The effect of salicylic acid on biochemical characteristics and postharvest quality of Indian jujube (Zyziphus mauritiana Lamk)

The shelf life of Indian coastal fruits is relatively short. Therefore, in this study, the effect of different concentrations of salicylic acid (SA) (0, 0.5, 1 and 2 mM) on storage life and post-harvest quality of stored fruits at 4 ± 1° C with 85-90% RH in a factorial completely randomized design was studied. Postharvest quality and biochemical properties of the fruit were measured during 30 days of storage in intervals of 10 days. The results showed that with increase in shelf life, fruit tissue firmness, total acidity (TA), ascorbic acid and total phenolics content were decreased in treated and control fruits, but the rate of weight loss, decay extension rate, and decrease in soluble solids (TSS) content, TSS ratio and TA was decreased in SA treated fruit. Also, the level of total antioxidant activity and the activity of SOD and CAT enzymes in fruits treated with SA were significantly higher than the control fruits. In general, 1 and 2 mM SA were the best concentrations of SA in maintaining the quality indices and biochemical properties of harvested Indian kunar during storage. Overall, the results showed that SA treatment can be used as an effective and efficient method in post-harvest technology of Indian kangaroo fruit.