THE ROLE OF ACETYLSALICYLIC ACID IN DELAYING POSTHARVEST RIPENING AND INCREASING SHELF LIFE OF SUGAR APPLE (Annona squamosa L.) FRUITS

Ripening of sugar apple fruit can exhibit a high respiration rate and a high acidity that can increase the deterioration process. Sugar apple (Annonasquamosa) also called custard apple is rich in many vitamins and minerals such as protein, zinc and potassium; also folic acid which is an important vitamin for pregnant and lactating women. It has also composed of numerous other health benefits such as dermatological benefits, asthma prevention, control cholesterol, and healthy bones. This study was planned to investigate the role of aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) treatment in improving post-harvest quality, shelf life, sugar and antioxidant (as carotenoid) content of sugar apple fruit. The experiment was laid in completely randomized design (CRD) in two replications. Quantitative data were collected for weight loss (33.95 & 21.26) vitamin C (ascorbic acid)(16.19a&10.54b),(total chlorophyll(0.16a&0.05b) and carotenoid contents(3.02 & 1.67) total treatable acidity (6.70 & 3.02)and reducing sugars(11.70 & 5.79).highest & lowest value respectively The result indicated that there were significant differences between control and acetylsalicylic acid treated sugar apple fruit samples for all the studied parameters. Quantitative analysis of organoleptic properties of the fruit has shown that the overall increase in reducing sugars and carotenoid contents while chlorophyll, total acidity, vitamin C and weight loss decrease during post-harvest ripening of sugar apple fruit. Further studies are required on the effect of storage conditions, cultivar differences and environments on fruit quality parameters.