Improving the postharvest shelf life of apricot fruits (Prunus armeniaca L. cv. Amal) using preharvest application of spermidine, salicylic acid and sodium nitroprusside

Maturity at harvest is crucial for determining the quality of apricot fruit, a highly perishable crop with limited storage potential. The study aims to extend the storage life and preserve the quality of "Amal" apricots through various pre-harvest treatments. Pre-harvest application of spermidine at 1 mmol, salicylic acid at 1 mmol and sodium nitroprusside at 25µm were done at 15 or 30 days before harvesting. The treated fruits were packed and stored for up to 7 weeks at 5°C and 90–95 % R.H.; fruit quality parameters were evaluated at harvest and every 7 weeks. Results showed that weight loss, total soluble solids, maturity index, total sugars content, respiration rate and total carotenoids increased whereas, firmness, total acidity, and total phenols, decreased by increasing storage periods. The obtained results showed the efficacy of pre-harvest spermidine treatment followed by salicylic acid and then sodium nitroprusside in delaying fruit maturation and maintaining fruit quality. The study suggests that these treatments might be promising for maintaining apricot fruit quality and extending storage life and marketing of apricot.