Postharvest application of methyl jasmonate, 1-methylcyclopropene and salicylic acid extends the cold storage life and maintain the quality of 'Kinnow' mandarin (Citrus nobilis L. X C. deliciosa L.) fruit

The objective of the present investigation was to evaluate the effects of different concentrations of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP; 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 mu L L-1), methyl jasmonate (MeJa; 0.001, 0.002 and 0.003 mu mol L-1) and salicylic acid (SA; 0.001, 0.002 and 0.003 mu mol L-1) on cold storage life and fruit quality of 'Kinnow' mandarin for up to 75 d. Weight loss, spoilage loss, firmness, juice percentage, soluble solids content, titratable acidity, pectin content, total carotenoids and ascorbic acid content, organoleptic sensory attributes, pectin methylesterase and cellulase activity were determined. MeJa (0.001 mu mol L-1), 1-MCP (1.5 mu L L-1) and SA (0.002 mu mol L-1) were the most effective in decreasing the weight loss, spoilage, firmness, juice content, and were retarding the activities of pectin methylesterase and cellulase compared to control. Treated fruit also had higher contents of ascorbic acid, pectin, total carotenoids and sensory attributes for 75 d of cold storage. In conclusion postharvest treatment of 'Kinnow' mandarin with MeJa (0.001 mu mol L-1), 1-MCP (1.5 mu L L-1) fumigation and SA (0.002 mu mol L-1) extended cold storage life and maintained quality.