Synergistic effect of preharvest spray application of natural elicitors on storage life and bioactive compounds of date palm (Phoenix dactylifera l., cv. khesab)

Zienab F.R. Ahmed, Shamsa S.N.A. Alblooshi, Navjot Kaur, Sajid Maqsood, Guillermo Schmeda-Hirschmann

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

29 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Despite the immense capabilities of the date palm, maintaining the fruit’s quality, mar-ketability, and shelf life is still a challenge. This study aimed to assess the synergistic effect of a preharvest spray application of a natural elicitor chitosan, (Ch) 1% alone and in combination with salicylic acid (SA) 2 mM and calcium chloride (Ca) 3%; (Ch,SA, Ca,Ch+Ca, Ch+SA, Ch+SA+Ca), on the quality parameters, storage life, and bioactive compounds content of date fruit from ‘Khasab’ cultivar during cold storage for 60 days. The obtained results revealed that all treatments significantly retard senescence/decay of the fruit compared to the control. Ch+SA treated fruit followed by Ch, and Ch+SA+Ca had the lowest weight loss, color change, and the least decay after 60 days of storage. Ch+Ca, SA, Ca treated fruit had significantly lower levels of total soluble solids and highest total phenolic, tannins, and flavonoids contents compared to the control fruit. Antioxidant activities were found in all treatments, with significantly higher effect in Ch+SA+Ca and Ch+SA compared to the control. Our results provide an evidence for a synergistic effect of elicitors combination to extend the shelf life of date fruit during cold storage by preserving its quality and decreasing senescence/decay and recommend it as a promising strategy.

Original languageEnglish
Article number145
JournalHorticulturae
Volume7
Issue number6
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jun 2021

Keywords

  • Chitosan
  • Date fruit
  • Quality
  • Salicylic acid
  • Shelf life

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Plant Science
  • Horticulture

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Synergistic effect of preharvest spray application of natural elicitors on storage life and bioactive compounds of date palm (Phoenix dactylifera l., cv. khesab)'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this