Vol. 11, Issue 3 (2022)

Author(s):
Kavya K, Mallikarjun G Awati, Manjunath G, Venkatesh M, Ranjitha J and Md. Jameel Jhalegar

Abstract:
The present study was conducted to assess the pre-harvest application of elicitors and bio-formulations (Brassinosteriod @ 0.05%, Brassinosteriod @ 0.1%, Chitosan @ 2%, Pseudomonas fluorescens @ 1x108cells/ml, Bacillus subtilis @ 1x10⁸cells/ml, Salicylic acid @ 300ppm, Clove oil @ 0.2%, Eucalyptus oil @ 0.2%) on papaya fruits at different development stages. The first spray was taken upat 2 months before harvest, 2^nd and 3^rd spray - 15 days after 1^st and 2^nd spray, respectively. The results indicated that, pre-harvest application of Salicylic acid @ 300ppm on among these treatments Salicylic acid @ 300ppm on Red Lady papaya fruits recorded high firmness and lowest physiological loss in weight, decreased respiration rate and Colour values (L*, a*, b*) and thereby improve the fruit quality and Shelf life. The next best treatment was T₃ i.e., papaya fruits sprayed with Brassinosteriod @ 0.1% also recorded similar to that of T₇, compared to control fruits sprayed by water alone (T₁) where it recorded highest physiological loss in weight (PLW), higher respiration rate and rapid increase in colour values. The percent disease index (PDI) was highest in control fruits, least in Salicylic acid @ 300ppm and Brassinosteriod @ 0.1% sprayed fruits.