ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Changes in apple fruit quality indices in response to foliar spray with 24-epibrassinolide (EBL) at 0 and 1 µmol L-1 and methyl jasmonate (MeJA) at 0 and 0.5 µmol L-1 , as well as the combination of these phytohormones, were investigated at harvest and during cold storage. RESULTS: Both phytohormones synergistically enhanced the fruit firmness, specific weight, size, fresh weight, water content, total antioxidant activity, total phenolics, ascorbic acid, total anthocyanins, total soluble solids/titratable acidity ratio and precocity. In addition, the fruit abscission pattern was changed in response to different treatments. Treated fruit exhibited lower weight loss and internal breakdown symptoms and higher total soluble solids index, firmness and phytochemicals during cold storage. A negative correlation was seen between fruit mass, firmness, specific weight, antioxidant activity, total phenolics and vitamin C content with internal breakdown occurrence and weight loss. CONCLUSION: Foliar spray with EBL and MeJA during the growth season is a good environmental friendly and safe method for enhancing the apple fruit different quality parameters, marketability and postharvest life. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
