Postharvest Effect of Salicylic Acid, Chitosan and Storage Time on Some Quality and Quantity Attributes of Fresh Harvested Selva Strawberry Fruit

The effect of different concentration of salicylic acid (0, 1 and 2 mmolL-1) and chitosan (0, 0.5 and 1 percent) on postharvest life and quality of Selva strawberry fruit during storage at 2.5±0.5°C with 85-95% RH for 7 and 14 days was studied. Decay incidence, marketability, total soluble solids, total acidity, vitamin C content and total antioxidant activity were evaluated during storage. chitosan 1% significantly decreased decay incidence and maintained fruit marketability. 1mmolL-1 of salicylic acid in combination with 1% chitosan significantly retained fruit soluble solids, vitamin C content and total antioxidant activity and was more effective on total antioxidant activity during first week of cold storage. 1 and 2 mmolL-1 salicylic acid retained total acidity.