Enhancing fruit quality attributes and storability of Ruby Seedless grape cultivar using different irradiated potassium sources as an alternative to ethrel

Abstract The current study aims to assess the efficiency of different irradiated potassium sources as alternatives to ethrel in enhancing the fruit quality and storability of Ruby grapevines. This investigation was conducted on seven- year- old Ruby Seedless grape cultivars that were sprayed as follows: control (water); ethrel at 150 ppm; potassium citrate at 2000 and 4000 ppm; irradiated potassium citrate at 750 and 1500 ppm; potassium silicate at 2000 and 4000 ppm and irradiated potassium silicate at 750 and 1500 ppm. The data revealed that all the potassium sprays used significantly increased cluster weight, berry weight, and berry firmness compared with those in the control and ethrel groups. Moreover, the total soluble solids, sugars and anthocyanin contents increased with decreasing acidity% compared with those of the control group. Storability data revealed that all potassium sprays decreased weight loss, decay, firmness loss, and shattering during the storage period compared with those of the control and ethrel groups. Additionally, the total soluble solids, sugars and anthocyanin contents increased with decreasing acidity compared with those of the control. In conclusion, potassium sprays, especially irradiated potassium silicate, can be a good alternative to ethrel for improving the physical and chemical properties of Ruby Seedless grapes and increasing their storability by improving firmness and reducing weight loss, decay, and shattering.