Vol. 12, Issue 10 (2023)

Author(s):
Kajal Jaiswal, Anasuya Mohanty and S Mishra

Abstract:
Custard apple (Annona squamosa) is a tropical fruit known for its unique flavor and nutritional value. However, its yield, fruit quality and post-harvest shelf life are often compromised due to various factors, including environmental stress and pest infestations. This review compiles and analyzes the existing body of research on the effects of PGRs on custard apple crops, with a particular focus on their influence on yield, fruit quality, and shelf life. PGR-treated trees exhibited increased fruit yield, larger fruit size, and higher fruit weight compared to the control group. Additionally, PGR-treated fruit had a higher sugar content and improved taste due to increased sugar-to-acid ratios. Furthermore, PGR-treated custard apples demonstrated enhanced post-harvest shelf life. The fruits exhibited reduced physiological disorders, such as fruit rot and shriveling, and maintained their quality and marketability for a more extended period. This extended shelf life is of significant economic importance for both growers and consumers. The application of PGRs in custard apple cultivation has the potential to enhance fruit yield, improve fruit quality, and extend the post-harvest shelf life of the fruit.