Nanocompositions were formulated using the phospholipase D inhibitor hexanal as the principal active ingredient. Several temperate fruits such as cherry, peach, strawberry, apple, grape; tropical fruits such as mango, tomato and guava, were subjected preharvest spray treatments and postharvest dips using aqueous compositions of hexanal. Such treatments enhanced the shelf life and quality parameters of these fruits. Storage life of mango, guava, and tomato could be enhanced over three times its normal observed shelf life.  Exposure of some fruits to vapour treatment emanating from electrospun nanofibres was equally effective. The composition was safe to common insect populations in orchards. Transcriptome analyses of treated fruits revealed downregulation of several genes involved in ethylene biosynthesis, pectin and cell wall degradation. Antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase and ascorbate peroxidase showed enhanced activity in treated fruits. The results show that hexanal treatment modulates enzymatic pathways, overall improving shelf life and quality of horticultural produce.

Nanocompositions for enhancing shelf life and quality of fruits, vegetables, and flowers

249th National Meeting (2015)

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