Influence of gibberellin and calcium nitrate on post-harvest conservation of strawberry (Fragaria sp.) fruits

Pre-harvest factors, such as genetic background, environmental conditions during cultivation, nutrition and crop handling, noticeably influence the post-harvest condition of perishable fruits. This study was carried out in an open field crop of strawberries in Tuta, Colombia to evaluate effects of gibberellin and calcium nitrate on both weight loss and fruit shelf life. Leaves and fruits of 'Chandler' and 'Sweet Charlie' plants were sprayed with 500, 1,500 and 3,000 ppm gibberellin and 50, 150 and 200 ppm calcium nitrate 15 days after anthesis and at harvest. Total fruit soluble solids, titratable acidity and fruit fresh weight were evaluated post-harvest and daily weight loss and maximal post-harvest life were assessed for each treatment. The results showed no effect of the sprayed products on fruit quality. However, the fruits of cv. Chandler lasted longer during post-harvest than those of Sweet Charlie. Also, fruits treated with calcium nitrate lasted 16,4% longer, while gibberellin solutions prolonged their post-harvest life only 11,6% in comparison to control fruits. Post-harvest weight loss was directly proportional to post-harvest time. The response of fruit to treatments was strongly dependent on the cultivar.Additional keywords: weight loss, fruit quality, Chandler, Sweet Charlie.