitamin C levels and the promotion of fruit colouration. This prompted the development of a new approach for a combined treatment with algae extracts and gibberellin, for which there are currently no defined protocols.

The aim of the study conducted at Qinghai University (China) was to test whether seaweed-based biostimulants have the ability to counteract delayed fruit ripening and improve the antioxidant properties and quality of cherries treated with gibberellic acid.

In medium-ripening ‘Bing’ cherries, the application of 5 g/L of seaweed extracts during the stone hardening phase and one week before harvest accelerated colour development, increased soluble solids content, titratable acidity, total phenols and antioxidant activity at harvest, compared to the control. However, the fruits were smaller and more delicate following these treatments.

Treatment with algae extracts did not affect the colouration of the late-ripening ‘Lapins’ cherries; however, it increased antioxidant levels and antioxidant capacity at harvest, particularly when three applications were made during the season. The firmness and size of ‘Bing’ cherries were significantly increased with three applications of 5 g/L algae extracts and a single application of 10 mg/L gibberellic acid.

However, the combined treatment had a significant retarding effect on colour development and sugar content at harvest, and fruit resistance to post-harvest disorders was reduced after four weeks of storage at 0°C when the fruit was harvested late.

It was noted that the retarding effect of gibberellic acid on fruit ripening may be impaired and normal fruit size could be restored by decreasing the concentration of gibberellic acid from 10 to 5 mg/L, increasing the concentration of algal extracts from 5 to 10 g/L and extending the harvest date by 5 days.

In summary, the potential to reduce the inhibition of gibberellic acid on fruit ripening, extend the harvest window, improve fruit quality and increase the antioxidants and antioxidant capacity of ‘Bing’ and ‘Lapins’ cherries was confirmed in this study, thanks to applications of algae extracts and one with gibberellic acid.

Sourcee: Huanhuan Zhi, Yu Dong, Seaweed-based biostimulants improves quality traits, postharvest disorders, and antioxidant properties of sweet cherry fruit and in response to gibberellic acid treatment, Scientia Horticulturae, Volume 336, 2024, 113454, ISSN 0304-4238, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scienta.2024.113454.
Image: Lamotte Oils

Melissa Venturi
University of Bologna (IT)


Cherry Times - All rights reserved

What to read next

How the seasonality of consumption affects the environmental performance of fruit supply chains: the case of cherries in China

Consumption Production

07 Sep 2023

Several conclusions can be drawn: of great importance is the efficiency of orchard management, the impact of which on total emissions is still significant. In the distribution phase, low-impact transport systems, such as those by sea, should undoubtedly be favoured.

Soluble solids and acidity in cherries: the role of controlled atmosphere storage

Post-harvest​

09 Sep 2024

One of the systems tested on a smaller scale is the use of controlled atmosphere (CA) in various combinations, as the decrease in oxygen (O2) and increase in carbon dioxide (CO2) play a key role in the metabolism of the fruit, through the respiratory process.

In evidenza

Artificial intelligence improves cherry sorting: more quality and less waste

Post-harvest​

31 Mar 2025

Artificial intelligence is revolutionising cherry sorting, ensuring greater precision, reduced waste and higher quality. Find out how advanced technologies such as deep learning optimise packaging and improve productivity in the fruit and vegetable sector.

Successful Australian workshops on vigour management in the cherry tree

Press review

31 Mar 2025

Find out the results of workshops on cherry vigour management in Australia, with updates from Tasmania, Victoria, South Australia and NSW. International experts and innovations to optimise cultivation. Read more about winning techniques and strategies.

Tag Popolari