Abstract

MORENO VELAZQUEZ, Delia et al. Postharvest quality of cucumber grown with different nutrient solution. Rev. Mex. Cienc. Agríc [online]. 2015, vol.6, n.3, pp.637-643. ISSN 2007-0934.

Many nutrient solutions have been formulated to evaluate growth, development, behavior and absorption of nutrients in different crops; there is very little information regarding postharvest quality. The aim of this study was to evaluate postharvest quality of cucumber 'Sanson' grown with different nutrient solution, which was held from April 6 to September 30, 2011, at the Faculty of Agro-hydraulic Engineering from the Benemerita Universidad of Puebla, Teziutlán, Puebla, Mexico. A double Quonset greenhouse of 250 m² equipped with drip irrigation system was used. The substrate used was tezontle screening of 5 mm in diameter and cucumber seed 'Sanson'; seeding was performed in polystyrene cups no. 8 and transplantation at 33 days of emergency in polyethylene bags 25 x 30 cm, placing a plant per bag. Treatments were: Steiner nutrient solution at 100%, Steiner nutrient solution at 50%, Morard and Benavides nutrient solution at 100%, Morard and Benavides nutrient solution at 50%. Homogeneous fruit in color and size were selected and stored at 25 °C for 13 days. Every third day variables measured: weight loss, total soluble solids (SST), titratable acidity and chlorophyll a, b content and total. The results of the variables were analyzed using a completely randomized design with a factorial arrangement 4 x 7. Cucumber 'Sanson' with Morad and Benavides nutrient solution at 100% had better quality.

Keywords : Cucumis sativus L.; chlorophyll; soluble solids; weight loss.