Improving postharvest life, quality and bioactive compounds of strawberry fruits using spermine and spermidine

Abstract

Small fruits such as strawberries, are a good source of natural antioxidants. In recent decades, many efforts have been made to increase the shelf life of strawberries and maintain its nutritional value in post-harvest conditions. In the present study, the effects of spermine (Spm) and spermidine (Spd) (0, 1.0 and 1.5 mM) on the post-harvest life and quality of strawberry fruits during the 3rd, 6th, and 12th days of storage, were investigated. Applications of Spm and Spd decreased the rate of weight loss, fruit decay, soluble solids content, fruit juice pH and taste index during the storage period in compared to the control. However, titratable acids and vitamin C contents, tissue stiffness, phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity increased in compared to the control. These growth regulators prevented the aging and loss of bioactive compounds of the fruit by increasing the antioxidant activity and preventing the destruction of the fruit tissue. Among the studied treatments, applications of 1.5 mM of Spm and Spd were the most effective treatments to enhance the storage life and quality characters of strawberry fruits.