Preharvest spraying with aminoethoxyvinylglycine or gibberelic acid improves postharvest fruit quality of 'Laetitia' plums

This work was carried out to evaluate the effects of preharvest spraying of Japanese plum trees (Prunus salicina, cv. Laetitia) with aminoethoxyvinilglycine [AVG; at 0, 90, and 120 mg (a.i.) L-1] and giberellic acid [GA(3); at 0 and 100 mg (a.i.) L-1] on fruit quality after cold storage. GA(3) and AVG were sprayed 28 and seven days before fruit harvesting, respectively. Fruit quality was assessed after 22 days of cold storage (0.5 degrees C/92% RH), followed by five days of shelf life (23 degrees C/60% RH). There was no interaction between AVG and GA(3) for all fruit quality attributes. Preharvest spraying with GA(3) and AVG increased flesh firmness, and delayed the increased of soluble solids content of the fruits. AVG delayed skin color evolution and reduced decay incidence. The treatment with GA(3) caused high titratable acidity. There was a linear response to AVG doses considering the maintenance of flesh consistence and skin color, and on reduction of decay incidence.