THE ROLE OF ACETYLSALICYLIC ACID IN DELAYING POSTHARVEST RIPENING OF APPLE (Malus domestica Borkh.)FRUIT

Apples are the natural source of dietary mineral salts, vitamins, antioxidants, fiber, organic acids and sugars. Reduction of post-harvest losses and quality deterioration are essential in increasing food availability from the existing production. Minimizing this loss has a great significance for food security, economic growth and welfare of the society. This study was planned to investigate the role of asprin (acetylsalicylic acid) treatment in improving post harvest quality, shelf life, sugar and antioxidant (as carotenoid) content of apple fruit. The experiment was laid in completely randomized design (CRD) in two replications. Quantitative data were collected for weight loss, vitamin C(ascorbic acid), total chlorophyll and carotenoid contents, total titratable acidity and reducing sugars. The result indicated that there were significant differences between control and acetylsalicylic acid treated apple fruit samples for all the studied parameters. Quantitative phytochemical analysis in the fruit has shown that the overall increase Inreducing sugars, total acidity and carotenoid contents while chlorophyll, vitamin C and weight loss decrease during post harvest ripening of apple fruit. Further studies are required on the effect of storage conditions, cultivar differences and environments on fruit quality parameters.