ISHS Acta Horticulturae 934: XXVIII International Horticultural Congress on Science and Horticulture for People (IHC2010): International Symposium on Postharvest Technology in the Global Market
PRE-HARVEST CHEMICAL TREATMENTS AFFECT POST-HARVEST QUALITY OF LITCHI FRUIT |
| Authors: | P. Alila , I. Achumi |
| Keywords: | Litchi chinensis, pre-harvest, calcium chloride, calcium nitrate, boric acid, post harvest, fruit quality |
| DOI: | 10.17660/ActaHortic.2012.934.99 |
| Abstract:
Litchi (Litchi chinensis Sonn.) is an economically important fruit crop with great potential in the international market due to its characteristic flavour and exotic taste. Quality and safety are the two most important factors in the international marketing of horticultural commodities in the present scenario of liberalized world trade. Litchi is a crop with a limited marketing period due to the narrow harvest season and short shelf life. The present study analyzed the influence of pre-harvest sprays of calcium chloride (0.5 and 0.6%), calcium nitrate (1, 1.5 and 2%) and boric acid (0.2, 0.4 and 0.6%) and control (distilled water with few drops of Teepol). First applications of these chemicals were done when fruits were at bean-seed size and second application two weeks prior to harvest. Pre-harvest application of 4% boric acid resulted in higher TSS and lower acidity content in fruits during storage (5-7°C). Total sugars (15.92%) and reducing sugars (11.94%) were also enhanced with a 4% boric acid pre-harvest application. The physical parameters of fruits (weight and diameter of fruit and pulp weight) were found to be positively influenced with the application of calcium nitrate at 1.5% as pre-harvest spray. | |
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