International Journal of Horticulture and Floriculture

Full Length Research Paper

Effect of pre-harvest interventions on the quality and cellulase activity of ber fruit during cold storage

S. K Jawandha*, P. P. S. Gill and Navjot

Department of Horticulture, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana 141004, India.

Accepted 20 December, 2022

Abstract

Studies were carried out to find out the effect of various pre-harvest treatments: CaCl₂ (@ 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0%), Ca (NO₃)₂ (@0.5, 1.0 and 2.0%), GA₃ (@ 20, 40 and 60 ppm) and Bavistin (@ 0.1%) on the cellulase activity and quality of 'Umran' ber fruits during cold storage. Marked trees were sprayed at colour break stage with the test chemicals. Fruits were packed in CFB boxes and placed in cold storage (3 - 5°C and 85 - 90% RH) for 30 days. The fruits were evaluated after 10, 20 and 30 days interval for various parameters such as cellulase activity, phenolic content, palatability rating and rotting percentage. Cellulase activity registered a gradual increase up-to 20 days of storage thereafter a decline was noted in all the treatments. The palatability rating increased up to 10 days of storage in all the treatments, except control but subsequently it decreased with longer in storage periods. Among the various pre-harvest treatments CaCl₂ (2%) recorded minimum cellulase activity and rotting percentage and registered high palatability rating and phenolics content during cold storage conditions. Studies showed that pre-harvest application of CaCl₂ (2%) maintained very good fruit quality and prolonged shelf-life for 20 days under cold storage conditions.