Summary
This study investigated preharvest fertigation with calcium thiosulfate (CaTS) and potassium thiosulfate (KTS) as a postharvest quality management strategy for bell peppers. Treatments enhanced antioxidant defence enzyme activity, preserved protein and proline content, and maintained photosynthetic performance during 30 days of storage, with CaTS (0.66 mM) proving most effective at prolonging shelf life by preserving fruit firmness and delaying senescence.
Regional applicability
The study does not specify growing location; applicability to United Kingdom conditions would depend on whether the preharvest fertigation protocol aligns with UK horticulture practice and climate. The postharvest storage findings (30 days) are relevant to UK-grown and imported bell pepper supply chains, though field validation under temperate growing conditions would strengthen transferability.
Key measures
Antioxidant enzyme activity (five enzymes measured), cell wall hydrolytic enzyme activity, phenylalanine ammonia-lyase activity, polyphenol oxidase activity, protein content, proline content, PSII activity, fruit weight, firmness, and senescence markers during 30-day storage
Outcomes reported
The study measured fruit quality attributes, antioxidant enzyme activity, cell wall degradation enzyme activity, and storage performance (weight loss, firmness, photosynthetic performance) over 30 days of postharvest storage following preharvest thiosulfate fertigation treatments.
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