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Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica Lindl.) fruit is a rich source of carotenoids, flavonoids, phenolics, sugars, and organic acids. Although it is classified as a non-climacteric fruit, susceptibility to mechanical and physical bruising causes its rapid deterioration by moisture loss and postharvest decay caused by pathogens. Anthracnose, canker, and purple spot are the most prevalent postharvest diseases of loquat fruit. Cold storage has been used for quality management of loquat fruit, but the susceptibility of some cultivars to chilling injury (CI) consequently leads to browning and other disorders. Various techniques, including cold storage, controlled atmosphere storage, hypobaric storage, modified atmosphere packaging, low-temperature conditioning, heat treatment, edible coatings, and postharvest chemical application, have been tested to extend shelf life, mitigate chilling injury, and quality preservation. This review comprehensively focuses on the recent advances in the postharvest physiology and technology of loquat fruit, such as harvest maturity, fruit ripening physiology, postharvest storage techniques, and physiological disorders and diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Strawberry fruits are highly perishable and susceptible to microbial decay. In this study, influence of atmospheric pressure, postharvest delay in hypobaric treatment, and combined effect of pressure and exposure duration on storage quality of strawberries were evaluated. Treatment at 40 kPa for 4 h without postharvest delay inhibited fungal decay and retained visual quality which contributed to 13% increase in marketable life of strawberries compared with control. Further study revealed that microbial control and storage quality of strawberries treated either at 20 kPa for 2 h or 40 kPa for 4 h were statistically comparable. After 12 days, strawberries treated at 20 kPa for 2 h had 14.3% higher radical scavenging activity, 13.9% higher phenolic contents and 17.7% higher ascorbic acid than control fruits. Thus, pre‐storage treatment at 20 kPa for 2 h without postharvest delay effectively retained fruit quality and extended storage life of strawberries for 6 more days compared with control. Novelty impact statement: Hypobaric treatment is a potential non‐chemical technique used to disinfect and extend storage life of strawberries. Results showed that hypobaric treatment at 20 kPa for 2 h without any postharvest delay can be adopted to disinfect strawberries from microbial infection and to extend marketable life. These findings may help in developing commercial hypobaric technology for perishable and decay‐susceptible fruits and vegetables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Peelu (Salvadora oleoides Decne.) fruit is well known for its nutritional and medicinal values. The current study analyzed the chemical composition of Salvadora oleoides fruit. Fresh Peelu fruits were harvested, and physicochemical properties, proximate composition, macro- and micronutrients, and phytochemical properties were determined. Moreover, ethanol and methanol fruit extract was analyzed for physicochemical properties. The Peelu fruit seemed to be a potential source of essential macro- ((nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg)) and micronutrients (zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), and copper (Cu)). The fruit had significant biochemical properties (total soluble solids (TSS), total acidity (TA), and TSS : TA ratio) with appreciable moisture, crude fiber, and ash contents. The fruit extracts demonstrated significantly higher antioxidants and phenolics, ascorbic acid contents, and carotenoids. Phytochemical screening of fruit revealed the presence of coumarins, flavonoids, phlobatannins, tannins, and terpenoids. Physicochemical and sensory evaluation of extracts indicated its potential for further in vivo study trials. The Peelu fruit was found to be a good source of mineral nutrients, proximate contents, vitamins (ascorbic acid and carotenoid), phytochemicals (total phenolic sand antioxidant contents), and pharmaceutically important metabolites that can be used as functional drink. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Foliar application of mineral nutrients, proteins, and plant growth regulators is frequently practiced on strawberries for better yield and extended harvest period. Here, we evaluated the influence of 24-epibrassinolide, a brassinosteroid, on strawberry plant growth, yield, and fruit quality. Healthy strawberry plants were foliar sprayed with 1, 2 and 3 µM 24-epibrassinolide after 100, 115, and 130 days of runner transplantation. Foliar application of 24-epibrassinolide enhanced specific leaf area and root-to-shoot ratio in concentration-dependent manner. Though, root weight ratio and leaf area ratio were also positively influenced with 24-epibrassinolide applications, but plants treated with 2 µM 24-epibrassinolide exhibited maximum response. Overall, better vegetative growth of plants exogenously treated with 3 µM 24-epibrassinolide led to threefold increase in flowering and better fruit harvest index than control plants. Principal component analysis was further employed to delineate concentration-dependent effects of 24-epibrassinolide. Though, foliar application of 1 µM 24-epibrassinolide was positively correlated with fruit pH and 2 µM 24-epibrassinolide application had a promotive impact on leaf area, plant dry weight, and fruit sugars but foliar spray of 3 µM 24-epibrassinolide was most influential in inducing plant vegetative growth (leaf area ratio, specific leaf area, root-to-shoot ratio, root weight ratio and shoot weight ratio), yield (flowers and fruits per plant and harvest index), and quality attributes (sugar–acid ratio, ascorbic acid, and organoleptic characteristics) of strawberry fruits. Conclusively, results suggest that foliar application of 3 µM 24-epibrassinolide favours vegetative growth, enhances yield and improves quality of strawberry fruit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Citrus holds the key position in horticulture sector of Pakistan in terms of area and production. Kinnow is considered as the trademark of Pakistan's citriculture industry. Cultivation experiment was conducted to evaluate the endogenous plant hormones, leaf gas exchange, photosynthetic pigments, vegetative performance, and yield of Kinnow mandarin grafted on nine rootstocks (Rough lemon, cox mandarin, Fraser hybrid, Troyer citrange, Cleopatra mandarin, Poncirus trifoliata, Benton, C-35, and Carrizo citrange). Maximum indole acetic acid (IAA), gibberellic acid (GA3), and zeatin (ZT) levels were recorded in scion and rootstock of Poncirus trifoliata followed by Fraser hybrid. Troyer citrange rootstock depicted maximum amount of abscisic acid in scion and rootstock. Maximum leaf gas exchange in Kinnow mandarin was recorded on Fraser hybrid rootstock. Kinnow grafted on Troyer citrange rootstock