Comprehensive composite effects of gibberellic acid and kinetin on the postharvest life of Solanum melongena L.

Abstract

To reduce the qualitative loss and prolong the shelf-life of brinjal (Solanum melongena L), the application of an exogenous coating of gibberellic acid and kinetin separately and also multiple combinations of GA and KN (10 µM plus 10 µM, 20 µM plus 20 µM, and 30 µM plus 30 µM) were tested for a storage period of 14 days. The uncoated brinjal could sustain about 7 days and deteriorate early whereas the coated brinjal now has a successful storage period of 14 days. During the storage, it was observed a gradual decrement in titratable acidity, protein content, catalase, and peroxidase activity; whereas a gradual increment in proline content and DPPH radical scavenging activity. Among these three combinations, the combination of 10 µM GA plus 10 µM KN preserved the qualitative attributes and was effective in delaying the senescence process. The mathematical model and principal component analysis also justified the results of the present study. This study influences a better method to meet market and customer expectations for volume, quality, and other product and transaction attributes like nutrition, food security, and product safety.