Pre-harvest Foliar Application Research Articles

Impact of Preharvest Foliar Application of Calcium Ascorbate on Quality, Health Promoting Phytochemicals and Postharvest Life of Thompson Seedless Table Grape

Impact of Preharvest Foliar Application of Calcium Ascorbate on Quality, Health Promoting Phytochemicals and Postharvest Life of Thompson Seedless Table Grape

Optimizing Biochemical and Phytochemical Attributes in Peaches through Foliar Applications of Silicon and Zinc

Peach production faces significant pre-harvest challenges, including low moisture, nutrient deficiencies, flower drop, physical damage, and surface discoloration, which can limit yield and fruit quality. To mitigate these issues, the present study hypothesized that foliar applications of silicon and zinc could enhance peach growth, yield, and quality due to their known roles in improving stress tolerance, nutrient uptake, and antioxidant activity. Therefore, this research aimed to identify optimal concentrations of silicon and zinc for quality peach production. Ten-year-old peach trees of uniform size were sprayed with four levels of silicon (0%, 0.1%, 0.2%, and 0.3%) and zinc (0%, 0.25%, 0.50%, and 0.75%) for two consecutive growing seasons, at the berry and pit hardening stages, using a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. The averaged data from the two years showed that the pre-harvest foliar application of silicon significantly improved all yield and quality attributes of peaches. The foliar application of silicon at 0.3% notably enhanced fruit growth, yield, and biochemical attributes. Additionally, the highest fruit growth, yield, and quality of peach fruits were observed at the 0.75% zinc concentration. Maximum antioxidant activity, flavonoid content, proline content, and catalase activity were observed in fruits from plants treated with 0.3% silicon, which were statistically on par with 0.2% silicon. However, peroxidase activity was highest at 0.2% silicon. Regarding zinc levels, antioxidant activity, flavonoid content, proline content, and peroxidase activity were highest in fruits treated with 0.75% zinc, while catalase activity was superior when fruits were sprayed with 0.50% zinc. The interaction between silicon and zinc concentrations was found to be non-significant for most parameters, except for titratable acidity, TSS–acid ratio, ascorbic acid content, antioxidant activity, flavonoid content, and peroxidase activity. In conclusion, the foliar application of 0.3% silicon and 0.75% zinc independently enhanced all yield and quality characteristics of peaches. For the agro-climatic conditions of Peshawar, 0.2% silicon and 0.50% zinc are recommended for optimal peach production.

Cyclotriphosphazenes: Pre-harvest foliar applications improve antioxidant activity by increasing phenolic compounds in Lavandula angustifolia Mill.

The versatile chemical structures of cyclotriphosphazenes (CTPs) and their derivatives make them useful for various applications, including serving as plant nutrients to enhance the production of bioactive compounds. Therefore, the effects of 30 and 60 mg/L concentrations of CTPs (Compound 4 and 5) sprayed foliar at two different stages (pre-flowering stage and full-flowering stage) on total flavonoids and phenolic content, antioxidant activity, and accumulation of phenolics in lavender (Lavandula angustifolia Mill.) were investigated. Compounds 4 and 5 were purified by using column chromatography. The structures of the compounds were verified using mass, 1H, 31P nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, and Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy methods. The highest total phenolic content and antioxidant activity were achieved with Compound 5 (60 mg/L) treatment by using Folin-Ciocalteu and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) tests. The phenolic profile was determined by using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Compound 4 treatment yielded a higher level of increase in total flavonoids, protocatechuic aldehyde, protocatechuic, caffeic acid, 4-OH benzoic, and salicylic acid, whereas Compound 5 treatment yielded a higher level of increase in vanillic, p-coumaric, ferulic, and rosmarinic acids. CTPs applied during the full-flowering stage resulted in significant increases, such as an 8.7-fold rise in protocatechuic acid, a 4.3-fold increase in protocatechuic aldehyde, and an 8.4-fold surge in caffeic acid. The caffeic acid was strongly and positively correlated with the 4-OH benzoic acid (,834**), vanillic acid (,955**), p-coumaric acid (,670**), and rosmarinic acid (,669**). The results showed that using a suitable cyclotriphosphazene compound(s) and selecting a suitable pre-harvest application time can significantly enhance and optimize the levels of phenolics.

