Kiraz (Prunus avium L.)'da Hasat Sonrası Melatonin Uygulamasının Depolamada Meyve Kalitesi Üzerine Etkisi.

This study aimed to contribute to the solution of the short storage and shelf life of sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.), which has a delicate fruit structure. The effect of post-harvest melatonin application at different doses [0.00 (control), 0.01, 0.10, and 1.00 mM] on fruit quality characteristics and biochemical content during storage was determined. Fruits harvested from trees of the Lapins cherry variety grafted onto MaxMa 60 rootstock, established in an orchard in 2005, were used as the plant material. The research findings revealed that the weight loss, which increased with storage time, was lower in melatonin-treated fruits, and differences occurred depending on the application dose. Melatonin application was effective in preserving fruit firmness during storage. Fruits treated with 0.01 mM melatonin exhibited higher flesh firmness during storage. Significant changes in color values occurred during storage, and it was determined that melatonin application had an effect on color changes, which varied depending on the dose. The soluble solid content values in cherry fruits decreased linearly throughout the storage period, but the decrease was lower in melatonin-treated fruits. The titratable acidity values decreased in all applications during storage, with the lowest values obtained from the control group. Melatonin application was effective in maintaining the concentration of organic acids during storage, but it had both positive and negative effects depending on the concentration. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that melatonin can be used to preserve fruit firmness and reduce weight loss during storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]