Effect of preharvest application of calcium nitrate, Topsin-M and Bayleton on postharvest life of aonla (Emblica officinalis Gaertn.) fruit.

Abstract: The effects of preharvest spraying of 1% calcium nitrate, 0.1% Topsin-M and 0.1% Bayleton, alone or in combination on aonla (Emblica officinalis [Phyllanthus emblica]) cv. NA-6 were determined. The treatments were sprayed 10 and 20 days before harvest. Treatment with 1% calcium + 0.1% Bayleton resulted in increased total soluble solids (8.4%), total sugars (6.93%) and total phenol (13.3%), and reduced levels of losses in acidity (8.8%), ascorbic acid (22.32%) and reducing sugars (12.8%). The treatment also prolonged the shelf-life of fruits up to 20 days compared to 10 days in control. Thus, this treatment doubled the shelf-life of aonla fruit in storage at ambient temperatures.