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Foliar Applied Potassium: Effects on Cantaloupe Quality

Foliar Applied Potassium: Effects on Cantaloupe Quality. Gene Lester, Ph.D. Research Plant Physiologist Weslaco, Texas. 1. Enzyme activation 2. Protein synthesis 3. Cell extension 4. Production of Chloroplasts 5. Transport of Sugars – leaf to fruit 6. Unloading of Sugars – into fruits.

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Foliar Applied Potassium: Effects on Cantaloupe Quality

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  1. Foliar Applied Potassium: Effects on Cantaloupe Quality Gene Lester, Ph.D. Research Plant Physiologist Weslaco, Texas

  2. 1.Enzyme activation 2.Protein synthesis 3. Cell extension 4.Production of Chloroplasts 5.Transport of Sugars – leaf to fruit 6.Unloading of Sugars – into fruits

  3. Ca – fruit firmness, membrane stability and extends shelf-life • B – Carbohydrate metabolism, sugar transport • Zn – Carbohydrate metabolism, membrane stability • Mg – Photosynthesis, CO2 fixation • NO3 – Carbohydrate demand

  4. Plant Mineral Analyses

  5. Plant derived K via the soil; Availability problems are due to • Soil K concentration • Soil pH – pH 8 and lower • Moisture conditions • K buffering capacity

  6. Quantity of K absorbed by plant roots • Transport demand (light, wind, temp.) • Soil type (clay > sandy) • Root metabolism (extraction efficiency) • *Uptake competition (Ca and Mg) • *Root tip age (younger > older) • *Root growth stage (active > non-active) • *Problem: the most efficient and abundant uptake of K is prior to fruiting

  7. Study: potential solution to soil derived K availability problems in melons • Foliar spray: K-metalosate @ 24% K • Foliar applications – during fruit growth and maturation • Timing – None, weekly, bi-weekly • Greenhouse plants – potting mix • Regular complete soil fertigation schedule which included K

  8. Analyses were • Days to maturity • Fruit weight • Fruit firmness • K concentration • Soluble solids concentration SSC • Sugars • Ascorbic acid - derived from glucose • B-carotene - derived from chloroplasts

  9. Summary: weekly applications of foliar K applied to melons • Reduces days to maturity • Increases SSC • Increases fruit firmness • Increases fructose content – sweeter less calories • Increases total sugar content • Increases ascorbic acid (Vit. C) content • Increasedb-carotene (pro Vit. A) content

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