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Strawberry fruits are highly perishable and susceptible to microbial decay. In this study, influence of atmospheric pressure, postharvest delay in hypobaric treatment, and combined effect of pressure and exposure duration on storage quality of strawberries were evaluated. Treatment at 40 kPa for 4 h without postharvest delay inhibited fungal decay and retained visual quality which contributed to 13% increase in marketable life of strawberries compared with control. Further study revealed that microbial control and storage quality of strawberries treated either at 20 kPa for 2 h or 40 kPa for 4 h were statistically comparable. After 12 days, strawberries treated at 20 kPa for 2 h had 14.3% higher radical scavenging activity, 13.9% higher phenolic contents and 17.7% higher ascorbic acid than control fruits. Thus, pre‐storage treatment at 20 kPa for 2 h without postharvest delay effectively retained fruit quality and extended storage life of strawberries for 6 more days compared with control. Novelty impact statement: Hypobaric treatment is a potential non‐chemical technique used to disinfect and extend storage life of strawberries. Results showed that hypobaric treatment at 20 kPa for 2 h without any postharvest delay can be adopted to disinfect strawberries from microbial infection and to extend marketable life. These findings may help in developing commercial hypobaric technology for perishable and decay‐susceptible fruits and vegetables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Peelu (Salvadora oleoides Decne.) fruit is well known for its nutritional and medicinal values. The current study analyzed the chemical composition of Salvadora oleoides fruit. Fresh Peelu fruits were harvested, and physicochemical properties, proximate composition, macro- and micronutrients, and phytochemical properties were determined. Moreover, ethanol and methanol fruit extract was analyzed for physicochemical properties. The Peelu fruit seemed to be a potential source of essential macro- ((nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg)) and micronutrients (zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), and copper (Cu)). The fruit had significant biochemical properties (total soluble solids (TSS), total acidity (TA), and TSS : TA ratio) with appreciable moisture, crude fiber, and ash contents. The fruit extracts demonstrated significantly higher antioxidants and phenolics, ascorbic acid contents, and carotenoids. Phytochemical screening of fruit revealed the presence of coumarins, flavonoids, phlobatannins, tannins, and terpenoids. Physicochemical and sensory evaluation of extracts indicated its potential for further in vivo study trials. The Peelu fruit was found to be a good source of mineral nutrients, proximate contents, vitamins (ascorbic acid and carotenoid), phytochemicals (total phenolic sand antioxidant contents), and pharmaceutically important metabolites that can be used as functional drink. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Citrus holds the position of top ranked fruit crop of Pakistan in terms of area and production. 'Kinnow' (Citrus reticulata Blanco) is considered as the trademark of Pakistan's citriculture industry and occupies the share of 95% out of total citrus production in Pakistan. But there is an alarming problem of single rootstock culture. Rough lemon (Citrus jambhiri Lush.) has monopolized the citrus industry in Punjab province. Rough lemon is susceptible to phytophthora and waterlogging. There is an absolute need for substitute rootstock for higher yield and improved fruit quality of Kinnow. A rootstock scion interaction research trial was conducted during 2017 to 2019. Kinnow was grafted on eight rootstocks, i.e. Cox mandarin, Fraser hybrid, Troyer citrange, Cleopatra mandarin, Poncirus trifoliata, Benton, C-35 and Carrizo citrange. Experiment was laid out according to Randomized complete block design (RCBD). Each rootstock was considered as single treatment and replicated thrice. Performance of six year old Kinnow trees grafted on different rootstocks was evaluated on the basis of physicochemical quality attributes of fruits. Data was taken for two consecutive years and average was calculated. Results revealed that rootstocks had a significant role in manipulating the morphological and biochemical quality attributes of Kinnow fruits. Kinnow fruits from the trees grafted on Poncirus trifoliata rootstock showed the maximum fruit diameter (84.03 mm), peel weight (28.99 g), rag weight (87.68 g) and individual fruit weight (221.85 g). Poor performance of Troyer citrange regarding morphological quality parameters was observed. Total soluble solid (TSS) (13.76 °Brix), Vitamin C (69.38 mg/100 ml) and Total antioxidants (72.32 % inhibition) in Kinnow juice were maximum on Fraser hybrid. Carbohydrate analysis of Kinnow juice by HPLC method revealed that concentration of sucrose, fructose and glucose was highest in Fraser hybrid rootstock. Poor performance of Troyer citrange and C-35 rootstocks was recorded regarding all biochemical parameters of Kinnow. It is concluded that physicochemical quality of Kinnow is manipulated by different rootstocks. Poncirus trifoliata and Fraser hybrid rootstocks can be used as alternate rootstocks for citrus industry of Pakistan to substitute the traditional rootstocks like rough lemon and sour orange. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) increases the postharvest life of fresh fruits by suppressing metabolic activities with modified in-package atmosphere. This study was aimed to explore the potential benefits of MAP technology combined with low temperature storage in mango cv. 