The effect of pre- and post-harvest sodium nitroprusside treatments on the physiological changes of cut Alstroemeria aurea ‘Orange Queen’ during vase life

Cut flowers deteriorate rapidly after harvest, lasting mere days. To extend their vase life, various postharvest techniques are employed. Due to limited knowledge about the postharvest physiology of Alstroemeria cut flowers and the specific role of secondary compounds and antioxidant systems in their protection, this study investigated the optimal dosage of sodium nitroprusside (SNP) as a nitric oxide (NO) donor to enhance quality and antioxidant defenses. Preharvest foliar application of SNP at 0, 50, 100, and 200 µM followed by short-term pulsing treatments upon harvest at the same concentrations were applied in a factorial design. Results revealed that a preharvest 100 µM SNP treatment combined with a 50 µM postharvest pulse significantly increased the total amount of phenols (over 20%), antioxidant capacity (more than doubled), and the activity of two antioxidant enzymes (ascorbate peroxidase by over 35% and guaiacol peroxidase by about 20%). Notably, this combination also diminished ion leakage (by about 20%), ultimately extending the vase life by more than 40% compared to untreated plants. Therefore, SNP application at these specific dosages proves effective in bolstering Alstroemeria cut flower quality and vase life through enhanced total phenols and a strengthened antioxidant system.

Improving postharvest quality and vase life of cut rose flowers by pre-harvest foliar co-applications of γ-aminobutyric acid and calcium chloride

Rose flowers (Rosa hybrida L.) are highly perishable and have a limited vase life. This study evaluated the effects of preharvest foliar applications of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and calcium chloride (CaCl2), individually and combined, on antioxidant responses and vase life of cut Jumilia rose flowers. Treatments included foliar sprays of GABA at 0, 20, 40, and 60 mM and CaCl2 at 0, 0.75%, and 1.5%, applied in a factorial design within a completely randomized setup before harvest. Results showed GABA and CaCl2 interaction (especially, 60 mM GABA and 1.5% CaCl2) significantly increased enzymatic antioxidants including superoxide dismutase, catalase, and peroxidase, as well as non-enzymatic antioxidants such as flavonoids, carotenoids, phenolics, and antioxidant activity in petals compared to control. SOD activity in roses, treated with CaCl2 (1.5%) and GABA (60 mM), peaked at 7.86 units. mg−1 protein min−1, showing a nearly 2.93-fold increase over the control (2.68 units. mg−1 protein min−1). A parallel trend was observed for CAT activity. These treatments also reduced petal malondialdehyde content and polyphenol oxidase activity. Protein content and vase life duration increased in all treatments. Plants treated with a combination of GABA (20 mM) and CaCl2 (0.75%), GABA (60 mM) and CaCl2 (1.5%), or GABA (40 mM) individually exhibited the longest vase life duration. The co-application of GABA and CaCl2 improved the antioxidant activity and postharvest quality of cut roses by reducing PPO activity and MDA contents, increasing protein content and prolonging vase life. This treatment is a potential postharvest strategy to improve antioxidant capacity and delay senescence in cut roses.

Effect of preharvest foliar applications with methyl jasmonate on sweet cherry cracking in different growing seasons

Effect of preharvest foliar applications with methyl jasmonate on sweet cherry cracking in different growing seasons

Quality evaluation of fresh pistachios (Pistacia vera L.) cultivars coated with chitosan/TiO2 nanocomposite

