ISHS Acta Horticulturae 712: IV International Conference on Managing Quality in Chains - The Integrated View on Fruits and Vegetables Quality
BER (ZIZIPHUS) FRUITS: APPLE OF ARID REGIONS OF INDIAN THAR DESERT |
| Authors: | N. Sankhla, H.S. Gehlot, T.D. Davis, W.A. Mackay, P. Agarwal, R. Choudhary, S. Joshi |
| Keywords: | ethylene, fruit ripening, gibberellic acid, 1-methylcyclopropene, post harvest |
| Abstract:
In Indian Thar desert, Ziziphus species (Z. nummularia, Z. rotundifolia, Z. mauritiana), besides their multi-purpose uses, constitutes an important source of low cost, nutritious fresh edible fruits. Some of the newly introduced cultivars (e.g., Seb, Gola), obtained by budding Z. mauritiana scions on drought hardy root-stocks of native Z. rotundifolia, produce big plum sized fruits which are much richer than apple in their mineral and vitamin C content. Depending on cultivar, fruits are harvested at mature-green and mature-golden yellow stages when they exhibit the best organoleptic qualities. Fully ripe fruits often become red or dark brown and loose their firm, crisp and juicy texture. There is a notable lack of information on regulation and improvement of post harvest ripening, maintenance of quality and shelf life of fruits of newly introduced cultivars. This study was initiated to gain an insight into the effect of CEPA, 1-MCP and gibberellic acid (GA) on post harvest ripening, quality and shelf life of Ziziphus fruits. CEPA promoted ripening, while 1-MCP reduced post harvest fruit softening, inhibited development of brown colour and extended shelf life. GA also delayed fruit ripening, fruit firmness and vitamin C content. In combination, GA and 1-MCP, exhibited additive effects on fruit firmness and other quality parameters. For a sustained environmental and socio-economic impact in the Indian arid region, scientific management of ber production is deemed necessary. | |
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