Potassium role in postharvest physiology of horticultural crops

Fares Alhaj Alali¹ Mohammad Ali Askari Sarcheshmeh² Michael Alabboud³

1) Iran, University of Tehran,
2) Iran, University of Tehran,
3) Iran, University of Tehran,

IOI Code : XACC-CAABZ
Publication : germanconf.com(germanconf.com/2nd)
Abstract :
    Potassium is one of the most important nutrients for plants and is considered to be the second nutrient after nitrogen. This element plays an important role in growth, reducing the negative effects of stress, increasing yield and improving product quality, including the length of its storage, its marketability and its economic value. Many of the plant s physiological processes, including the activity of many enzymes, the osmotic absorption of water and the buildup of cell turgidity pressure for growth and development in addition to the opening and closure of stomatas are affected by potassium. There are four forms of potassium in the soil: Soluble (1 to 2%), Exchangeable, Non-exchangeable or fixed (1% -10%) And structural or skeletal potassium (90 to 98%) Soluble potassium is a form of soil potassium that can be directly absorbed by plants and microbes and The rest of forms are to be Exposed by leaching. Potassium adsorption in soil is affected by various physical, chemical and biological processes. One of the factors that cause a serious reduction Potassium available in soil is the stabilization of potassium. However, soluble and exchangeable potassium are considered as two absorbing forms for the plant. Studies and researches show that two forms of potassium which are stabilized and structural potassium can also play a role in supplying plant needs for potassium. Potassium has a special place in improving the quality of agricultural products and is known as a quality element and can be effective in improving the quantity and qualities of the horticultural products likely of size, weight, color, rigidity, soluble solids, vitamin C, total acid and fruit antioxidants.

Keywords : potassium physiology yield quality