Determination of the effects of pre-harvest hexanal spray application on the storage life and quality of 'Hacıhaliloglu' apricot variety

In this study, the effects of 0.01% and 0.02% hexanal spray application on 'Hacıhaliloğlu' variety apricot fruits of variety were investigated before harvest. After harvest apricot fruits were stored at +4o C and 90±5% relative humidity conditions in MAP for 5 weeks. To determined effects of treatment on weight loss, fruit color (L, a, b, ΔE, hue angle) value, fruit flesh firmness, total soluble solids (TSS), titratable acid (TA), pH, amount of decay, chilling injury, electrical conductivity, total yeast and mold, sensory evaluation, total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, antioxidant capacity (DPPH free radical scavenging activity), polyphenol oxidase, peroxidase, catalase enzyme, vitamin A contents were measured from initial time to end of 5 weeks of storage period at 7 days intervals. As a result of the analysis, it was determined that hexanal spray application had a positive effect on weight loss, fruit flesh firmness, total phenolic content, antioxidant capacity, total flavonoid content, catalase enzyme activity but electrical conductivity level and total yeast-mold growth inhibited. When the results were evaluated, it was determined that hexanal spray treatment more effective than control group however 0.02% dose hexanal spray application was the most effective appicalication on the preservation of storage quality of 'Hacıhaliloğlu' apricot variety.