Effect of Calcium Chloride, Magnesium Sulfate and Malic Acid Spraying on the Storage Characteristics of Two cvs. of Potato Tubers (Solanum tuberosum L.)

Abstract

This study assessed the suitability of two potato varieties, Riviera and Argana, for storage under foliar sprinkling with calcium and magnesium fertilizers at four concentrations: 0% (serving as the control), 0.5%, 1% calcium chloride, and 0.4%. Magnesium sulphate) was sprayed at three concentrations (0, 250, and 500 mg L^-1) with malic acid. The findings of the study revealed that the Riviera variety exhibited noteworthy advantages in weight reduction, hardness, and alpha-amylase enzyme activity when compared to the Argana variety. On the contrary, in terms of total sugar content and pectinase enzyme activity, the Argana variety exhibited a marked advantage over the Riviera variety. Weight loss and the activity of pectinase and alpha-amylase enzymes were found to be significantly enhanced in the control treatment compared to the other spray treatments, respectively, upon the addition of magnesium sulfate and calcium chloride. However, hardness and sugar content did not differ significantly. In addition, the administration of 500 mg L^-1 malic acid resulted in the least amount of weight loss reduction.