Effects of gibberellin on the mineral elements content and preservation of broccoli flower head

In order to optimize the gibberellin(GA) concentration in which broccoli was immersed before storage, the effects of GA on mineral elements content and preservation of broccoli flower head in storage were investigated via different concentration of GA treatment(40, 80, 120 and 160 mg/L). Results shows that GA treatment can delay the decrease of nitrogen and potassium content, suppress the increase of phosphorus content, promote the increase of calcium and magnesium content, induce the iron, manganese and zinc content to accumulate in the later period of storage, keep the copper content in a proper level. These changes are in favor of the preservation of broccoli flower head in storage. At the same time, etiolation rate of broccoli flower head with GA treatment is reduced significantly, and the decrease rate of chlorophyll and vitamin C content are slowed down. In conclusion, suitable GA treatment concentration is determined as 80～120 mg/L.