Preharvest applications of putrescine influences the storage life and quality of pear fruit

Abstract

Pre-harvest foliar applications of putrescine (PUT) were given to extend the storage life and maintain the quality of pear fruit cv. Punjab Beauty during the cold storage. Pre-harvest sprays of 1mM, 2mM & 3mM PUT were applied 7 days before harvest (DBH) and 14DBH. Harvested fruit were stored at 0–1°C and 90–95% RH for 75 days. Fruit were analysed on 0, 15th, 30th, 45th, 60th, 67th & 75th day for various physico-chemical and enzymatic changes. The minimum weight loss (5.47%) and highest average sensory quality (SQ) (7.25), starch content (0.97 mg/g FW) & titratable acidity (0.23%) were maintained in 3mM PUT (14DBH) treated fruit at the end of storage, which was at par with 2mM PUT (14DBH) treatment. These treatments were also helpful to delay the changes in colour and enzymatic activities [Pectin methyl esterase (PME) & cellulase activity] during cold storage and retained higher soluble solids content (SSC) at the end of storage. The results revealed that, 2mM & 3mM PUT (14DBH) applications were effective to extend the storage life and maintain the fruit quality as compared to the control during storage.