EFFECT OF PRE-HARVEST SPRAYS OF CALCIUM NITRATE ON RESPIRATION AND QUALITY OF FLORDASUN PEACH DURING LOW TEMPERATURE STORAGE

摘要

Pre-harvest treatment of Flordasun peach with 0.5 per cent calcium nitrate at different stages starting from leaf fall to 15 days prior to fruit maturity in various combinations with objective to study the effect of calcium nitrate on storage behaviour of peach fruits at low temperature. This resulted in decreased respiration rate as comparison to control. Fruit quality was also significantly influenced and comparatively higher content of ascorbic acid, high value oforganoleptic score and lower content of total sugars were noticed. Respiration rate as well as fruit quality parameters were also significantly correlated with storage period and with interaction between treatment and storage period.