Fresh pistachios are rich in dietary fiber, minerals and unsaturated fatty acids, but they have a short shelf life. This investigation examined the effect of pre-harvest foliar application with chitosan (500 and 1000 mg. L−1), nano-chitosan (250 and 500 mg. L−1), and chitosan/TiO2 nanocomposite (250 and 500 mg. L−1) coating films on the postharvest physiology and storage of fresh pistachios (Pistacia vera cvs. Akbari and Ahmad Aghaei) cultivar during storage at 4 ± 0.5 °C. It was found that, fresh pistachios' shelf life could by increased by up to 30 days by the use of chitosan/TiO2 nanocomposite coating for foliar application. The decay index of the composite coated fruits was 4–6 % lower than that of the control group, and after 50–60 days the bacterial contamination appeared in cultivars; respectively. The nanocomposite treatments reduced the fruits weight between 30 and 40 %, which was 15 % higher that of than uncoated fruits. The pre-harvest application of chitosan/TiO2 coating reduced microbial contamination, weight loss, phenylalanine ammonialyase (PAL) activity and saturated fatty acids, and increased unsaturated fatty acids, antioxidant properties, sensory properties, essential minerals, superoxide dismutase (SOD), quality indicators and shelf life. These results demonstrated that the chitosan/TiO2 (250 and 500 mg. L−1) coating film effectively preserved the nutrient composition, sensory quality, nutritional value, antioxidant capacity and shelf life of fresh pistachio.

Impact of Foliar-Applied Plant Extracts on Growth, Physiological and Yield Attributes of the Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.)

The current reliance on pesticides and synthetic fertilizers has been vital to sustain and increase agricultural production. The continuous, excessive use of these traditional practices has negatively affected consumer health and burdened the ecosystem. The use of plant extracts as a tool to minimize agrochemical inputs has been extensively investigated; these extracts have the ability to improve both plant growth and agricultural productivity. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the effect of foliar plant extract application on potato growth, as well as on certain physiological and yield attributes. From four weeks after planting onwards, five healthy, equal-sized potato plants per treatment received various foliar plant extract applications. These extracts included brown seaweed Ascophyllum nodosum extract (ANE), aloe vera leaf extract (AVE), garlic bulb extract (GBE), and moringa leaf extract (MLE). The treatments were repeated weekly until harvesting. Application data regarding growth and physiological parameters were collected weekly. The pre-harvest foliar application of various plant extracts significantly enhanced (p ≤ 0.05) the plant growth, physiological, and yield attributes of potatoes. The best growth and yield responses were observed following ANE and MLE application. Plant extracts have shown beneficial effects on other crops as well, but further validation of these effects is still necessary in order to popularize and commercialize such applications.

Physicochemical and quality characters of fresh pistachio (Pistacia vera L.) cultivars in response to chitosan/ZnO nanocomposite coating

This study was done to evaluate the effect of pre-harvest foliar application with chitosan (500 and 1000 mg L−1), Nano-chitosan (250 and 500 mg L−1), and chitosan/ZnO nanocomposite (250 and 500 mg L−1) coatings on the quality and shelf life of fresh pistachios of “Akbari” and “Ahmad Aghaei” cultivars during storage. The results showed that 250 and 500 mg L−1 of chitosan/ZnO coatings significantly affected the shelf life of pistachios up to 35 and 40 days, respectively; in addition, chitosan/ZnO nanocomposite in both cultivars reduced weight loss, aflatoxin contamination, decay, polyphenol oxidase and glutathione-peroxidase enzymes, peroxide value, free fatty acids, and improve firmness, sensory properties, protein, oil content, carbohydrate, antioxidant properties, anthocyanin, phenol, and flavonoid. These results indicated that using chitosan/ZnO (250 and 500 mg L−1) is a promising efficient, safe, and environmentally friendly method for preserving the quality of fresh pistachios. It reduces hull browning and minimizes post-harvest losses.

