Effects of preharvest aminoethoxyvinylglycine (AVG) treatment on storage life and quality of ‘Golden Delicious’ apple

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of preharvest aminoethoxyvinylglycine (AVG) treatment on storage life and quality of 'Golden Delicious' apples stored in normal (air) atmosphere (NA) and controlled atmosphere (CA) conditions. For this purpose, ReTain (a commercial product containing 15% (w/w) AVG) was applied to trees of 'Golden Delicious' apple. 125 ppm dose of AVG was sprayed on the apple fruits 7 days before commercial harvest. Harvested fruits were transported to the Postharvest Physiology Laboratory of Horticulture Department immediately. AVG treated and non-treated (control groups) fruits were stored at 0°C and 90±5% relative humidity during 6 months in NA and 10 months in CA conditions (1% O2-3% CO2). The weight loss of fruits was decreased by AVG treatment compared to the control groups in both storage conditions. AVG treatment maintained the flesh firmness of apples during the storage period, especially in CA. AVG also suppressed ethylene production of fruits. Titratable acidity of the treated and non-treated fruits decreased, and soluble solid contents increased during the storage period in NA and CA conditions. According to sensorial evaluation, AVG treated fruits preserved their external appearance and taste for 6 (in NA) and 10 months (in CA). Non-treated fruits lost their marketable quality after 5 (in NA) and 8 (in CA) months of storage. As a result, preharvest AVG application (125 ppm) to 'Golden Delicious' apples 7 days before commercial harvest was effective in delaying softening, ethylene production, respiration rate and weight loss of fruits. These effects were more evident in CA condition compared to NA.