Effect of Preharvest Application of Methyl Jasmonate on Fruit Quality of Plum (Prunus Salicina Lindell cv. “Fortune”) at Harvest and during Cold Storage

Abstract

Effects of two different methyl jasmonate (MeJA) doses, applied 2 weeks ahead of estimated harvest date, on fruit weight loss (%), color, firmness, total soluble solids (TSS), total phenolic (TP), total antioxidant activity (TAA) and individual phenolic compounds of “Fortune” plum were investigated at harvest and during 4 weeks of cold storage. Application of MeJA significantly increased weight loss at the end of storage period. entire color characteristics decreased linearly in all treatments during the storage period. The highest fruit firmness value at the end of storage was obtained from 1,120 mg L−1 MeJA treatment. TP and TAA values increased linearly in all treatments during the storage period. The highest post-storage total phenolics and antioxidant values was observed in the 2,240 mg L−1 MeJA application. MeJA applications significantly increased the chlorogenic acid content during the storage (P < 0.05). Practical Applications Plum fruits constitute a good source of natural antioxidant substances. Particularly, plums contain large amounts of phenolic compounds and flavonoids having natural antioxidant activity which is effective in human diet. results of the study indicated that there was a linear relationship between total phenolic and antioxidant activity.