Salicylic acid (SA), an endogenous plant growth regulator, has been found to produce  a wide range of metabolic and physiological responses in plants thereby affecting their growth and development. SA as a natural and safe phenolic compound, which exhibits a high potential in controlling postharvest losses of fruit crops. In this review, various intrinsic biosynthetic pathways and effects of exogenous salicylic acid on respiration, antioxidant systems, ethylene biosynthesis action, oxidative stress, nutritional quality, firmness, disease resistance and postharvest decay have also been discussed. Salicylates (derivatives of salicylic acid) delay the ripening of fruits, probably through inhibition of ethylene biosynthesis or action, and maintain postharvest quality.