Control of pre-harvest application of certain chemicals ripening on guava

Abstract

Fruit ripening is a natural process in which a fruit goes through various physical and chemical changes and gradually becomes sweet, coloured, soft and palatable. However, this natural process can also be stimulated by using artificial fruit ripening agents. Farmers and vendors often use artificial ripening agents to control fruit ripening rate. Different fruit ripening agents can be used to ripen fruits artificially and to provide fruits the desired color and taste within a short time. In recent years, the use of artificial fruit ripening agents is becoming much prevalent, the agents being mostly used for commercial purposes. During winter months ripening of guava is big problem due to low temperature. Ripening in guava fruit is irregular and follows over a prolonged period needing multiple harvests, thus hike in the cost of production. In other words, ripening is the process by which they attain a good flavor, quality, color and other textural properties. The reason for textural fruit changes and the fruit softening is the cell structure. Objectives: Some phytohormones like ethylene are responsible for the fruit ripening. Certain PGRs can modify the perception, content, or action of such phytohormones, possibly fast-tracking fruit ripening process. To enhance ripening different substances are used. The effects of two ripening chemicals, ethephon and potassium sulphate on ripening process, are discussed in this review paper. Application of ethephon at 400-500 ppm on guava fruit on the plant, accelerated ripening. Ethephon generally slightly alter the fruit quality characteristics. Similarly observations were recorded when potassium sulphate is applied as pre harvest application. It has been reported that the foliar application of K2SO4 @ 3% provides encouraging results for quality improvement guava fruit.