Enhancing postharvest quality and extending storage life of Booth 7 avocado (Persea americana Mill.) fruit through sodium nitroprusside (SNP) application during low-temperature storage

Abstract

Postharvest quality plays a crucial role in marketability, consumer acceptability, and shelf life of avocados. This study investigates the efficacy of nitric oxide (NO) on postharvest physiology and quality of Booth 7 avocados treated with different concentrations of sodium nitroprusside (SNP) - a nitric oxide-releasing compound. Booth 7 avocados were immersed in SNP solutions (0.5 mM, 1.0 mM, and 1.5 mM), while the control fruit was immersed in distilled water for 15 min. After treatment, the fruit was stored at a temperature (T) of 8 ± 1 °C and relative humidity (RH) of 90 ± 5% for 35 days, during which the control fruit exhibited complete deterioration. The results revealed that Booth 7 avocados treated with 1.5 mM SNP concentration exhibited delayed quality changes during storage, reduced ethylene production and respiration rate, reduced alterations in soluble solids and acid content of the fruit flesh, as well as delayed changes in flesh and peel color. Additionally, the activity of total phenolic compounds (TPC), polygalacturonase (PG), and polyphenol oxidase (PPO) enzymes increased significantly, while the activity of the pectin methyl esterase (PME) enzyme was reduced. In conclusion, SNP treatment improved the quality and can be utilized as a potential postharvest preservative for Booth 7 avocados. For producers and distributors, the use of SNP in avocado postharvest management offers the potential to extend shelf life without compromising fruit quality.