Postharvest Eucalyptus Leaf Extract Application Extends the Sustainable Supply of Strawberries by Retaining Physicochemical Quality during Cold Storage

Abstract

Strawberry is a delicate fruit with a short shelf life after harvest. High metabolic activities and fungal decay deteriorate its quality. In an attempt to extend its shelf life and maintain its quality while retaining its antioxidant potential, the harvested fruits of strawberry cv. Chandler were dipped in 30% eucalyptus leaf extract (ELE). Weight loss, fungal decay index, percentage of decayed fruits, respiration rate, and electrolyte leakage were all reduced in ELE-treated strawberries. The enzymatic activities of catalase in fruits increased initially until the fifth day of storage but then started to decline during the later period while superoxide dismutase and peroxidase activities continued to rise until the 10th day and then declined. With higher contents of total phenolics, ascorbic acid, total antioxidants, and anthocyanin, the application of ELE maintained the general acceptance, firmness, flavor, and marketable fruit percentage. Titrable acidity (TA) and sugar–acid ratio (SAR) were also significantly affected by ELE application. A declining trend was observed in TA during storage, along with an increase in SAR. The pH and soluble solid contents of strawberry juice were not significantly changed by the application of ELE; however, both attribute scores were greater than those for the control. In conclusion, ELE could be used as an environmentally safe method to postpone senescence and maintain postharvest quality for up to 15 days.

Combined application of hot water treatment and eucalyptus leaf extract postpones seneṣcence in harvested green chilies by conserving their antioxidants: A sustainable approach

“…5B). Similar ndings were reported by Haider et al [59] who reported 1.7 times higher CAT activity in ELE treated strawberries 15 days after storage compared to control fruits. Our study also con rms the ndings of Zhao et al…”

“…5B). Previously, similar ndings were obtained as increased SSC in apples [34,37,53], strawberries [28, 30,38,41,59], tomatoes [23,48], and litchi [47] in response to applied plant-based extracts during storage. In this study, the titratable acidity (TA) decreased with progression of storage period but the decrease was slightly lower in HWT + ELE treated chilies (0.46%) compared to the control (0.35%) after 20 days of storage (Fig.…”

“…6D). In recent studies, sole or combined application of HWT and ELE decreased the sugar-to-acid ratio in strawberries [28, 30,38,41,59], grapes [44], pears [34], apples [34,37], mangoes [18, 19,35,36,51,57], and grapes [13,31,44] during storage.…”

Bacillus spp. as Bioagents: Uses and Application for Sustainable Agriculture

“…Biopesticides have long been attracting global attraction due to their safer strategy than conventional pesticides. Considering the importance of sustainable agriculture [ 173 , 174 , 175 , 176 ], Bacillus spp.-based bioproducts could be a promising addition to sustainable agriculture as there is a limited product range available. There is a dire need to explore the potential of Bacillus spp.…”

Shelf‐life extension of Fragaria × ananassa Duch. using selenium nanoparticles synthesized from Cassia fistula Linn. leaves

“…In cold storage, the CAT activity was increased as the days of storage increased. Increase in the catalase activity of strawberry fruits up to 5 days during storage period was observed by Haider et al (2022). The study checked the effect of application of Eucalyptus leaves extract on postharvest strawberry fruits.…”