Influence of pre-harvest chemical treatments on physio-chemical characteristics and shelf life of Sapota [Manilkara achras (Mill.) Forsberg] var. PKM 1

Abstract

The present investigation “Influence of pre-harvest chemical treatments on physio-chemical characteristics and shelf life of Sapota [Manilkara achras (Mill.) Forsberg] Var. PKM1” was conducted at Department of Fruit Crops, Horticultural college and Research Institute, Periyakulam during 2019. Pre harvest spraying of Calcium chloride (1.0% & 2.0%), Gibberellic acid (50ppm &100ppm) along with control (water) sprayed on 20 years old sapota tree at one month before harvesting stage. The fruits were stored at cold storage (14±1 °C, 90-95% RH) after harvest. Among these treatments, results proved that pre-harvest spraying of CaCl2 2.0% found to be most effective for maintaining titrable acidity (0.21%), ascorbic acid content (21.09 kg/100mg), minimum physiological loss in weight (7.72%), gradual increase in total soluble solids (20.45%), total sugars (11.32%), reducing sugars (6.50%), and increase in shelf life (28 days) of sapota as compared to untreated fruits (21.75days).