Effect of pre-harvest spray of calcium chloride and calcium nitrate on shelf life of aonla (Phyllanthus emblica L.) cv. NA-7

Abstract

The studies on shelf life of aonla was conducted at Research Farm and Laboratory Horticulture, Regional Research Station, Bawal. The selected plants were sprayed with calcium nitrate and calcium chloride @ 1.0 and 1.5 % at 10 and 20 days before harvest. After harvesting uniform fruit from different treatments were stored at room temperature. The fruit were analyzed for PLW, decay loss, TSS, titratable acidity and ascorbic acid during storage period. Lowest PLW and decay loss was recorded in the fruit sprayed with calcium nitrate @ 1.5% before 20 days of harvest. TSS increased up to 6th day of storage, while titratable acidity and ascorbic acid decreased continuously during storage. Highest TSS, lowest titratable acidity and maximum ascorbic acid content was recorded in fruit of calcium nitrate sprayed (1.5%) plants at 20 days of storage however, lowest B: C ratio was observed in control.