Babak Madani1, Amin Mirshekari2, Elhadi Yahia3. 1. University Putra Malaysia, Crop Science, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia. 2. Department of Agronomy and Plant Breeding, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Yasouj, Yasouj, Iran. 3. University of Queretaro, Facultad de Ciencias Naturals, Avenida de las Ciencias s/n Juriquilla, Queretaro, Queretaro, Mexico.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: There have been no reports on the effects of preharvest calcium application on anthracnose disease severity, antioxidant activity and cellular changes during ambient storage of papaya, and therefore the objective of this study was to investigate these effects. RESULTS: Higher calcium concentrations (1.5 and 2% w/v) increased calcium concentration in the peel and pulp tissues, maintained firmness, and reduced anthracnose incidence and severity. While leakage of calcium-treated fruit was lower for 1.5 and 2% calcium treatments compared to the control, microscopic results confirmed that pulp cell wall thickness was higher after 6 days in storage, for the 2% calcium treatment compared to the control. Calcium-treated fruit also had higher total antioxidant activity and total phenolic compounds during storage. CONCLUSION: Calcium chloride, especially at higher concentrations, is effective in maintaining papaya fruit quality during ambient storage.
BACKGROUND: There have been no reports on the effects of preharvest calcium application on anthracnose disease severity, antioxidant activity and cellular changes during ambient storage of papaya, and therefore the objective of this study was to investigate these effects. RESULTS: Higher calcium concentrations (1.5 and 2% w/v) increased calcium concentration in the peel and pulp tissues, maintained firmness, and reduced anthracnose incidence and severity. While leakage of calcium-treated fruit was lower for 1.5 and 2% calcium treatments compared to the control, microscopic results confirmed that pulp cell wall thickness was higher after 6 days in storage, for the 2% calcium treatment compared to the control. Calcium-treated fruit also had higher total antioxidant activity and total phenolic compounds during storage. CONCLUSION:Calcium chloride, especially at higher concentrations, is effective in maintaining papaya fruit quality during ambient storage.