Effect of Calcium Chloride Application on Firmness and Post Harvest Retention of Berry Grape ( Vitis vinifera L.) cv. Askari

The aim of the study was to examine the effect of CaCl2 on the firmness and post harvest retention of Berry Grape (Vitis vinifera L.) cv. Askari. The experiment was carried out in 2006 in vineyard in the Sisakht region in a completely randomized design with 7 treatments. Experiment includes two parts: 1- spray with 3 levels 0.1, 0.25 and 0.5 %. (Two weeks before harvest and repeated one day before harvest) and 2- Dipping clusters in CaCl2 solution with 3 levels 1, 2.5 and 5 % post harvest. Grapes were stored at 0ºc for 1 month in cold store room. Results showed that the effect of CaCl2 was significant on post harvest abscission berries percentage at 1% level. Minimum post harvest abscission of berries percentage was observed using 5% dipping and 0.25% spray after 30 days storage in cold storage room. Highest abscission of berries was observed in control. Effect of CaCl2 on decay berry was significant at 1% level after 30 days of storage. Minimum decay percentage was observed in 0.25 % spray and the highest decay percentage was obtained in control. Effect of CaCl2 on palatability (TSS/TA) was significant at 1%level.