Evaluating the Role of Brassinolide in Extending Shelf Life and Bioactive Compounds in Mango cv. Langra

Abstract

Mango (Mangifera indica L.), a major tropical fruit crop of high economic importance, is highly perishable, necessitating effective strategies to enhance its shelf life and maintain post-harvest quality. Brassinolide, an eco-friendly plant hormone, has shown potential in regulating ripening and improving fruit quality by modulating ethylene production and enhancing antioxidant defense systems. The present study was done to enhance the shelf- life and bioactive compounds of mango cv. Langra at Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour. The pre-harvest application of brassinolide (BR) on the post-harvest quality and shelf life of mango cv. Langra has been observed. Mangoes treated with different concentrations of BR at marble stage and 15 days after marble stage, stored at ambient condition showed upto 16th days of storage. The observations of physiological weight loss percent, marketability percent, bioactive compounds (total soluble solids, total phenols, titratable acidity, ascorbic acid, antioxidant capacity and carotenoids) and shelf-life of fruits were taken. As the storage period advanced, the physiological weight loss and total carotenoids content increased whereas total phenol, titratable acidity, ascorbic acid, antioxidant capacity and marketability percent decreased. TSS was highest (22.6 oBrix) with BR 1.0 ppm at marble stage + 15 days after marble stage after 13 days of storage while it slightly decreased (21.3 oBrix) on 16th day of storage. Similar pattern was also observed in rest of the treatments. Total phenol was highest (171.35 mg GAeq./gFW) in first day under treatment T6 while lowest (50.33 mg GAeq./gFW) in T1- control.  Titratable acidity was maximum (1.05%) in T1: control just after harvesting and as the storage period advanced, it decreased upto last day of storage and found minimum (0.15%) under BR 1.0 ppm at marble stage + 15 days after marble stage on 16th day of storage. Ascorbic acid was also found decreasing trend as the storage period prolonged. The highest ascorbic acid content (75.60 mg/100 g pulp) was recorded under T6: BR 1.0 ppm at marble stage + 15 days after marble stage after 1st day of storage. Antioxidant capacity was again found decreasing trend from 1st day of storage to last day of storage. It was highest (5.67 μ mol Trolox equivalent/g FW) in T6 i.e BR 1.0 ppm at marble stage + 15 days after marble stage. Total carotenoids content was (1.94 mg/ 100 g FW) after one day of storage in control and it increased as fruit firm and eatable while again decreasing when quality fruit deteriorate.