had minimum stomatal conductance and photosynthetic activity because of high ABA level. Photosynthetic pigments of Kinnow mandarin were maximum on Poncirus trifoliata and minimum on Troyer citrange. A positive correlation was observed among the levels of IAA, GA, ZT, and vegetative growth of Kinnow mandarin. It is concluded that endogenous hormones modulated the growth of Kinnow mandarin. Poncirus trifoliata and Fraser hybrid rootstocks could be an alternate rootstocks of traditional Rough lemon for Kinnow mandarin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Guava being highly chilling sensitive fruit exhibits limited storability. In two separate studies, guava cv. Sandhuri fruit treated with L‐arginine (0, 1, 2, or 3 mM) were kept at either 10 ± 1°C with 90 ± 5% RH (Study‐1) and 5 ± 1°C with 90 ± 5% RH (Study‐2). Results indicated that application of 1 mM arginine was effective for maintaining higher firmness (16.17 N), total soluble solids (4.9°Brix), carotenoids (3.01 mg 100 ml−1 FW) at 10°C. However, no signs of chilling injury (CI) were observed in guava when stored at 10°C. During study‐2, application of 1 mM arginine to guava fruit significantly retained higher fruit firmness (29 N), marketability (58.3%), anthocyanins (0.13 ∆A g−1 FW), phenolic contents (647 mg GAE 100 g−1 FW) with reduced CI during storage at 5°C than control. Conclusively, the application of 1 mM arginine enhanced chilling tolerance and maintained the quality of guava fruit kept at 5°C for 24 days. Practical applications: The major constraint of guava industry is short postharvest life which limits long‐term storage and distant marketing. Cold storage of guava at low temperature causes chilling injury and reduces fruit quality. Present work identified that pre‐storage application of L‐arginine (1 mM) helpful for mitigating chilling injury and maintaining fruit quality at low storage temperature (5°C). The technology can be implemented in the guava industry for long storage and transport to distant markets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effect of low temperature and low oxygen concentration on biochemical attributes, antioxidant enzyme activities, phenolics profile and expression of phenylpropanoid pathway-related genes was investigated in crabapple (Malus profusion) fruit. Crabapple fruit were kept at room temperature (RT, 20 ± 2 °C and 25 ± 2 °C alternatively at 12 h cycle) or low temperature (LT, 10 ± 2 °C and 25 ± 2 °C alternatively at 12 h cycle) and supplemented with either normal oxygen (21%) or low oxygen levels (5%) for 9 days. Results revealed higher concentrations of soluble solids, titratable acids, and ascorbic acid in fruit stored at LT + 5% O2. Likewise, total phenolics, peroxidase activity, and 2,2´-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)-radical scavenging activity were observed to be significantly higher in fruit stored at low temperature (LT + 5% O2 > LT + 21% O2), followed by those stored at room temperature (RT + 5% O2 > RT + 21% O2). In contrast, H2O2 and malondialdehyde contents were significantly enhanced in fruit stored at room temperature (RT + 21% O2 and RT + 5% O2), whereas fruit stored at low temperature showed minimum inhibition in superoxide dismutase, catalase and ascorbate peroxidase activities. In addition, low temperature induced biosynthesis of phenolic acids, whereas no considerable changes were observed in flavanols and dihydrochalcones during storage. Low temperature and oxygen conditions (LT + 5% O2) significantly enhanced the biosynthesis of flavonols (glycosylated quercetin derivatives) and cyanidin 3-galactoside, compared to LT + 21% O2, RT + 5% O2 and RT + 21% O2 conditions. In addition, low temperature also up-regulated the expression of MpFLS and MpUFGT in fruit tissues. Moreover, correlation analysis suggested positive association of antioxidant capacity with the biosynthesis of flavonols and anthocyanins in fruit stored at LT + 5% O2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Citrus holds the position of top ranked fruit crop of Pakistan in terms of area and production. 'Kinnow' (Citrus reticulata Blanco) is considered as the trademark of Pakistan's citriculture industry and occupies the share of 95% out of total citrus production in Pakistan. But there is an alarming problem of single rootstock culture. Rough lemon (Citrus jambhiri Lush.) has monopolized the citrus industry in Punjab province. Rough lemon is susceptible to phytophthora and waterlogging. There is an absolute need for substitute rootstock for higher yield and improved fruit quality of Kinnow. A rootstock scion interaction research trial was conducted during 2017 to 2019. Kinnow was grafted on eight rootstocks, i.e. Cox mandarin, Fraser hybrid, Troyer citrange, Cleopatra mandarin, Poncirus trifoliata, Benton, C-35 and Carrizo citrange. Experiment was laid out according to Randomized complete block design (RCBD). Each rootstock was considered as single treatment and replicated thrice. Performance of six year old Kinnow trees grafted on different rootstocks was evaluated on the basis of physicochemical quality attributes of fruits. Data was taken for two consecutive years and average was calculated. Results revealed that rootstocks had a significant role in manipulating the morphological and biochemical quality attributes of Kinnow fruits. Kinnow fruits from the trees grafted on Poncirus trifoliata rootstock showed the maximum fruit diameter (84.03 mm), peel weight (28.99 g), rag weight (87.68 g) and individual fruit weight (221.85 g). Poor performance of Troyer citrange regarding morphological quality parameters was observed. Total soluble solid (TSS) (13.76 °Brix), Vitamin C (69.38 mg/100 ml) and Total antioxidants (72.32 % inhibition) in Kinnow juice were maximum on Fraser hybrid. Carbohydrate analysis of Kinnow juice by HPLC method revealed that concentration of sucrose, fructose and glucose was highest in Fraser hybrid rootstock. Poor performance of Troyer citrange and C-35 rootstocks was recorded regarding all biochemical parameters of Kinnow. It is concluded that physicochemical quality of Kinnow is manipulated by different rootstocks. Poncirus trifoliata and Fraser hybrid rootstocks can be used as alternate rootstocks for citrus industry of Pakistan to substitute the traditional rootstocks like rough lemon and sour orange. