Effect of rosemary plant extract and calcium chloride sprays on the some fruit quality and storability of strawberry (Fragaria X Ananassa Duch)‎ grown under plastic house conditions

الملخص EN

This experiment was carried out in plastic house at a private orchard, Sulaimani governorate- Iraqi, Kurdistan Region.

During (2016 and 2017) growing season to investigate the effect of two factors (rosemary plant extracts (0, 3 and 6%) and two concentrations of calcium chloride (0 and 0.5%).

Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) was used in this experiment, with three replicates.

Foliar application was used at twice.

The first time was applied before blossom on 12 March (before flowering phase) and second time after fruit set on 3April, (fruit setting phase).

Fruits harvested early in the morning (5:00 am) at full ripening stage every 4 days at (April 15, to May 29, 2017), fruit displaying surface defects, damage and decayed were discarded.

They were then packed in 1 kg containers (PP Material Dinnerware Sets Disposable Fruit Packaging Box with Lid 200PCS/LOT Transparent Rectangle Thicken Package Containers).

All treated fruits were stored in cold storage (2±1°C) with a relative humidity 85-90% for 30 days with continuous monitoring.

The obtained results could be summarized as follows that whole parameters were measured after 30 days of storage fruits, but Fresh weight loss was only recorded before storage.

The study revealed that the application of rosemary plant extract at highest concentration 6% decreased the Fresh weight loss% and Decay %.

With respect to 3% concentration caused increase total sugars % and Calcium content (mg/100g).

Application of 0.5% CaCl2 resulted the decrease in Fresh weight loss% and Decay% while maintain berry hardness (N), increased total soluble solids (TSS %) and calcium content (mg/100 g).

With respect to the interactions between the 3% rosemary plant extract and 0.5% CaCl2 resulted increased the berry hardness (N), total soluble solids (TSS %), total sugars % and Calcium content (mg/100g), while the interactions between the 6% rosemary plant extract and 0.5% CaCl2 resulted decrease in Fresh weight loss%.