Improving Fruit Quality, Bioactive Compounds, and Storage Life of Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera L., cv. Barhi) Using Natural Elicitors

Zienab F R Ahmed,Navjot Kaur,Fatima Y Y Al Shaibani,Guillermo Schmeda-Hirschmann,Sajid Maqsood

doi:10.3390/horticulturae7090293

Zienab F R Ahmed, Navjot Kaur + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae7090293

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Abstract

“Barhi” date fruit is highly appreciated and widely consumed at the Bisr stage (first edible stage) of maturity. However, maintaining its quality for long periods of time after harvest and throughout marketing is a substantial challenge. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the effects of preharvest spray treatments of 1% chitosan (Ch) in conjunction with 3% calcium chloride (Ca) and 2 mM salicylic acid (SA) on “Barhi” fruit’s shelf life, quality, and phytochemical composition at harvest and during cold storage. All treatments significantly delayed the ripening and decay of “Barhi” dates compared to controls. Ch treatment, followed by Ch + SA and Ch + SA + Ca, showed the lowest weight loss. Ch + Ca, Ch + SA + Ca, and Ch + SA treatments showed significantly lower levels of total soluble solids (TSS) compared to the control fruit. Ch + Ca and Ch + Ca + SA treatments showed no decayed fruit after 60 days of cold storage. At the end of storage time, the Ca treatment, followed by Ch + Ca + SA, showed the greatest total phenolic (TPC), flavonoids (TFC), and tannin (TTC) contents. Ch + SA + Ca, Ch + SA, and Ch showed significantly higher antioxidant and antimicrobial activities compared to controls. Based on these findings, these treatments may be recommended to prolong the shelf life of “Barhi” date fruit.

Highlights

Date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) is grown in the dry and hot regions of North African countries and the Middle East [1]
The average length, width, and weight were significantly (p ≤ 0.05) greater in salicylic acid (SA), Ch + Ca, and Ch + SA-treated fruits compared to controls and other treatments
The results of this study show that using different elicitor combinations enhances the biochemical properties of fresh “Barhi” fruit during maturity and storage

Summary

Introduction

Date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) is grown in the dry and hot regions of North African countries and the Middle East [1]. It is important for agriculture and economy in the Arab. In Arabic terms, date fruit development and ripening stages are recognized as Hababouk, Kimri, Bisr (or Khalal), Rutab, and Tamer [4]. These stages describe cell division, unripe green (cell elongation), unripe full-colored, soft brown, and firm raisin-like fruit, respectively [5]. Date fruit is harvested and brought to market at three stages—namely, Bisr, Rutab, and Tamer—depending on the cultivar (i.e., the fruit content of soluble tannins), climatic conditions, and market demands [6]

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