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present studies were conducted to investigate the effects of different concentration of neem leaf extract (NLE) (control, 10%, 20% and 30%) on physiological, biochemical, antioxidant properties, and fruit quality attributes of Shamber grapefruit during cold storage at 10 °C up to 43 days. Weight loss, peel weight, juice weight, rag weight, ascorbic acid, total sugars (TS), reducing sugars (RS), non-reducing sugars (NRS), total soluble solids (TSS), titratable acidity (TA), TSS/TA ratio and enzyme activities such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD) and catalase (CAT) were determined. NLE treatments showed significant effect on postharvest quality attributes of Shamber grapefruit. NLE-treated grapefruit (30%) reduced the weight loss (16%), and retained maximum peel weight (9.02%), juice weight (25.56%) and rag weight (19.21%) than untreated control fruit. Moreover, high level of ascorbic acid, TSS, TA, and lower level of TS, RS and NRS were observed in NLE (30%) treated fruits. Enzymatic activities of SOD, POD and CAT of stored grapefruit were highly significant in NLE (30%) treated grapefruit during storage period compared to control. In conclusion, pre-storage NLE (30%) application was the most effective in maintaining various physiochemical properties such as weight loss, ascorbic acid, TS, RS, NRS, TSS, TA, TSS:TA ratio and increasing the antioxidative responses (SOD, POD and CAT) up to 43 days by extending the shelf life of Shamber grapefruit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fruit fly infestation is the major concern in commercial guava production globally, which limits its marketing opportunities, especially export to high end markets. Vapour heat treatment (VHT) technology is used for quarantine purposes in various tropical fruits for export, however, detailed information is lacking on its impacts on fruit quality and shelf life of guava. In current studies, the effect of VHT was evaluated on two commercial guava cultivars (Gola' and 'Surahi) of Pakistan. Mature green guava fruits were subjected to VHT at a commercial certified facility, maintaining core pulp temperature of 47.5 °C for 0, 12 and 25 min, followed by keeping fruit at ambient conditions (28 ± 2 °C) for six days. The fruits treated with VHT maintaining core temp of 47.5 °C for 25 min displayed higher marketability index, cosmetic quality, firmness and pulp color with lower disease incidence, ion leakage, and weight loss during ambient storage conditions. Soluble solid contents (SSC), sugar acid ratio, ascorbic acid contents and total phenolic contents were also higher with better eating quality in fruits treated with VHT-25 min, compared with VHT-12 min, and untreated control. However, total antioxidants (% DPPH inhibition activity) and titratable acidity of fruits were not affected by VHT duration. Conclusively, VHT (47.5 °C for 25 min) could be employed as eco-friendly and safe quarantine treatment for both guava cultivars, with maintained physical, biochemical and eating quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inappropriate use of pesticides and unhygienic supply chains contaminate fresh fruit and vegetables with health-hazardous micro-organisms and chemical residues. Here, combined efficacy of aqueous ozone and ultrasound to disinfect and decontaminate strawberry fruits from food-borne microbial pathogen and pesticide residues was evaluated. Strawberry fruits were exposed to either ozone (flow rate ≥ 3.3 mg min−1 for 125 g strawberry L−1 water) or ultrasound (40 kHz at 100 W) for 3, 6 and 9 min. Treatment of strawberry fruits with either ozone or ultrasound for 3 min effectively reduced bacterial survival by 44-fold and 17-fold, respectively, compared to control. Then, strawberry fruits were simultaneously treated with both ozone and ultrasound for 1, 2 or 3 min and stored at 2 ± 0.5 °C and 95% relative humidity for 12 days. Ozone and ultrasound treatment for 3 min was most effective in reducing bacterial survival (98%) and residues of various pesticides (98–99%) compared to control. Strawberry fruits treated with ozone and ultrasound for 3 min exhibited delay in fungal decay by 4 days and 4% reduction in weight loss during cold storage for 12 days. Also, gradual decline in total soluble solids, titratable acidity, pH, ascorbic acid and anthocyanins in cold-stored strawberry fruits was also hindered. Ozone and ultrasound treatment for 3 min also restrained 62% higher catalase, 52% higher peroxidase, and 70% higher superoxide dismutase in strawberry tissues compared to control after 12 days in cold storage. Thus, combined treatment of ozone and ultrasound for 3 min increased marketable life of strawberry fruits for 6 more days under cold storage conditions. Overall, results revealed a positive effect of ozone and ultrasound on disinfecting and decontaminating strawberry fruits along with extending their marketable life under cold storage conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of Aloe vera (ALV) coating was studied on chillies at 10 ± 1°C for 28 days. ALV gel-coated chillies showed reduced weight loss, disease incidence, red chili percentage, respiration rate, electrolyte leakage, hydrogen peroxide, and superoxide anion contents. The ALV coating maintained general acceptance in terms of visual quality and marketability index with higher chlorophyll contents, ascorbic acid contents, total phenolic contents, and total antioxidants. In addition, ascorbate peroxidase, catalase, superoxide dismutase, and peroxidase activities were markedly higher in coated chillies compared to control. The biochemical attributes such as soluble solids content, acidity, sugar: acid ratio, and juice pH were non-significantly affected by ALV application; however, the said attributes were comparatively higher in contrast to control. In conclusion, ALV edible coating could be used as an eco-friendly approach for delaying senescence and maintaining the postharvest quality of green chillies up to 28 days. Practical applications: Green chilies being highly perishable exhibit limited postharvest life with rapid loss of water, shrivelling, wilting, disease incidence, and reduced consumer acceptability. ALV gel coating significantly delayed postharvest senescence, reduced disease spread, maintained higher antioxidant activities of green chilies during cold storage. Therefore, ALV coating [50%] would be the suitable alternative to synthetic preservatives for extending the storage life and conserving the quality of green chilies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aloe vera (ALV) with its unique nutritional profile is being used for food, health, and nutraceutical industries globally. Due to its organic nature, ALV gel coating has created lot of interest for exploring its potential in extending the shelf and storage life of fresh produce. ALV gel coating plays imperative role in delaying fruit ripening by lowering ethylene biosynthesis, respiration rate, and internal metabolic activities associated with fruit softening, color development, enzymatic browning, and decay. ALV gel coating reduces the microbial spoilage due to its antifungal properties and maintains visual appearance, firmness, sugar: acid ratio, total antioxidants, and phenolic contents with conserved eating quality. ALV coated fruits and vegetables showed reduced weight loss, superoxide ion (O2-), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), ion leakage, and soluble solids content and exhibited higher acidity, anthocyanins, ascorbic acid, catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) activities. It also delayed the enzymatic browning