Abstract
This article examines the role of potassium fertilizers in extending the storage life and maintaining the postharvest quality of fruits and vegetables. Potassium regulates stomatal function, cell turgor, enzyme activity and membrane stability, thereby influencing firmness, sugar-acid balance, dry matter content and resistance to physiological disorders and d ecay during storage. Data from field and storage trials on potato, tomato, carrot, apple and cabbage are reviewed, comparing potassium chloride, potassium sulfate and potassium nitrate applied at different rates and timings.
References
1. Marschner H. Mineral Nutrition of Higher Plants. 3rd ed. London: Academic Press, 2012.
2. Kader A.A. Postharvest Technology of Horticultural Crops. 3rd ed. Oakland: UC ANR, 2002.
3. Lester G.E., Jifon J.L., Makus D.J. Impact of potassium nutrition on food quality of fruits and vegetables: a condensed and concise review of the literature. Better Crops, 2010, 94(1), 18–21.
4. Wang M., Zheng Q., Shen Q., Guo S. The critical role of potassium in plant stress response. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2013, 14(4), 7370–7390.
5. Zörb C., Senbayram M., Peiter E. Potassium in agriculture – status and perspectives. Journal of Plant Physiology, 2014, 171(9), 656–669.