EFFECT OF SALICYLIC ACID AND POTASSIUM METABISULFITE ON POSTHARVEST QUALITY OF PLUM CV. QADRI

Abstract

The study was conducted on Qadri cultivar plum fruits taken randomly at maturity stage from 14 year old trees planted at Barzinja, Sulaimani-Iraqi Kurdistan region on 10 September, 2014. Homogeneous fruits were selected and divided into three equal parts. The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of (0, 3, and 6 mmols.l-1) salicylic acid and (0, 0.5, 1, 1.5, and 2 %) potassium metabisulfite on some fruit properties stored in a cold room at 2 ±1°C and 90 % relative humidity for 60 days. A factorial experiment within Completely Randomized Design was used with three replicates. The results indicate that 6 mmols.l-1 salicylic acid increased significantly titratable acidity, hardness, and moisture content, while water loss, anthocyanin, and total phenols were reduced. On the other hand, 2% potassium metabisulfite caused increases in total soluble solids, titratable acidity, hardness, water loss, and total phenol, whereas moisture content and anthocyanin were decreased in fruits.