by inducing peroxidase (POD) activity during storage. Recent local studies also revealed that ALV gel coating markedly conserved higher consuming quality and extended storage period (>1.34-fold) of different fruits and vegetables. Overall, Aloe vera gel coating alone or in combination with other organic compounds has shown great potential as a food-safe and eco-friendly coating for maintaining the quality of fruits and vegetables over extended period and reducing postharvest losses in the supply chain. Practical applications: ALV gel is a plant-based natural coating of eco-friendly nature. The present review summarizes the updated information of ALV gel coating application, methods of extraction, combinations with other postharvest coatings, and its impact on quality of various fruits and vegetables. It also provides future insights for the development of commercially applicable ALV gel coating protocols through simulation studies. So, being a natural coating, ALV gel has tremendous potential to be used in fruit and vegetable industries around the globe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mango is highly valued crop traded worldwide. Fruit fly is serious issue in mango producing countries, and being a quarantine pest, needs specific disinfestation treatments to fruit before export. This study was aimed to assess the effect of hot water quarantine treatment on two commercial mango cultivars for mango export to China. Mature, physically de-sapped mangoes of both cultivars (Sammar Bahisht Chaunsa and Sufaid Chaunsa) were subjected to hot water treatment (HWT; 48°C for 60 min) as obligatory quarantine protocol for export to China and held at simulated air freight conditions (24 ± 2 °C, 80% RH) for six and eight days till ripening, respectively. At eating soft ripe stage, HWT-treated fruits appeared to maintain visual quality, skin colour, and flesh colour, with substantially reduced disease incidence (stem end rot, side and body rot), skin defects and flesh defects, as compared to control. It was noted that HWT-treated fruits had higher marketability index, taste, flavor, slightly increased soluble solid contents, sugar acid ratio and ascorbic acid in both cultivars, respectively. Fruit weight loss, skin shriveling, firmness, flesh texture, aroma, titratable acidity and antioxidant activities were not significantly affected by HWT. However, HWT-treated fruits exhibited higher total phenolics and carotenoid contents as compared to untreated control fruits. Conclusively, hot water quarantine treatment maintained better fruit physical, biochemical quality and marketability index compared to control, and thus can be used effectively at commercial scale for export of both cultivars to China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Kinnow is the extensively cultivated variety of citrus fruit and a common name of mandarin (Citrus reticulate L.) in Pakistan. Being a non-climacteric fruit, it keeps low storage life even in cold storage, because some physiochemical changes may lose its quality. The current study was planned to check the efficacy of plant extracts in comparison with commercial fungicide to enhance the storage life of Kinnow mandarin. Findings regarding the comparison of plant extracts and fungicide (Thiabendazole) indicated that 60% Aloe vera extract showed similar results as synthetic fungicide (TBZ) and controlled fruit decay up to 6.25%. The fruits of same treatment also showed better biochemical characteristics of fruit quality after storage of 90 days. The minimum changes in juice weight, TSS, titratable acidity and ascorbic acid were recorded in Aloe vera extract treated fruits. Fruits coated with 60% Aloe vera extract also maintained higher levels of total phenolic (225.7 mg GAE 100g- 1), antioxidant (76.3%) and enzyme activities of catalase (19.1 mg-1 protein), peroxidase (0.80 mg-1 protein), and superoxide dismutase (130.4 mg-1 protein) during storage. It was evaluated that 60% Aloe vera extract proved valuable for long term storage of Kinnow mandarin and to minimize the rotting of fruit during storage and its performance was almost at par to commercial fungicide and maintained the fruit quality related parameters. Hence it can be recommended to overcome the storage issues of Kinnow fruits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) increases the postharvest life of fresh fruits by suppressing metabolic activities with modified in-package atmosphere. This study was aimed to explore the potential benefits of MAP technology combined with low temperature storage in mango cv. 'Samar Bahisht Chaunsa' to extend its shelf life. Physiologically mature mangoes after harvest were de-sapped (0.5% lime solution), dipped in hot water (52±2°C for 5 min) fungicidal (0.5 mL Prochloraz L-1) solution, packed in 5kg cardboard boxes (T1; Biofresh®, T2; Xtend®, T3; Unbagged) and stored at 13°C±1, RH: 85-90% for 7, 14, 21, 28 and 35 days. Following cold storage, fruit were subjected to two different ripening temperatures (32 and 24°C) with a 24 h 100 ppm ethylene treatment. Data related to physical, physiological, biochemical, organoleptic and marketable attributes was collected. Among MAP bags, the desirable atmosphere comprising high CO2 and low O2 concentration was observed in Biofresh® bags. Tolerance of mangoes under elevated CO2 atmospheres and chilling injury (CI) decreased when storage period exceeded more than 14 days with onset of discolouration issues. Overall, bagged fruit had minimum weight loss, CI intensity, shriveling and remained firmer in comparison to control. Maximum peel colour development was observed in fruit stored up to 14 days in Biofresh® bags when ripened at high temperature (32±1°C). Whereas, fruit kept in Xtend® bags and those without MAP only developed acceptable peel colour up to 7 days of cold storage. Fruit kept in Xtend® bags exhibited minimum ethylene levels (ppm) and endured the least loss in weight and firmness but remained mostly green. Bagged fruit had a higher vitamin C content and lower TA in comparison to unbagged fruits. In conclusion, 'Samar Bahisht Chaunsa' stored at 13°C in Biofresh® bag showed better visual appearance, palatability and nutritive values as compared to Xtend® bag and those without MAP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was conducted to characterise genetic and morphological characters of eight guava genotypes (Rangwala Gola, Saddabahar, Saddabahar Barhi Surahi, Larkana, Kohati, Special Amrod, Moti Surahiwala and Amrod Barhi Surahi) at National Agricultural Research Centre, Islamabad during 2016. Completely randomized design (CRD) was followed with three replications. In order to study the genetic diversity in these varieties, the randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) technique was performed for molecular characterisation. For morphological characterisation, the morphological descriptors were used. The clustering tree was produced from the results of the seven primers and morphological descriptors through