Calcium spray increases leaf toughness against STEC and extends shelf life of leafy vegetables

The overall aim of the project is to create the conditions for production of leafy vegetables with reduced risk for contamination by human pathogens, including disease-causing strain shigatoxin producing E. coli O157: H7 (STEC). The aim of this pilot study is to investigate if calcium chloride leaf spray application can be used as a defense strategy for restricting access and spreading of microorganisms on leafy vegetables, including STEC, by modifying leaf mechanical properties, such as cell wall thickness and toughness (stiffness, rigidity).