Combined Treatment of Modified Atmosphere Packaging and Salicylic Acid Improves Postharvest Quality of Nect arine ( Prunus persica L.) Fruit

Abstract

The main objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness of individual application and combination effect of salicylic acid treatments (0, 0.5, 1 mM) in both unpacked and Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) on changing bi ochemical compounds and extending postharvest life of nectarine. Fruits were stored at 0°C with 90% RH for 40 days. Experimental fruits were analyzed for weight loss, soluble solids, titratable acidity, fruit firmness, total phenolic compounds, flavonoid s, antioxidant capacity and overall quality during the storage period at 10 day interva ls. The results showed that total phenolic, flavonoid concentrations and antioxidant activity fluctuated progressively until the 30 days of storage, and then decreased until th e end of the experiment in all applied treatments. Salicylic acid treatment especially at 1 mM salicylic acid concentration with MAP had a positive effect on biochemical compounds. Furthermore, the combined treatment of MAP had a clear advantage over the oth er treatments in reducing weight loss, retarding softening, increasing shelf life, a nd maintaining higher overall fruit quality. The results indicated that salicylic acid with MAP can be used as a safe alternative chemical to keep the quality and for storage of nec tarine. Keywords: Biochemical compounds, Postharvest, Prunus persica , Quality, Salicylic acid.