Investigation of the Impacts of Pre-Harvest Foliar Application of Lysophosphatidylethanolamine on Coloring and Post-Harvest Durability of the "Regina" Cherry Variety

Bu çalışmada hasattan öncesi lizofosfatidiletanolamin (LPE) uygulamasının kiraz meyvelerinin rengine, kalitesine ve hasat sonrası dayanımlarına etkisinin belirlenmesi amaçlanmıştır. Çalışma, Denizli ili Tavas ilçesinde ‘Regina’ çeşidiyle kurulmuş kiraz bahçesinde yürütülmüştür. Kiraz ağaçlarına yapraktan LPE uygulamaları hasattan 14 ve 7 gün (LPE 14+7) ve sadece 7 gün önce (LPE 7) 20 ppm dozunda olmak üzere iki farklı şekilde uygulanmıştır. Sadece yapraktan su uygulanan ağaçlar, kontrol olarak kabul edilmiştir. Tam olum döneminde hasat edilen kiraz meyvelerinin bir kısmı hasat sonrası ölçüm ve analizler için ayrılırken, diğer kısmı su ile ön soğutma işlemi yapılarak modifiye atmosfer ambalajlarında 30 gün süreyle 0°C ve %90 oransal nemde depolanmıştır. LPE 14+7 uygulanan kiraz meyvelerinin L*, a*, b*, C*, h° değerlerinin kontrole göre daha düşük olduğu saptanmıştır. Hem hasat hem de depolama sonrası LPE 14+7 uygulanan kiraz meyvelerinin sertlik değeri, antosiyanin ve suda çözünür kuru madde miktarı kontrole göre daha yüksek bulunmuştur. Sonuç olarak LPE 14+7 uygulamasının ‘Regina’ kiraz meyvelerinin renklenmesini iyileştirdiği, SÇKM miktarını ve sertliğini arttırdığı saptanmıştır.

Frequency of application of 24-epibrassinolide on plant growth, physiology and postharvest fruit quality of Cantaloupe grown at elevated temperature

ABSTRACT Reduction of yield in tropical greenhouses is an issue with Cucumis melo L. var. cantaloupensis. A natural occurring hormone, 24-epibrassinolide (EBR), regulates cellular activities and physiological processes of plants and signaling. To determine effects of EBR application, cantaloupe cvs. Himalai-99 and Glamour (factor 1) were treated with 0.1 mg∙L−1 EBR applied over four frequencies (factor 2) as; F1: no EBR (control), F2: at 15 DAT (days after transplant), F3: at 15 + 30 DAT, and F4: at 15 + 30 + 45 DAT at 47 ± 3°C (5°C higher than the ambient greenhouse) in a factorial Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with four replicates. Postharvest fruit quality was monitored at room temperature (26°C) in a completely randomized design with four replicates. Data were analyzed using Analysis of Variance, mean separation with least significant difference and associations between parameters with Pearson correlation. Application of EBR at 15 + 30 DAT (F3) increased plant dry weight, leaf area, specific leaf area, root length, root surface area, photosynthesis rate, stomatal conductance, transpiration rate and chlorophyll content. It increased the quantum efficiency of photosystem II, peroxidase and catalase activities by 50%, stomatal length and width by 75% and decreased malondialdehyde and proline content by 56%. Pre-harvest foliar application of EBR at 15 + 30 DAT reduced postharvest weight loss and ethylene emission rate by two fold and reduced ascorbic acid and antioxidant depletion rates during storage. The EBR application at 15 + 30 DAT produced the best plant and fruit quality performances, while the application of EBR at fruit development stage (45 DAT) caused reduced fruit quality.

Optimal Preharvest Melatonin Applications to Enhance Endogenous Melatonin Content, Harvest and Postharvest Quality of Japanese Plum

Plum is one of the most produced stone fruits worldwide. Melatonin is an environmentally eco-friendly substance that, in low concentrations, activates defence systems against biotic and abiotic stresses. This substance is considered a tool that could increase fruit quality. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of different preharvest foliar applications with different melatonin concentrations (0.1, 0.3, 0.5 mmol L−1) to enhance melatonin content and shelf life of ‘Primetime’ plum. To this purpose, two and three applications were carried out at different critical stages of fruit growth. Different quality characteristics such as size, colour, titratable acidity, total soluble solids, ripening index, respiration rate, ethylene production rate, anthocyanins and total antioxidant activity, as well as endogenous melatonin content, were tested at harvest and after 40 days of cold storage. Results showed that ‘Primetime’ plums that received 3 applications of 0.5 mmol L−1 enhanced endogenous melatonin content at harvest and showed less softening, delayed darkening, higher anthocyanin concentration and total antioxidant activity after 40 days of storage. Therefore, the concentration of 0.5 mmol L−1 melatonin in 3 applications was effective in improving the quality of ‘Primetime’ plums.

