Processing Tomato Yield and Fruit Quality Improved with Potassium Fertigation

Abstract

<jats:p>The effect of K fertigation through subsurface irrigation lines on processing tomato (<jats:italic>Lycopersicon esculentum</jats:italic> Mill.) fruit yield and quality was evaluated in four field trials in California from 2002–04. Fields had exchangeable soil K between 0.48 to 0.85 cmol·kg<jats:sup>–1</jats:sup>, with high exchangeable Mg (10.6 to 13.7 cmol·kg<jats:sup>–1</jats:sup>) and a history of yellow shoulder (YS, a fruit color disorder) occurrence. K treatments evaluated included seasonal amount applied (0 to 800 kg·ha<jats:sup>–1</jats:sup>), fertigation method (continuous versus weekly), and timing (early, mid or late season); foliar K treatments were also included in the 2002 trial. In two fields total and marketable fruit yield were significantly increased by K fertigation, and fruit color improvements were observed in all trials. Among color parameters improved by K fertigation were YS incidence, blended color, and L*, chroma, and hue of the shoulder region of fruit. K fertigation did not affect fruit soluble solids concentration. Yield increased only with fertigation treatments initiated during early fruit set. The effects of fertigation method and rate were inconsistent. Foliar K application was ineffective in increasing either fruit yield or quality.</jats:p>

Impact of potassium nutrition on postharvest fruit quality: Melon (Cucumis melo L) case study

“…Previous studies on supplemental K fertilization have reported a variety of responses including an increase in fruit sugar levels (e.g. Chapagain and Wiesman 2004;Daugaard and Grauslund, 1999;Johnson et al 1998), no effect on fruit SSC (Flores et al 2004;Hartz et al 2001) and improved yields (Hartz et al 2005). Hartz et al (2001Hartz et al ( , 2005 also found that K fertigation reduced the incidences of yellow shoulder and internal white tissue disorders in tomato but did not influence fruit SSC or juice color.…”

“…Chapagain and Wiesman 2004;Daugaard and Grauslund, 1999;Johnson et al 1998), no effect on fruit SSC (Flores et al 2004;Hartz et al 2001) and improved yields (Hartz et al 2005). Hartz et al (2001Hartz et al ( , 2005 also found that K fertigation reduced the incidences of yellow shoulder and internal white tissue disorders in tomato but did not influence fruit SSC or juice color. Hartz et al (2001Hartz et al ( , 2005 attributed the absence of any response of fruit SSC to other overriding factors, such as cultivar and irrigation management, which potentially masked any K effects.…”

“…Hartz et al (2001Hartz et al ( , 2005 also found that K fertigation reduced the incidences of yellow shoulder and internal white tissue disorders in tomato but did not influence fruit SSC or juice color. Hartz et al (2001Hartz et al ( , 2005 attributed the absence of any response of fruit SSC to other overriding factors, such as cultivar and irrigation management, which potentially masked any K effects. Lin et al (2004) found that supplemental K fertilization of melon in soilless culture increased fruit sucrose content but had no effect on fruit fructose and glucose concentrations.…”

Improvement of cocktail tomato yield and consumer‐oriented quality traits by potassium fertilization is driven by the cultivar

“…Several studies have found positive correlations between potassium (K) fertilization and the stress tolerance of plants to drought, salinity and cold, as well as resistance to pests and pathogens . The macronutrient K improves tomato yield and quality formation in the fruit . These positive effects of K are a result of the involvement of K in several physiological processes of plants, such as translocation of assimilates, activation of enzymes and stomata regulation .…”

KT/HAK/KUP potassium transporter genes differentially expressed during fruit development, ripening, and postharvest shelf-life of ‘Xiahui6’ peaches

“…is closely related to fruit quality, and K ? deficiency negatively affects fruit productivity and fruit quality (Demiral and Köseoglu 2005;Yurtseven et al 2005;Hartz et al 2005;Nava et al 2007;Lester et al 2010). However, molecular mechanism towards K ?…”