which the genetic and morphological diversity were observed. From the results obtained through molecular markers and morphological parameters, among these guava varieties immense variation in the genetical make up and physiological appearance was examined. The clustering tree of similarity among the eight guava varieties showed different results in each clustering tree of genetical and morphological characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the immense market and growing demand of Pakistani mango, there has been a rapid decrease in the production and export of mango in the last few years. Low yield and poor quality are considered the major limiting factors in export. Therefore, some high yielding good quality exotic mango cultivars were acclimatized in the country and a comprehensive research studies were executed to investigate the yield potential, fruit physico-chemical characters and sensorial aspects. Diverse seventeen commercial and noncommercial indigenous and exotic mango varieties were selected to collect and analyze fruit morphological data under randomized complete block design (RCBD). There was significantly high fruit weight and pulp contents in 'Kensington Pride'. Total soluble solids (TSS) were higher (21.9 B°) in 'Chaunsa', while, titratable acidity (TA) was lowest in 'Lambay Alfansu' and 'Momi-K'. However, reducing sugars (RS) (4.83%), non-reducing sugars (NRS) (16.38%) and total sugars (TS) (21.21%) were significantly high in 'Surkha Burma'. Ascorbic acid contents (AA) were high in 'Momi-K', whereas, total antioxidants (0.68 mM Trolox g-1), total carotenoids (TC) (52.0 µg 100-1) and flavonoids (1.79 µg 100-1) were significantly high in 'Faisalabad Selection'. Faisalabad Selection and 'Surkha Burma' exhibited high score for taste, flavor, texture, aroma and pulp color compared to other indigenous and exotic varieties. It is concluded that 'Faisalabad Selection', 'Surkha Burma' and 'Kensington Pride' among indigenous and exotic varieties, respectively, had potential in commercial trading and can expend the supply window of mango. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the immense market and growing demand of Pakistani mango, there has been a rapid decrease in the production and export of mango in the last few years. Low yield and poor quality are considered the major limiting factors in export. Therefore, some high yielding good quality exotic mango cultivars were acclimatized in the country and a comprehensive research studies were executed to investigate the yield potential, fruit physico-chemical characters and sensorial aspects. Diverse seventeen commercial and noncommercial indigenous and exotic mango varieties were selected to collect and analyze fruit morphological data under randomized complete block design (RCBD). There was significantly high fruit weight and pulp contents in 'Kensington Pride'. Total soluble solids (TSS) were higher (21.9 B°) in 'Chaunsa', while, titratable acidity (TA) was lowest in 'Lambay Alfansu' and 'Momi-K'. However, reducing sugars (RS) (4.83%), non-reducing sugars (NRS) (16.38%) and total sugars (TS) (21.21%) were significantly high in 'Surkha Burma'. Ascorbic acid contents (AA) were high in 'Momi-K', whereas, total antioxidants (0.68 mM Trolox g-1), total carotenoids (TC) (52.0 μg 100-1) and flavonoids (1.79 μg 100-1) were significantly high in 'Faisalabad Selection'. Faisalabad Selection and 'Surkha Burma' exhibited high score for taste, flavor, texture, aroma and pulp color compared to other indigenous and exotic varieties. It is concluded that 'Faisalabad Selection', 'Surkha Burma' and 'Kensington Pride' among indigenous and exotic varieties, respectively, had potential in commercial trading and can expend the supply window of mango. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pakistan is blessed with a wide range of indigenous mango germplasm. Wild mango genotypes, growing at Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and its vicinity are valuable resource for unique genetic diversity. The DNA fingerprints of this available germplasm have never been worked out. Hence, the aim of this study was to develop DNA profiles of 31 wild and 13 cultivated genotypes of the country to determine the population structure. Number of alleles per locus of the 51 Simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers ranged from 3 to 9 and a total of 296 alleles with an average of 5.80 alleles per locus. The average polymorphism information content value was 0.764. The expected and observed heterozygosity values were 0.805 and 0.720, respectively, which exhibited high level of genetic diversity in the wild and cultivated mango germplasm. The Bayesian cluster, principal coordinate and hierarchical clustering analyses divided the collected genotypes into three groups i.e. A, B and C. Members of group A and B consisted of wild genotypes entirely, while all commercial genotypes were clustered in group C. The obtained results highlighted genetic diversity encompassed by wild mango genotypes of AJK which can be considered as distinct genotypes for further evaluations in the framework of breeding programs and new cultivar identification in mango. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mango is the second major fruit crop of Pakistan. A large number of unexplored indigenous mango germplasm with great economic significance is present in the country. Hence, 425 mango accessions were studied from Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK) as well as Northern and Southern Punjab to explore the genetic diversity. Total 33 traits (25 qualitative and 8 quantitative) enabled the assessment of morphological and physico-chemical diversity of the studied indigenous mango germplasm. The first three principal components (PCs) contributed 68.06% variability among all mango accessions. The PCs also successfully grouped mango accessions according to their morphological and physico-chemical characteristics. Trunk height, tree circumference, crown diameter, leaf colour, leaf blade length, petiole length, inflorescence length, inflorescence width, fruit shape, fruit weight, soluble solid contents, titratable acidity, sugar:acid ratio, reducing sugars, non-reducing sugars and total sugars were found highly variable. Many of these characters are of substantial economic significance and could be used as breeding goals to increase the germplasm repository as well as fruit yield and quality. In conclusion, morphological and physico-chemical traits were highly useful for mango germplasm characterization. Several accessions also showed potentially good traits which could be used to develop new mango cultivars through future breeding schemes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

