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Hydrogen sulphide (H2S) has emerged as a gasotransmitter molecule that modulates several physiological functions in plants, specially, different biotic and abiotic stresses. Pointed gourd (PG) fruits start losing their soft texture and appealing colour within 2–3 days of harvest, resulting in poor marketability and shelf life. Here, the effect of exogenous H2S (1 and 2 mm) application on lignification and other biochemical markers linked to ripening, shelf‐life and edible quality of PG was assessed during cold (12 °C, 85–90% RH) and ambient (27 ± 2 °C, 55 ± 5% RH) storage. The synergistic effect of H2S was recorded during simulated storage at ambient conditions. Postharvest H2S treatment (1 mm) effectively delayed yellowing and chlorophyll loss (four‐fold reduction) and maintained the phenolic content and higher antioxidant activity (36%). The H2S‐treated PG fruits had significantly lower lignification and membrane permeability i.e. 15% and 13%, respectively, than control samples. H2S‐treated fruit also maintained higher PAL and lower PPO activity. Therefore, postharvest application of H2S (2 mm) could be effective in maintaining postharvest quality of PG fruits and extending the marketing period.

Hydrogen sulphide (H 2 S) has emerged as a potential regulator of plant defence against different abiotic stresses. As a climacteric fruit, banana undergoes oxidative stresses shortly after harvest, resulting in faster ripening and senescence. This work examines the effects of vacuum infiltrated H 2 S on ripening inhibition of banana.• Banana fruits were vacuum infiltrated with 1 mM H 2 S. Effects on oxidative stress markers, physiological changes, bioactive compounds and antioxidant potentials were examined during storage at 25 °C and 75-80% RH.• Results indicate that treated fruits were less affected by oxidative stress, as evident by lower accumulation of ROS (superoxide and peroxide ions), elevated phenols content and antioxidant capacity. The ripening inhibitory effects of H 2 S delayed chlorophyll loss and reduced ethylene and CO 2 production. H 2 S infiltration also reduced MDA accumulation and electrolytic leakage, resulting in longer shelf life.• Vacuum infiltration with H 2 S had a protective effect on postharvest banana through overcoming the deleterious effect of ROS and strengthening antioxidant potential. Thus, this method could be promising for enhanced preservation of banana during storage.

There is a huge potential for dragon fruits grown in India but insufficient information may hamper its production and postharvest handling. The aim of this study was to investigate the right harvest time and maturity indices for red and white pulp dragon fruit. Growth and developmental studies were undertaken using destructive (total soluble solids (TSS), titratable acidity and TSS: acid ratio) and non-destructive methods (fruit weight, specific gravity, peel colour and heat units). Fruits were collected at seven intervals (7, 14, 21, 26, 31, 36 and 41 days after flowering) to assess the right maturity. All these methods were used to standardize the optimum maturity and right time for the harvest of red and white pulp dragon fruit. Harvesting dragon fruits between 31-36 days after flowering (DAF) was found ideal for optimum maturity and quality. Both red and white pulp fruits harvested at 31 DAF showed better quality in terms of physic-chemical and sensory attributes.