Influence of pre-harvest spraying treatments of chemicals and plant growth regulators on physical parameters, post-harvest losses and shelf life of sapota [Manilkara achras (Mill.) Forsberg] fruits cv. Kalipatti

Abstract

Investigation was conducted to study the “Influence of pre-harvest spraying treatments of chemicals and plant growth regulators on physical parameters, post-harvest losses and shelf life of sapota fruits cv. Kalipatti”. Pre-harvest spraying treatments comprises different chemicals (Calcium chloride @ 2 %, Calcium nitrate @ 2 %, Calcium sulphate @ 2 % and Potassium chloride @ 2 %) and different level of plant growth regulators (GA3 @ 50 and 100 mg / l, NAA @ 50 and 100 mg / l) with control (Water spray and Absolute). After harvest fruits were stored at room temperature. Fruit weight and fruit volume was significantly increase when trees were sprayed with GA3 @ 100 mg / l one month before harvest. However, minimum physiological loss in weight and spoilage percentage were noticed under CaCl2 @ 2 % treatment followed by treatment T2 [Ca(NO3)2]. These treatments also improves the fruit firmness, shelf life and day taken to ripening of the sapota fruits during storage.