Sweet Cherry (Prunus avium L.) Cracking during Development on the Tree and at Harvest: The Impact of Methyl Jasmonate on Four Different Growing Seasons

Rainfall occurring during the developmental stages of sweet cherries on the tree can lead to significant preharvest losses, primarily due to fruit cracking. Certain cultivars exhibit a higher susceptibility to such losses, particularly when persistent rains coincide with advanced phenological stages. The current study aims to investigate the efficacy of preharvest methyl jasmonate (MeJA) applications at harvest and during distinct developmental ripening stages in mitigating sweet cherry cracking at harvest and on-tree ripening. Preharvest foliar applications of 0.5 mM MeJA were applied across various sweet cherry cultivars, including ‘Prime Giant’, ‘Early Lory’, ‘Sweetheart’, and ‘Staccato’. By conducting this experiment over four growing seasons, we evaluated the impact of this natural elicitor on the cracking tolerance of these cultivars. The results of our analysis indicate that MeJA preharvest treatments effectively reduce fruit cracking, enhancing abiotic stress tolerance. Additionally, these treatments induce a general delay in fruit ripening on the tree across the examined cultivars. This delayed ripening effect is reflected in several quality parameters at harvest, such as the fruit firmness, external colour, total soluble solids, and total acidity. These parameters in the MeJA-treated fruit were delayed compared to the control fruit or remained unaffected for the total acidity. Conversely, the MeJA treatments delayed the accumulation of total polyphenols, exhibiting a minimal impact on reducing pedicel browning. The enhanced tolerance to cracking and delayed ripening attributed to the MeJA preharvest treatments could be helpful for plot management. Consequently, these MeJA-based preharvest treatments hold potential as valuable tools in adapting to climate change and mitigating abiotic stress in sweet cherry.

Influence of foliar spray and post-harvest treatments on head yield, shelf-life, and physicochemical qualities of broccoli.

Rapid senescence is the key factor in the deterioration of post-harvest shelf-life in broccoli heads. This study evaluates the head yield and its related traits, and physicochemical attributes of broccoli under four foliar sprays of mineral nutrients (B, Zn, Mo, and B + Zn + Mo) with control. The interaction effects of shelf-life and physicochemical attributes of broccoli for these five pre-harvest and five post-harvest storage treatments (LDP bag, HDP vacuum pack, 2% eggshell powder solution, 2% ascorbic acid, and control) both at cold storage and room temperature were evaluated with three replications. The significantly higher marketable head yield of 28.02 t ha-1, maximum gross return [(Bangladesh Taka (BDT 420300 ha-1)], net return (BDT 30565 ha-1), and maximum benefit-cost ratio (BCR) of 3.67 were obtained from the pre-harvest foliar application of B + Zn + Mo in broccoli. Pre-harvest foliar spray of combined nutrient B + Zn + Mo and post-harvest treatment high-density polyethylene (HDP, 15 μm) vacuum packaging efficiently improve post-harvest physicochemical attributes, viz., compactness, green color, texture, carbohydrates, fats, energy, antioxidants, vitamin C, and total phenols in broccoli head compared to the rest of the treatment combinations. In addition, this treatment combination also confirmed a maximum shelf-life of 24.55 days at cold storage [relative humidity (RH) 90-95% and 4°C] and 7.05 days at room temperature (RH 60-65% and 14-22°C) compared to the rest of the treatment combinations. Therefore, we recommend a pre-harvest foliar spray of combined nutrient elements B + Zn + Mo and an HDP (15 μm) vacuum post-harvest packaging for the maximum benefits for both farmers and consumers to get the best head yield, anticipated physicochemical attributes, and maximum shelf-life of broccoli.

