Effect of Paclobutrazol and GA4+7 on Post-Harvest Storage of Dragon Fruit [Hylocereus costaricensis (Web.) Britton and Rose]

Abstract

Dragon fruit undergoes rapid senescence during storage. This study identified the synergistic effect of Paclobutrazol and GA4+7 with different concentrations on the postharvest quality and shelf life of dragon fruits stored at ambient conditions. This study was conducted in completely randomized design. Dragon fruits were treated with different concentration of Paclobutrazol and GA4+7 and stored at ambient temperature for 13 days. Changes in fruit’s physiological loss of weight, firmness, total soluble solid, titrable acidity, and ascorbic acid were periodically recorded. The results indicated that the Paclobutrazol treated with 200mg significantly reduced the decrease of physiological loss of weight, firmness, total soluble solids, titrable acidity and ascorbic acid content. The results showed that Paclobutrazol treated with 200mg is the most effective treatment than GA4+7 for improving the postharvest quality and prolong the shelf life of dragon fruits when stored at ambient condition.