Yield, antioxidant activity and shelf-life of cauliflower inflorescences under drought stress and foliar spraying of selenium

ABSTRACT The ability of antioxidant compounds in vegetables to prevent disease is important for the pharmaceutical and food industries. In addition, water stress can enhance the existing antioxidant capacity of plants. As such, this study aimed to assess the effect of different irrigation depths and selenium application on the postharvest characteristics of cauliflower. A randomized block design was used in a 3 x 2 factorial scheme, with four repetitions. The first factor consisted of three irrigation depths with regulated deficit irrigation (RDI): severe (50% ETc) and moderate RDI (75% ETc) and complete irrigation (100% ETc), performed after inflorescence initiation, and the second of foliar spraying of selenium (with and without the element). Selenium application increased cauliflower yield under moderate RDI and no water/drought stress. Moderate RDI was the most effective strategy for maintaining yield and increasing the antioxidant capacity and phenolic compound content of cauliflower. Foliar spraying of selenium raised total polyphenol content under drought stress. Severe RDI extended the shelf life of cauliflower florets