Effect of ethylene absorbents on compression injury and quality of Santa Rosa Japanese plum (Prunus salicina) during transportation

摘要

Plum is considered as one of the most important stone fruits of temperate origin. The climatic conditions of India favour the cultivation of Japanese plum (Prunus salicina Lindl.) because it is hardy in nature and thrives well under adverse edaphic and climatic conditions. In India, Japanese plum varieties like Beauty, Santa Rosa and Mariposa are grown commercially under sub-temperate climatic conditions, but Santa Rosa dominates because of its self-fruitfulness, prolific bearing habit and characteristic flavour (Chattopadhyay 2008). After ripening, plum has a limited shelf-life of about 3-4 days only. Although under cold storage conditions, it can be stored for about 18-20 days. In India, plums are usually produced in far-flung areas located in different terrains and at high altitudes, and then transported to plains for marketing. Thus, its shelf-life or market life is further reduced drastically due to rough handling and poor storage conditions. Thus, such an important and valuable fruit remainsin the market for a very limited period, and there is urgent need to extend its availability in the market through proper postharvest management practices.