Aloe vera Treatments Extend the Postharvest Life of Table Grapes by Delaying Weight Loss, Berry Softening, Rachis Browning, and Biochemical Changes

Edible coating is an environmentally friendly, safe, and effective practice to extend the physical and biochemical qualities of fresh commodities. The present study evaluated the effects of preharvest Aloe vera (AV) spraying 1 week before harvest (25%), postharvest AV coating (25%), and their combined use on the quality of table grape ('Sultani Cekirdeksiz' syn. 'Thompson Seedless') during cold storage at 1.0 +/- 0.5 degrees C and 90 +/- 5.0% relative humidity for 120 d. Berry adherence was significantly improved by preharvest AV pulverization by increasing the berry detachment force, a prime feature determining the storage and marketing lifetime of table grapes. Both preharvest and postharvest AV treatments remarkably delayed the loss in weight and maintained the rachis chlorophyll content and antioxidant capacity during the storage. Visual quality was obviously higher in grapes subjected to both treatments. Overall investigations showed that both treatments significantly maintained the storage lifetime of the grapes. Based on the findings, AV treatment as a natural and healthy compound could be used as a suitable alternative to extend the marketable period of table grapes and minimize postharvest losses.