Impact of nitrogen and boric acid foliar spray on shelf life of eggplant

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Published

2026-09-30

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.58993/ijh/2026.83.3.10

Keywords:

Solanum melongena L., fruit firmness, TSS, PWL, shelf life
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Issue

Vol. 83 No. 03 (2026): Indian Journal of Horticulture

Section

Research Articles

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Copyright (c) 2026 Yilak M., G, Aleminew, T., D., Asrat A., T.

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

Authors

  • Yilak M., G Department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture and Environmental Science, University of Gondar, Ethiopia
  • Aleminew, T., D. Department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture and Environmental Science, University of Gondar, Ethiopia
  • Asrat A., T. Department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture and Environmental Science, University of Gondar, Ethiopia

Abstract

         A field experiment was conducted at the University of Gondar College of Agriculture Department of Horticulture, Shinta Horticultural Demonstration Site, to evaluate the effects of foliar application of different rates of urea (0, 0.25, 0.5, and 0.75g/l) and boric acid (0, 15, 30, and 45mg/l) on the field under irrigated conditions. Postharvest quality evaluations commenced on May 1st at the University of Gondar’s Teda Campus situated in a sub-tropical highland climate characterized by low humidity and mild temperatures (10.5 to 25°C) during the dry season. Laboratory assessments were conducted under controlled room temperature and strict hygienic conditions to ensure accurate results. The combined foliar spray of 0.75g/l urea and 45mg/l boric acid significantly improved fruit firmness (15.5N), sweetness (12.1°Brix), and extended shelf life up to 11.07 days while reducing physiological weight loss. These findings suggest that foliar application of urea and boric acid is an effective and low-cost treatment for enhancing the postharvest quality and storage longevity of eggplant.

How to Cite

M., G, Y., T., D., A., & A., T., A. (2026). Impact of nitrogen and boric acid foliar spray on shelf life of eggplant. Indian Journal of Horticulture, 83(03), 329–334. https://doi.org/10.58993/ijh/2026.83.3.10

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