postharvest effect of salicylic acid, chitosan and storage time on some quality and quantity attributes of fresh harvested selva strawberry fruit

the effect of different concentration of salicylic acid (0, 1 and 2 mmoll-1) and chitosan (0, 0.5 and 1 percent) on postharvest life and quality of selva strawberry fruit during storage at 2.5±0.5°c with 85-95% rh for 7 and 14 days was studied. decay incidence, marketability, total soluble solids, total acidity, vitamin c content and total antioxidant activity were evaluated during storage. chitosan 1% significantly decreased decay incidence and maintained fruit marketability. 1mmoll-1 of salicylic acid in combination with 1% chitosan significantly retained fruit soluble solids, vitamin c content and total antioxidant activity and was more effective on total antioxidant activity during first week of cold storage. 1 and 2 mmoll-1 salicylic acid retained total acidity.