Effect of foliar spray of calcium chloride and boric acid on shelf-life of guava

Abstract

The present investigation was conducted during 2015-16 on guava cv. Pant Prabhat having 9 treatments of different combinations of calcium and boron sprays made in 3 replications. The results obtained showed that minimum physiological loss in weight (PLW) was found under T2 (calcium chloride @ 0.4%) treatment. Whereas, TSS (11.99ºB), ascorbic acid (252.4 mg/100 g) and total sugars (7.51%) were found to be maximum in T8 (calcium chloride @ 0.4% + boric acid @ 0.2%) treatment and overall acceptability of fruits in storage up to six days was also found maximum under the same treatment. The findings of the present investigation revealed that the pre-harvest foliar application of calcium chloride and boric acid twice was an effective way for improvement of fruit quality and shelf-life of guava. Calcium chloride (0.4%) and boric acid (0.2%) were found to be effective in increasing quality, whereas, calcium chloride (0.4 %) alone was effective for maintaining fruits under ambient storage conditions for six days.