'Kinnow' mandarin is an important citrus cultivar, which ranks first among all the fruit crops in Pakistan. Being a nonclimacteric fruit, it has low shelflife even in cold storage, may lose its quality because of some physiochemical changes. Wax coating has been proved as an important strategy to maintain the fruit quality under storage. The present study was planned to compare the different types of waxes which include commercial waxes used by the traders and lab. prepared coatings (PHRC wax and benzaldehyde coating) by the scientists of AARI and UAF, respectively. The results revealed that sharine and paraffin wax exhibited minimum fruit rot (2%) with lower weight loss (11.87%) after 90 days of storage and PHRC wax performed statistically at par to commercial waxes regarding weight loss (12%) and fruit rot (3%). The minimum changes in juice weight, TSS/TA ratio, peel/pulp ratio, ascorbic acid and sugar contents were recorded in coated fruits except benzaldehyde coating. Wax coatings also maintained higher levels of total phenolics (240.7 mg GAE 100g-1), antioxidant (63.4%) and enzyme activities of catalase (17.6), peroxidase (0.71), and superoxide dismutase (137.6 U mg-1 protein) during storage. It is concluded that PHRC wax can be recommended for long term storage of citrus fruits as it performed almost at par to commercial waxes and maintained the fruit quality as well as bioactive juice components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thirteen premium quality commercial mango cultivars grown in Pakistan were assayed with seven SSR primer series viz., mMiCIR, MiSHRS, MIAC, MITGIT, LMMA, UBC and MiIIHR. Among the 120 primers used, 101 produced bands and revealed a narrow genetic base ranging from 0.62-0.8 with maximum similarity among the cvs. 'Anwar Ratole' and 'Sensation' while the maximum divergence was between cvs. 'Sindhri' and 'Sensation'. Chaunsa was genetically more similar (74.2%) and 'Kala Chaunsa' was more dissimilar (31.2%) respectively when compared with all the other cultivars. Of 101 SSR primers, we have identified 30 (29.7%) highly informative primers (PIC value =0.6), which could be useful in the molecular characterization of mango germplasm. The primer series MIAC, UBC and MiIIHR had the maximum percentage of highly informative primers in descending order. The UPGMA based Euclidian dendrogram constructed with similarity indices placed all the cultivars according to regions of their origin and magnitude of diversity among them. The morphological characterization of the commercial cultivars was also done using 11 quantitative traits; however, none of the traits except fruit weight was informative for the assessment of genetic diversity. SSR based molecular characterization appeared to be reliable, reproducible and cost effective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poor fruit quality of young 'Kinnow' mandarin orchards limits its export potential and hence causes significant economic loss to the growers. Plant growth regulators (PGRs) are widely applied in mature citrus trees to improve fruit quality. However, their application in young orchards is scarce. The current study was designed to evaluate the influence of before and after color break (CB) applications of gibberellic acid (GA3) 10 mg L-1, 2, 4 dichlorophenoxy acetic acid (2, 4-D) 10 mg L-1, putrescine (Put) 0.1 mg L-1 and spermine (Spm) 0.1 mg L-1, on fruit quality of young 'Kinnow' orchards, at harvest, after seven days at ambient conditions (20±2°C and 60?65% relative humidity) and after 45 days at cold storage (4±1°C and 75?80% relative humidity). Application of 2, 4-D significantly reduced titratable acidity (TA) and improved TSS:TA ratio. The GA3 reduced fruit colour development and enhanced mass loss (%); Spm reduced juice mass (%) and increased rind mass (%). The GA3 application before CB significantly decreased reducing sugars (%) whereas, after CB application significantly increased rind mass (%) total soluble solids (TSS), total and non reducing sugars (%) in comparison with control. Polyamines (PAs) application after CB significantly reduced juice mass (%) and increased rind mass (%), TSS, total and non-reducing sugars (%). The 2, 4-D application after CB significantly decreased juice mass (%) and increased TSS, total and non reducing sugars (%) in comparison with control. After 45 days of cold storage 2, 4-D application significantly improved reducing sugars while, Put enhanced mass loss (%). In conclusion, 2, 4-D may be applied in young 'Kinnow' mandarin orchards after CB; however, PAs applications may be restricted due to their undesirable effect on fruit quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was conducted to investigate the influence of oxalic acid on pericarp browning, biochemical quality, antioxidative and enzymatic changes in litchi cv. 'Gola' fruit under extended cold storage, which has not been studied extensively. Postharvest application of 2 mM oxalic acid reduced fruit weight loss and delayed pericarp browning by maintaining higher anthocyanin contents, as compared with control. Activities of polyphenol oxidase and peroxidase enzymes in litchi peel as well as pulp tissues were reduced in fruit treated with 2 mM oxalic acid during 28 days of cold storage. Activities of antioxidative enzymes (superoxide dismutase and catalase) and level of total phenolic contents and total antioxidants in litchi peel as well as pulp tissues were significantly higher in 2 mM oxalic acid-treated fruit. In conclusion, postharvest application of 2 mM oxalic acid significantly delayed pericarp browning and maintained better quality of litchi cv. 'Gola' fruit during cold storage. Practical Applications Pericarp browning of litchi fruit is associated with postharvest oxidative stress, which deteriorates its quality, long-term storability and commercial value. Postharvest application of oxalic acid has been found to be a useful strategy to overcome the issue of pericarp browning and enhance antioxidative potential of litchi under low temperature storage; thereby, applicable to commercial supply chains for domestic and export markets. Furthermore, this study may facilitate in understanding the changes in antioxidative potential and enzymatic activities during cold storage with gradual browning in pulp as well as peel tissues of litchi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drought and salinity are causing significant loss in crop yield worldwide. Genetically engineered salt and drought tolerant crop varieties can be a potential remedy for the recovery of lost uncultivated saline and low rain fall areas. In eukaryotes, transcription factors are involved in gene expression which activate or repress the transcription under specific conditions. Hence, the present study has been designed to characterize a fully modified synthetic hsr1 gene. This gene encodes for a transcription factor of heat shock family and has been found to be involved in drought and salinity tolerance in yeast. The synthetic hsr1 gene was cloned under double 35S promoter and caMV terminator for high level of expression in the transgenic plants. Initially the gene was cloned into pJIT163 and then into expression vector pGreen0029. Agrobacterium tumefaciens strain GV was used as a vector for transformation into tobacco. In three different experiments about 34.5% transformation efficiency was observed. Putative transgenic plants were confirmed by PcR analysis using hsr1 gene specific primers. Further screening of these putative transgenic plants against different salinity levels and drought stress showed that transgenic plants were tolerant to drought and salinity conditions. Transformation in the model plant paves the way to genetically engineer vital crops for the development of drought and salinity resistant genotypes. © 2015 Friends Science Publishers [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Present experiment was carried out to check the effect of different concentrations of sucrose (2, 4, 6%), GA3 (25, 50, 75 ppm) and combination of sucrose and CuSO4 (2% + 200, 4% + 300, 6% + 400 ppm), sucrose and GA3 (2% + 25 ppm), (4%+50 ppm), (6%+75 ppm) on keeping quality and vase life of carnation cv. 