Comparison of the Effects of Prohexadione Calcium and Uniconazole on Sweet Potato Storage and Texture Quality

Jiayi Li, Jiaping Xia, Ximing Xu (), Tiechen Shen, Kanghao Gao, Yueming Zhu, Guoquan Lu and Zunfu Lv ()
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Jiayi Li: The Key Laboratory for Quality Improvement of Agricultural Products of Zhejiang Province, College of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China
Jiaping Xia: Key Laboratory of Crop Quality Improvement of Anhui Province, Crop Research Institute, Anhui Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hefei 230001, China
Ximing Xu: The Key Laboratory for Quality Improvement of Agricultural Products of Zhejiang Province, College of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China
Tiechen Shen: The Key Laboratory for Quality Improvement of Agricultural Products of Zhejiang Province, College of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China
Kanghao Gao: The Key Laboratory for Quality Improvement of Agricultural Products of Zhejiang Province, College of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China
Yueming Zhu: The Key Laboratory for Quality Improvement of Agricultural Products of Zhejiang Province, College of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China
Guoquan Lu: The Key Laboratory for Quality Improvement of Agricultural Products of Zhejiang Province, College of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China
Zunfu Lv: Institute of Root and Tuber Crops, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China

Agriculture, 2025, vol. 15, issue 19, 1-22

Abstract: Storage quality and texture properties determine the processing quality of sweet potato ( Ipomoea batatas Lam.). Prohexadione calcium (Pro-Ca) and uniconazole (UCZ) are plant growth regulators that inhibit gibberellin biosynthesis, reducing excessive sweet potato growth and improving stress resistance. This study evaluated the impact of foliar applications—applied at 37.5 g·hm −2 for both treatments—on the postharvest texture characteristics and storage performance of sweet potato storage roots. The experiments were conducted over two years (2023 and 2024) using two sweet potato cultivars, Zheshu13 (Z13) and Wanshu10 (W10). The results showed that Pro-Ca significantly improved the textural properties of sweet potatoes, including firmness, chewiness, and maximum adhesion force, especially in Z13 ( p < 0.05). Pro-Ca also reduced the percentage of rotting and weight loss during storage ( p < 0.05), offering a more sustainable option for sweet potato postharvest management compared to UCZ. Additionally, Pro-Ca treatment increased the soluble sugar content of Z13-2023 and W10-2024, as well as the amylose content, except for W10 ( p < 0.05), which could enhance both the sweetness and texture of sweet potatoes. This study highlights the potential of Pro-Ca as an effective growth regulator for improving sweet potato storage and processing quality. Further research is needed to investigate the long-term effects and the molecular mechanisms underlying these benefits, particularly in relation to gibberellin inhibition, carbohydrate metabolism, and cell wall integrity during storage.

Keywords: sweet potato; prohexadione calcium; uniconazole; texture; storage quality (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q1 Q10 Q11 Q12 Q13 Q14 Q15 Q16 Q17 Q18 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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