Influence of Zinc on Pre and Postharvest Quality of Plum
Influence of Zinc on Pre and Postharvest Quality of Plum
Mohammad Wasiullah Khan* and Abdur Rab
ABSTRACT
Pre-harvest application of zinc sulphate enhanced growth and promotes post-harvest quality of fruits during storage. Plum fruit exhibits climacteric behavior and its quality characteristics depending on the harvest stage. The present research study entitles “Influence of zinc on pre and postharvest quality of plum” was conducted at Horticulture Research Farm and postharvest laboratory Department of Horticulture, The University of Agriculture Peshawar. Plum fruits are perishable and cannot be stored for long periods. Plum fruit exhibits climacteric behavior and its quality characteristics depending on the harvest stage. The effect of all experimental treatments result was significant for all studied growth attributes when compared with control. Zn at the rate of 1.1 kg ha-1applied 15 days after fruit set increased leaf protein content (6.53 %), the total number of fruits plant-1 (916). Among application stages, Zn sprayed 15 days after fruit set increased leaf protein content (6.70 %), total number of fruits plant-1 (932). Various attributes studied for storage duration of plum fruit were significantly affected by zinc concentration less weight loss (11.91%), TSS (13.76 ºBrix) were recorded with fruit plant sprayed with zinc sulphate @ 1.1 kg ha-1. The result for various zinc application stages less weight loss (12.75%), TSS (14.18 ºBrix) were recorded with fruit plant sprayed 15 days after fruit set. Storage duration means showed lowest TSS (8.99 ºBrix) respectively. It is concluded that plum tree could be sprayed with 1.1 kg ha-1 zinc sulfate 15 days of fruit set to improve better yield and prolong the shelf life of plums up to 30 days under low temperature (10±2 ºC and RH 80-90%).
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