'Samar Bahisht Chaunsa' to extend its shelf life. Physiologically mature mangoes after harvest were de-sapped (0.5% lime solution), dipped in hot water (52±2°C for 5 min) fungicidal (0.5 mL Prochloraz L-1) solution, packed in 5kg cardboard boxes (T1; Biofresh®, T2; Xtend®, T3; Unbagged) and stored at 13°C±1, RH: 85-90% for 7, 14, 21, 28 and 35 days. Following cold storage, fruit were subjected to two different ripening temperatures (32 and 24°C) with a 24 h 100 ppm ethylene treatment. Data related to physical, physiological, biochemical, organoleptic and marketable attributes was collected. Among MAP bags, the desirable atmosphere comprising high CO2 and low O2 concentration was observed in Biofresh® bags. Tolerance of mangoes under elevated CO2 atmospheres and chilling injury (CI) decreased when storage period exceeded more than 14 days with onset of discolouration issues. Overall, bagged fruit had minimum weight loss, CI intensity, shriveling and remained firmer in comparison to control. Maximum peel colour development was observed in fruit stored up to 14 days in Biofresh® bags when ripened at high temperature (32±1°C). Whereas, fruit kept in Xtend® bags and those without MAP only developed acceptable peel colour up to 7 days of cold storage. Fruit kept in Xtend® bags exhibited minimum ethylene levels (ppm) and endured the least loss in weight and firmness but remained mostly green. Bagged fruit had a higher vitamin C content and lower TA in comparison to unbagged fruits. In conclusion, 'Samar Bahisht Chaunsa' stored at 13°C in Biofresh® bag showed better visual appearance, palatability and nutritive values as compared to Xtend® bag and those without MAP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

‘Kinnow’ mandarin ( Citrus nobilis L. × Citrus deliciosa T.) is the most important commercial citrus cultivar grown in Pakistan. Poor nutrient management practices in citrus orchards had significantly reduced its yield and fruit quality. Recent reports of Moringa olifera as a promising growth enhancer showed its potential for application in agriculture sector. Moringa leaf extract (MLE) is enriched with phytohormones, phenolics and minerals. Hence, present study was conducted to evaluate efficacy of MLE alone or in combination with zinc (Zn) (as ZnSO 4 ) and potassium (K) (as K 2 SO 4 ) on ‘Kinnow’ mandarin during two consecutive years (2013–2015). In first experiment, trees were sprayed with 3% MLE, 0.6% ZnSO 4 and 0.25% K 2 SO 4 alone and in combination with 3% MLE at fruit set stage (year-I); whilst, in second experiment trees were sprayed with 3% MLE at pre-mature stage and 3% MLE, 0.6% ZnSO 4 and 0.25% K 2 SO 4 at fruit set stage (year-II). Data were collected regarding leaf nutrient and ascorbic acid contents, yield and fruit quality. Leaf nitrogen (N), phosphorous (P), K, calcium (Ca), manganese (Mn) and Zn were significantly increased with all treatments in both experiments. Combined application of MLE, K and Zn at fruit set stage in both experiments resulted in significantly lower fruit drop and higher fruit set, yield, fruit weight, juice weight, soluble solid contents (SSC), vitamin C, sugars, total antioxidants and total phenolic contents. Activities of SOD and CAT enzymes in fruit juice were significantly increased with 3% MLE application in both experiments. Conclusively, combined foliar application of 3% MLE, 0.6% ZnSO 4 and 0.25% K 2 SO 4 at fruit set stage can be used effectively to improve leaf nutrient status, fruit yield and quality of ‘Kinnow’ mandarin trees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Aloe vera [ALV (50%)] coating delayed browning of litchi fruit at 20 ± 1 °C conditions. • ALV reduced fruit weight loss, relative electrolyte leakage and lipid peroxidation. • ALV reduced pro-oxidant enzymes activity and oxidative stress with higher anthocyanins. • ALV treatment showed higher biochemical quality and antioxidant enzymes activities. • ALV is suitable for delaying postharvest browning and maintaining quality of litchi. Postharvest surface browning is the leading constraint for extension of shelf life and marketing of litchi fruit. In the present work, litchi fruit were treated with Aloe vera (ALV) gel coating [50% (v/v)] and kept at 20 ± 1 °C for 8 d to investigate its effect on browning and postharvest quality. ALV gel coated fruit showed reduced browning index, weight loss, superoxide anion, relative electrolyte leakage, hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde content, compared to control. ALV coated fruit had higher total anthocyanin content and reduced peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase activities. ALV treatment had higher ascorbic acid content and total phenolic concentration, compared to control. In addition, ALV coated fruit maintained higher catalase, superoxide dismutase and ascorbate peroxidase activities along with higher total soluble solids and titratable acidity, than control. In conclusion, ALV gel coating could be considered an ecofriendly non-chemical alternative treatment for postharvest quality management of litchi fruit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Fruit nutritional quality was significantly affected by genotype and harvest maturity. • Chinese long genotype exhibited better fruit quality than others. • Fruit harvested at fully ripe stage had maximum nutritional benefits than semi ripe. Higher water content and delicate fruit texture of mulberry limit its postharvest shelf-life with poor eating quality. Therefore, the current study was planned to evaluate fruit quality characteristics of four mulberry genotypes ("Black short", "Black long", "Chinese white" and "Chinese long") harvested at two maturity stages (Semi ripe and ripe). Among different genotypes, the fruit of Chinese long exhibited significantly higher fruit length, fruit weight, number of drupelets, juice weight, total soluble solids (TSS), ascorbic acid, moisture and ash content. The maximum ripening index (TSS/TA), juice pH, antioxidant scavenging activity (ASA) and catalase (CAT) were found in Chinese white. However, Black short showed the higher value of fruit diameter, dry matter, titratable acidity (TA), total phenolic contents (TPC), protein, carbohydrates and peroxidase activity (POD). The highest superoxide dismutase activity (SOD) was observed in "Black long". As the maturity advanced, fruit diameter, fruit weight, juice weight, TSS, TSS/TA, TA, ascorbic acid, ASA, TPC, moisture and fat content showed an increasing trend from Semi ripe to Full ripe stage while dry matter, pH, ash, protein, carbohydrates, and activities of antioxidative enzymes (POD, SOD, and CAT) showed the reverse trend. In conclusion, Chinese long genotype at a fully ripe stage exhibited the best fruit quality attributes with higher nutritional values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]