Bioactive Compounds and Quality Attributes of Fresh Seedless Barberry at Cold Storage as Influenced by Multiple Spraying of Calcium Nitrate and Potassium Nitrate

Abstract

Purpose Seedless barberry (Berberis vulgaris L.) is one of the most popular local and medicinal fruits in Iran. However, due to high water content (~80%) and its thin skin is susceptible to postharvest decay, and thus it has short postharvest life. Research Method This study was carried out to investigate the effects of pre-harvest foliar application of calcium nitrate and potassium nitrate solutions at a concentration of 0.5% and cold storage on biochemical and postharvest quality attributes of fresh seedless barberry fruit in the 2017 and 2018 growing seasons. Findings The results showed that both chemicals applied resulted in better appearance and tightness in both seasons. Berries treated with distilled water (control) were redder in the 2017 season. Fruit at harvest had the highest content of vitamin C (21.11 mg.100g-1) in 2017 and total phenolic content (7.36 mg.100g-1) in 2018 compared to stored fruit. Interestingly, the highest total anthocyanin was obtained after 30 days of cold storage (1146.13 and 3071.32 mg.L-1) in both growing seasons, respectively. The appearance and tightness of seedless barberry decreased with an increment of the storage period in both seasons, and the best taste was assessed at harvest time. Moreover, the fruit brightness in 2017 and ‘b*’ and hue color parameters in 2018 decreased as storage time progressed. The highest weight loss percentage was obtained after 30 days of storage in harvested fruit in both seasons. Research limitations The high sensitivity of barberry fruit due to high water content and its thin skin. Originality/value Both chemicals preserved some of the quality properties of barberry fruit during cold storage.