INCREASING CALCIUM CONTENT OF CALCIUM-SENSITIVE TISSUES

Procedures used to increase the calcium content of plants, especially the economic parts, are reviewed. The procedures used include sprays, both dilute and concentrate, dips in calcium solutions, dips with surfactants, dips with thickeners and dips with both surfactants and thickeners. The most effective practical procedure at present for apples is a dip in 3 to 4 percent calcium chloride solution, 0.25 percent Keltrol thickener and some surfactant. This dip can increase fruit flesh calcium concentration by 150 to 200 ppm. Concentrations as high as 2800 ppm calcium have been achieved with a dip but extensive fruit surface damage resulted. © 1979, Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. All rights reserved.