Fecha de publicación: 05/10/2024 Fuente: ISHS (International Society for Horticultural Science) Post date: Saturday 5 October 2024
Author:
ISHS Secretariat

Francisca Carrasco-Cuello is a PhD student at the IRTA Institute of Agrifood Research and Technology in Lleida, Spain. Francisca’s work is currently focused on gaining a greater understanding of calcium uptake by peach and nectarine roots and its subsequent distribution to the aerial parts of the tree. She is also studying the role of calcium applications in improving fruit quality and postharvest storability. In tracing calcium uptake and absorption, she has utilized the stable isotope calcium-44. This technique has provided a precise understanding of calcium uptake by different rootstocks (Garnem, G×F, and Rootpac) and its subsequent absorption by both peaches and nectarines. Calcium is involved in numerous biochemical and morphological processes in plants and is implicated in many disorders of considerable economic importance. Despite the important role of calcium in maintaining fruit quality and prolonging shelf life, there is a lack of information on the mechanisms that determine its concentration in fruit. The results of her research have indicated that there is a difference in calcium uptake between peach rootstocks, with Garnem showing significantly better uptake efficiency. It has also been shown that the external absorption of calcium by peaches and nectarines is influenced by the timing of application during fruit development and the fruit surface, with peaches being more efficient than nectarines in calcium absorption through foliar applications. As a result, peach and nectarine producers have an opportunity to evaluate their calcium application strategies to enhance fruit quality, storability and more effectively utilize resources.
Francisca Carrasco-Cuello won the ISHS Young Minds Award for the best poster presentation at the X International Symposium on Plant Nutrition of Fruit Crops in USA June 2024.
Francisca Carrasco-Cuello, IRTA Fruitcentre, Parc AgroBiotech, Lleida, Spain, e-mail: francisca.carrasco@irta.cat
The article is available in Chronica HorticulturaeTags: calcium nutritionpeachCategories: Young Minds Award Winners