Foliar Calcium Effects on Quality and Primary and Secondary Metabolites of White-Fleshed ‘Lemonato’ Peaches

‘Lemonato’ is a Greek peach melting-flesh white-flesh cultivar with high nutritional value highly appreciated by the consumers. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of pre-harvest foliar calcium application on fruit quality, primary metabolite profile, antioxidant activity, total phenolic content, and phenolic profile of the ‘Lemonato’ peach, clone ‘Stamatis’. The experiment was conducted for two years, 2019 and 2020, in two commercial orchards at Kato Lehonia and Agios Vlasios regions, central Greece, where the ‘Lemonato’ clone ‘Stamatis’ is traditionally cultivated. The treatments were organic calcium (Ca), calcium–silicate in nanoparticles (Ca–Si), and calcium chloride (CaCl2). Foliar application of the different Ca formulations, commonly used as a horticultural practice, were not effective at improving the fruit quality characteristics in this clone, which is characterized by fruit softening during ripening. The study revealed the sugars and organic acid composition and phenolic profile of the ‘Lemonato’ peach, clone ‘Stamatis’. Peach fruit quality, primary metabolites, and phenolic compounds of the two orchards showed a different response to organic Ca and Ca–Si, indicating that genetic or environmental factors may also be involved. A higher concentration of organic Ca and CaCl2 increased the peach fruit phenolic compounds content and the total antioxidant activity, improving the fruit nutritional quality.

Impact of pre-harvest foliar application of fungicides on seed associated with mycoflora and sowing qualities of soybean seeds

Impact of pre-harvest foliar application of fungicides on seed associated with mycoflora and sowing qualities of soybean seeds

Preharvest Foliar Application of Si–Ca-Based Biostimulant Affects Postharvest Quality and Shelf-Life of Clementine Mandarin (Citrus clementina Hort. Ex Tan)

Citriculture and the postharvest industry are in the quest for biostimulants that favour fruit quality and extend shelf-life. Recently, Si has emerged as a biostimulant and its impact on fruit quality and postharvest shelf-life needs to be elucidated. The experiment is conducted for two consecutive years (2019 and 2020) in a commercial citrus orchard. In the present study, a Si–Ca-based product (Gravital® Force SC, AGROLOGY SA, Sindos, Greece) is foliar sprayed upon clementine mandarin (Citrus clementina Hort. Ex Tan cv. SRA 63) trees from August to November, while unsprayed trees are kept as controls. At commercial maturity, both sprayed and unsprayed fruits are harvested and stored for thirty (30) days at 5 °C with 90–95% relative humidity. Afterwards, they are kept at shelf temperature (20 °C) for six (6) days (shelf-life). At different intervals [at harvest, after cold storage (30 d at 5 °C), at the third day of shelf-life (30 d at 5 °C plus 3 d at 20 °C) and sixth day of shelf-life (30 d at 5 °C plus 6 d at 20 °C)], fruits are sampled and analysed for their qualitative characteristics. According to the results, the preharvest foliar application of the Si–Ca-based product delayed fruit maturation, increased peel firmness, total soluble content, total acidity, ascorbic acid, total phenols and antioxidant capacity, and reduced fruit decay during shelf storage. Results suggest that the preharvest foliar spray of Si–Ca products is able to maintain the postharvest quality of mid-ripening mandarin fruit.

