Pre-harvest application of exogenous compounds has been employed in many crops, as a cultural practice, to promote their adaptation to a new climate-changing environment. Effect of foliar pre-harvest application of salicylic acid, glycine-betaine complex and seaweed extract (Ascophyllum nodosum) on the cherry quality from 'Staccato' cultivar was studied. Treatments significantly affected (p < 0.01) the fruit size, soluble solids content, pH, colour, polyphenols, vitamin C and antioxidant activity. Glycine-betaine and A. nodosum treated cherries presented higher dimensions, soluble solids content and pH and lower acidity. In addition, these cherries had a higher content of polyphenols and vitamin C and antioxidant capacity, but lower values of L*, C*ab and hue angle, meaning that both treatments can rise the fruit ripening process. Therefore, the pre-harvest application of glycine-betaine and A. nodosum can be a good alternative to promote the adaptation of sweet cherry tree to stressful environmental conditions, without compromising the fruit quality.
Keywords: Antioxidant activity; Biostimulants; Fruit traits; Glycine-betaine; Polyphenols; Prunus avium L.; Salicylic acid.
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