Effect of gamma irradiation treatment at phytosanitary dose level on physiological and consumer traits of Indian ber. Part 1. Cultivar 'Umran'

Highlights: • Gamma irradiation affected physiological and consumer traits of Indian ber fruit. • Ripening (%) and ethylene production were concerned as Indian jujube storage factors. • Climacteric peaks were delayed by irradiation doses (1.0 kGy). • Irradiation (1.0 kGy) allowed conservation of India ber fruits with minimal risk of chilling injury. We, study the effect of γ-irradiation on postharvest physiology, decay loss, consumer testing parameters and chilling injury index of Indian ber cv. 'Umran'. Fresh fruits of original cultivar 'Umran' were purchased from research orchard. Fruits irradiated at 0 (as control), 0.4 or 1.0 kGy doses, and then cold stored (10 °C and 95% RH) for 35 d. Weight loss (WL), respiration rate, ethylene production, ripening index, firmness, chilling injury index and consumer testing parameters were tested during storage at 7 d interval. The results indicated that the application of irradiation successfully extended the postharvest marketable life of jujube fruit without any risk of disorder development. In comparison with control, irradiated fruit with 1.0 kGy, showed a significant reduction (P < 0.05) in WL, firmness, decay and ripening index. Moreover, irradiation caused a significant effect on consumer liking traits and chilling injury. In addition, irradiation also reduces the respiration and ethylene production rate however, ethylene peaks was delayed by 7 days at 1.0 kGy dose. Overall, irradiation dose at 1.0 kGy recommended as a postharvest treatment for a longer shelf life of Indian jujube.