'Eskimo'. Some postharvest characteristics such as vase life, total soluble solids (TSS), water uptake and quality change were evaluated. The experiment was laid out according to RCD (Randomized Complete Design) with three replications while for quality change it was two factor factorial. Maximum vase life in term of days was recorded in treatment T6 and T13 (8 days) followed by T4 (7.7 days). T5 & T12 were at par (7 days). Maximum water uptake was also observed in T13 (56.7 ml) followed by T6 (49.7 ml) and T8 (45 ml). Maximum TSS were found in T13 (8.3 %) followed by T6, T11 and T12. Keeping quality characteristic of T6 was deteriorated slowly as compared to other treatments. Hence, T6 was found superior in overall respects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the impact of locality and orchard management on fruit quality, ‘Samar Bahisht Chaunsa’ fruit harvested from two commercial orchards were stored at 11°C and 80%–85% RH for 4 weeks. Physical fruit quality, fruit rot, and disorders were not influenced by locality. However, at the ripe stage, fruit harvested from orchard-1 exhibited reduced respiration rate (5.84 mmole kg−1h−1), higher peel color (3.35), pulp color (7.33), aroma (6.66), taste (7.33), flavor (7.33), SSC:TA ratio (139.1), reducing (4.06%), non-reducing (10.38%), and total sugar (14.99%) contents. In conclusion, quality of mango fruit following cold storage is significantly influenced by locality and orchard management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fruit softening and quality management is very important to reduce postharvest losses in peach. Present study was conducted to observe the effect of harvest location and cultivars on peach fruit softening and quality during ripening at ambient conditions (30±1°C and 60-65% RH). Fruit harvested from Sillanwali exhibited significantly higher ethylene production (24.27 μL C2H4 kg-1 h-1), respiration rate (1.04 mL CO2 kg-1 h-1), ascorbic acid contents (11.11 mg 100 g-1), activities of catalase (CAT; 47.53 U mg protein-1), peroxidase (POD; 32.48 U mg protein-1), endo-polygalacturonase [(endo-PG; 11.61 Δ viscosity (mg protein-1h-1)], exo-polygalacturonase (exo-PG; 138.9 μg gal acid mg protein-1 h-1) enzymes, and significantly lower fruit firmness (25.83 N), ground colour (1.65 score), soluble solid contents (SSC; 11.15 °Brix), total phenolic contents (TPC; 72.28 mg GAE 100g-1), antioxidant scavenging activity (ASA 47.72%), activities of pectin esterase (PE; 1.19 mM NaOH mg protein-1h-1) and endo-1,4-β-D-Glucanase [(EGase; 2.57 Δ viscosity (mg protein-1 h-1)] enzymes as compared to fruit harvested from Soan Valley. Peach cv. "Early Grand" showed significantly higher ethylene production (22.35 μL C2H4 kg-1 h-1), respiration rate (0.85 mL CO2 kg-1 h-1), ASA (59.5%), activities of CAT (49.35 U mg protein-1), endo-PG [(11.43 Δ viscosity (mg protein-1 h-1)] and exo-PG (147.22 μg gal acid mg protein-1 h-1) enzymes, whereas lower fruit firmness (30 N), TPC (108.33 mg GAE 100 g-1), activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD; 27.75 U mg protein-1), PE (1.17 mM NaOH mg protein-1 h-1) and EGase [(2.54 Δ viscosity (mg protein-1 h-1)] enzymes than "Flordaking". In conclusion, harvest locations and cultivars have significant influence on the various physico-chemical attributes including activities of various fruit softening and antioxidative enzymes in peach fruit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trees of citrus cvs 'Lane Late' and 'Valencia Late' oranges were sprayed ten days before anticipated harvest with salicylic acid (SA) at different concentrations (2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 9 mM). Fruits were harvested and stored at 5°C for 93 days to investigate the effects of SA on fruit rot, chilling injury and quality relating parameters such as rind and fruit firmness as well as sugar and organic acid contents. Fruits were analyzed before storage and after 31,62 and 93 days of storage and found that SA at 8 mM and 9 mM reduced fruit rot from 16.93% to 6.06% and 12.78% to 5.12% in 'Lane Late' and 'Valencia Late', respectively. Chilling injury was significantly reduced at 8mM and 9mM treatments. Textural properties relating to rind puncture, rind tensile and fruit firmness forces showed that treated fruits were significantly firmer than those of control. Maintained contents of SSC, TA, individual sugars and organic acids in treated fruit with higher doses after 93 confirmed preliminary findings such as SA has anti-senescent effect. Our research suggests that pre-harvest spray of SA can be used effectively to minimize the postharvest/storage losses of sweet oranges cultivars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Occurrence of postharvest pericarp browning and rapid decay limit the postharvest storage life of litchi fruit. Effect of low temperature storage on the physico-chemical characteristics of two commercial litchi cultivars 'Bedana' and 'Serai' stored at 5°C for 0, 7, 14, 21 and 28 days were investigated. Incidence of pericarp browning, disease severity and fruit physicochemical characteristics were determined immediately after each removal. During cold storage fruit firmness (15-5.1 N), weight loss (7.06-1.92%), aril: stone ratio (15.3-11.7) and sensory values of fruit decreased, whereas fruit pericarp browning index (0.33-3.25), postharvest disease index (0.5-2.4) and fruit cracking (0.08-1.16%) increased. Fruit weight loss, pericarp browning and disease severity were higher in 'Serai' than 'Bedana' fruit. The fruit of cv. 'Bedana' showed better aril: stone ratio (23.07), firmness (2.1 N), pH (4.15), SSC (19.04%), TA (0.14%), total sugars (12.11%) and ascorbic acid (44.8 mg 100 g-1) contents than 'Serai'. Fruit flavour, texture and aroma changed rapidly during cold storage in 'Serai' than 'Bedana'. The pH of fruit juice showed slightly increasing trend during the whole span of storage, while SSC (20.4-17.4%), TA (0.23-0.05%), ascorbic acid (55-32.8 mg 100g-1), total sugars (13.5-10.5%) and phenolics (0.71-0.45 μg 100 g-1) showed decreasing trend. Litchi cv. 