Effect of pre-harvest calcium sprays and harvesting time on quality and shelf-life of nectarines

Abstract

Nectarine (Prunus persica var. Nectarina) is a cultivar of peach that has a smooth and shiny skin. Nectarines are good source of bioflavonoids and carotenoids (antioxidants) and are highly perishable in nature. ‘Silver King’ cultivar of nectarine in Kullu Valley of Himachal Pradesh is being harvested usually during last week of May. A peak summer causes its deterioration. Therefore, marketing strategies of this fruit calls for a special attention, this involves sensitive and delicate handling practices, improvement of shelf-life and quality of the fruits, thus satisfying the consumers. In this study, we report our results from the treated fruits of the trees of ‘Silver King’ cultivar sprayed with calcium nitrate and calcium chloride at three concentrations (0.50%, 0.75% and 1.00%) individually before 20 days of tentative harvesting of fruits at Regional Horticultural Research Station, Bajaura. Fruits were harvested on three dates viz., 29-5-2011(M1), 1-6-2011(M2) and 4-6-2011(M3). Based on optimum fruit quality, the fruits of M2 and M3 maturity were stored at ambient conditions and analyzed on the 3rd, 6th and 9th day to study shelf life required for handling. Fruit firmness was observed highest on 3rd day of fruit storage which decreased significantly in both harvest maturities. Calcium chloride sprayed fruits retained higher acceptability than calcium nitrate sprayed and untreated fruits. Among calcium chloride sprays, 1.00 per cent had retained highest acceptability followed by fruits from trees sprayed with 0.75%. The condition of the fruits from M2 pool was better than M3 pool except the fruits from the trees sprayed with CaCl2 (1.00%), irrespective of storage period