Excessive nitrogen fertilizer yields less attractive apples: research
JINAN, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- Waxiness significantly influences the luster of apples, and recent research by Chinese scientists has revealed the regulatory mechanism of nitrogen on the cuticular wax of apples. The findings suggest that an excessive application of nitrogen fertilizer inhibits wax accumulation, thereby affecting the "attractiveness" of apples.
Apples naturally develop a wax coating during their growth to help protect the fruit and retain moisture. A research team led by Li Yuanyuan, a professor at the Shandong Agricultural University, discovered a significant decrease in the wax content of both fruit and leaves in apple orchards where nitrogen fertilizer was excessively applied.
Subsequently, they selected and compared genetic materials from various apple samples collected from major apple-producing areas in Shandong, including the cities of Yantai, Zibo and Tai'an, and concluded that excessive nitrogen ultimately reduces wax accumulation on apples through a series of gene regulation pathways.
The findings also offer a theoretical basis for enhancing the defense of apples against biotic and abiotic stress, improving their color and luster, and extending shelf life, according to the researchers.
Related articles
PHOTOS: At the Pet Gala, fashion goes to the dogs
NEW YORK (AP) — They may call it a catwalk, but the Pet Gala is the dogs’ time to shine.Designer Ant2024-05-22- A noble-exclusive cemetery with stone walls and rows of burials was discovered at the Shimao site in2024-05-22
Poland hit by protests over cheap Ukrainian imports
Farmers in Poland have intensified protests against cheap food imports from Ukraine, which have floo2024-05-22At UN, China calls for aid to make it to Gaza
A Chinese envoy at the United Nations said on Tuesday that China will make "tireless" efforts to res2024-05-22State Supreme Court and Republican congressional primary elections top Georgia ballots
ATLANTA (AP) — Georgia’s elections on Tuesday include a state Supreme Court race that’s grown unusua2024-05-22Top court: Trump will stay on ballot in Colorado
The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday unanimously ruled that former President Donald Trump can't be exclu2024-05-22
atest comment