'Bedana' exhibited higher total phenolic contents (0.71 μg 100 g-1) than 'Serai' (0.55 μg 100 g-1). The fruit of cv. 'Bedana' were found superior having less weight loss, pericarp browning index and disease severity index, with higher aril: stone ratio, flavour, texture, aroma, pH, SSC, TA, ascorbic acid, total sugars and phenolic contents. Results suggest that postharvest pericarp browning and fruit quality deterioration can be delayed by cold storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Corrugated cardboard boxes are being used for the export of mango fruit worldwide. However, for sea freight, the performance of cardboard box (open vs closed) needs to be evaluated for shipment under low temperature conditions. Under this perspective, two different types of corrugated cardboard box packagings were compared for their effect on the quality, marketability and consumer acceptability in two commercial mango cultivars (Sindhri & Sufaid Chaunsa) of Pakistan under simulated harvest, handling and shipping conditions with storage (11°C; 80-85% RH) intervals of 3, 4 and 5 weeks. Both Sindhri and Sufaid Chaunsa mangoes packed in open top boxes had higher marketability with better firmness and higher sugar contents (less softness score; significant in case of cv. Sufaid Chaunsa only) at ripening as compared to the fruit of closed top boxes. However, the problem of comparatively less peel color development in case of open top packaging needs to be addressed for improving the competitiveness of fruit at retail. Physiological weight loss and rate of respiration were statistically at par in both types of packaging in both cultivars. The low temperature storage duration had significant impact on various physico-chemical and organoleptic fruit quality attributes of both cultivars. Fruit peel color and textural softness were significantly increased with the increase of storage period (from three to five weeks). Moreover, increased weight loss percentage and reduced marketable fruit percentage were observed as the storage/shipping period was extended from three weeks to five weeks. But overall, cv. Sindhri had higher percentage of marketable fruit at all removals due to lower incidence of disease. The trend of disease development was increased in duration of low temperature storage; however, it was less in case of cv. Sindhri, thus indicating its better shipping potential with lower disease incidence as compared to cv. Sufaid Chaunsa. The respiration rate increased with advancement in post shipment ripening stages (i.e., at removal day, after ethylene treatment & at final day of ripening). Overall, open top packaging was found to be more advantageous as compared to closed top packaging, in both cultivars under low temperature storage (11°C; 80-85% RH). More research work is needed for post harvest disease management, particularly in cv. Sufaid Chaunsa, to have commercial success in sea-freighting this cultivar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mango fruit quality, marketability and shelflife are adversely affected by postharvest disease development. The fungicides and plant activators suppress the disease development in fruits and vegetables. These studies were targeted to evaluate the potential of pre and postharvest fungicidal applications and on-tree foliar spray of a plant activator viz. a viz. salicylic acid for postharvest disease management in two commercial mango cultivars (Sindhri & Samar Bahisht Chaunsa) of Pakistan. Alternaria alternata (49.3% in Sindhri; 58.5% in Chaunsa), Phomopsis mangiferae (20.0% in Sindhri; 18.2% in Chaunsa) and Botryodiplodia sp. (3.9% in Sindhri; 2.7% in Chaunsa) were found to be associated with mango fruit stem end rot (SER) under agro-ecological conditions of Punjab, Pakistan. Penecillium sp. and Aspergillus sp. (A. niger & A. flavus) were identified to be associated with secondary infections in the diseased mango fruit tissues. Among the postharvest diseases, fruit side rots were predominant (5-10% affected area) followed by stem end and distal end rots (<5% affected area). Postharvest fungicidal treatments gave significantly better disease control as compared to preharvest applications. Postharvest hot water (52°C; 5min) application of Tecto (1.8 mL/L) a.i. Thiabendazole (TBZ) individually and in combination with Sportak (0.5 mL/L) a.i. Prochloraz (tank mix) resulted in significantly lower postharvest disease development than other pre and postharvest treatments. Pre and postharvest fungicidal applications significantly affected fruit peel color development. Relatively better color development was observed in the fruit subjected to postharvest fungicidal treatments as compared to preharvest applications. Non significant effect of both pre and postharvest fungicidal treatments was observed on biochemical quality attributes (TSS & titratable acidity). On tree foliar sprays of salicylic acid (250, 500 & 1000 μM) in cvs. Sindhri and Samar Bahisht Chaunsa at the time of panicle pushing/flower opening, fruit set and stone hardening could not perform well against postharvest disease development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Litchi fruit were treated with methionine [(0.25%) MN] and cysteine [(025%) CN] alone or in combination, and kept under 1% O2 + 5% CO2 controlled atmosphere (CA) at 5 ± 1ºC for 28 days. Among different treatments, CN was most effective to inhibit browning, than MN and CN + MN under CA conditions. Application of 0.25% CN significantly delayed browning index, reduced disease incidence, weight loss, malondialdehyde (MDA) contents, electrolyte leakage, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), superoxide anion (O2–•) and polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and peroxidase (POD) activities with higher contents of total anthocyanins under CA‐storage. In addition, 0.25% CN treatment showed higher contents of ascorbic acid, total phenolics (TPC), and 2,2–diphenyl–1–picrylhydrazyl–radical scavenging capacity and activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), and catalase (CAT) enzymes having maintained quality attributes. Therefore, 0.25% CN pre‐treatment could be considered a promising way for managing browning, and conserving litchi fruit quality under CA‐storage. Practical applications: Litchi fruit are highly perishable due to rapid pericarp browning having limited postharvest market potential. The browning takes place due to enzymatic reactions and phenolic oxidation. However, it can be delayed by exogenous antibrowning treatments and suitable storage environment. The delayed incidence of pericarp browning may help to maintain its quality with extended storage potential suitable for domestic and international markets. So, the outcomes of the current work may help to maintain overall quality and to extend its storage potential that would be helpful in extending its market life with maintained visual quality at domestic and international destinations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]