Efeito pré e pós-colheita de ácido giberélico e ácido salicílico em ramos cortados de Asparagus umbellatus

Abstract Asparagus umbellatus is one of the most popular cut foliage plants that widely used in decorations and bouquets. However, there was a lack of information concerning Asparagus postharvest handling. Therefore, in this study, two growth regulators gibberellic acid (GA) and salicylic acid (SA) on concentrations of 0, 100, 200, and 400 μM were applied in two stages viz., pre and postharvest, separately and in combination. Experimental traits including; chlorophyll content, electrolyte leakage, solution uptake, microbial population, relative water content (%), malondialdehyde content, catalase, superoxide dismutase, and peroxidase activity along with plant vase life were evaluated. The results showed that the application of GA and SA lead to significantly extension of the vase life compared to the control. Vase life difference between control (9.34 days) and the superior treatment i.e. GA200+SA200 (14.07 days) was more than 50%. Also, the pre-harvest foliar application of GA and SA increased the vase life slightly compared to the application in vase solution. The extended vase life in the per-harvest experiment was obtained using SA100+GA100 and SA200+GA200 treatments.

Pre-Harvest Foliar Application Effects of Mineral Nutrients on Yield, Quality and Shelf Life of Broccoli

This study was conducted at the farmer’s field of Jashore Sadar Upazila, Bangladesh during the Rabi seasons of 2020-2021 to evaluate pre-harvest foliar application effects of mineral nutrients on yield, quality and shelf life of broccoli. The experiment was designed in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD), including three replications and seven treatments for field study which were: T1=control, T2=Ca@o.30%, T3=B@o.30%), T4= Zn@o.30%, T5=Mo@o.30%, T6=Mn@o.30%, and T7= (Ca+B+Zn+Mo+Mn)@o.30%. In order to determine the shelf life of broccoli, a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) was conducted with three replications considering three factors; (i) pre-harvest foliar application of mineral nutrient sources; (ii) room temperature along with storage materials, and (iii) cold storage along with storage materials that were used accordingly. Findings revealed that the effects of pre-harvest foliar application of mineral nutrients had a significant influence on the yield, post-harvest quality, and shelf life of broccoli. The treatment T7 (Ca+B+Zn+Mo+Mn)@o.30% produced significantly in all respects of yield contributing attributes denoting curd length, diameter, and marketable curd yield of broccoli. The same treatment effectively increased post-harvest quality attributes such as color, compactness, texture, dry matter, fats, carbohydrates, energy, vitamin C, antioxidants, and phenols content in the curd. In addition, the treatment also recorded the highest shelf life of 7.25 days at room temperature (14-240c with RH 60-65%) and 24.33 days at cold storage (40c with RH 90-95%) conditions within a High-Density Polyethylene (HDP; 15 micron) Vacuum pack.

Storability and Quality Attributes of Pear (Pyrus communis L.) cv. Carmen Fruits at Ambient Storage Conditions as Influenced by Foliar Application of Salicylic Acid and Calcium Chloride

An investigation was carried out to examine the storage behaviour and biochemical quality of pear (Pyrus communis L.) fruits cv. Carmen raised on Quince C rootstock as affected by pre-harvest foliar application of salicylic acid and calcium chloride treatments. The treatments consisted of four levels each of salicylic acid (0, 100, 150 and 200 ppm) and Calcium chloride (0, 0.20, 0.25 and 0.30 %). The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design in factorial arrangements with three replications. The treatments were applied as a foliar spray at 3, 6 and 9 weeks after the petal fall. Control plants were sprayed with water. After harvest, fruits were stored under ambient conditions for 7, 14 and 21 days. Postharvest physiological loss in weight (PLW), rotting percentage, total soluble solids, total sugars and reducing sugars in fruits was increased. In contrast, fruit firmness, titratable acidity and ascorbic acid content decreased with an increase over storage periods. Salicylic acid @ 200 ppm and calcium chloride @ 0.30 % resulted minimum physiological loss in weight and rotting percentage. Also, salicylic acid @ 200 ppm and calcium chloride @ 0.30 % were effective in minimizing the loss of fruit firmness, titrable acidity and ascorbic acid content. In conclusion, the salicylic acid @ 200 ppm and calcium chloride @ 0.30 % were found to be effective in improving pear cv. Carmen fruits storability by reducing physiological loss in weight and fruit rotting; and maintaining the biochemical quality.