ABSTRACT
Calcium nutrition has recognized effects on the quality of various fruits, even when the plants are adequately supplied with Ca (Bangerth, 1979; Poovaiah et al., 1988; Shear, 1975). Foliar Ca applications have increased the firmness of strawberries (Fragaria xananassa Duch.) (Cheour et al., 1990; Eaves et al., 1962) and raspberries (Rubtts ideas L.) (Eaves et al., 1972), but not blueberries (Hanson, 1995). However, highbush blueberry firmness was increased by dipping harvested berries in Ca solutions (Hanson et al., 1993). This treatment left surface residues and was not practical for fresh market berries, but the results implied that other methods of increasing fruit Ca might increase firmness. The goal of the current study was to test whether Ca applied to the soil as lime or gypsum might enhance the Ca status of bushes and improve berry firmness.
