Lypophillic coat sprays reduce sun damage and improve fruit quality in 'Beurré D'Anjou' pears

Abstract

Some natural products strengthening plant cuticles have proven effective against environmental stressors causing fruit damage. This study aimed to evaluate sunburn damage incidence and fruit quality of ’Beurr´e D´Anjou’ pears in different canopy positions (Sun or Shadow) or applied with Parka®, a blend of food-grade phospholipids. The study was conducted over two seasons in an experimental plot located at INTA experimental station in Río Negro, Argentina. Sun damage was visually determined at harvest. Firmness, total soluble solids, titratable acidity and starch degradation were also measured at harvest. Ascorbic acid, chlorophyll, polyphenols content, antioxidant capacity and lipid peroxidation were determined in fruit peel. Parka® applications significantly reduced sunburn damage in pears. Higher ascorbic acid and chlorophyll contents were observed in ’Beurr´e D´Anjou’ fruit peel treated with Parka®. Main changes in fruit quality with Parka® applications were also influenced by environmental conditions during both growing seasons.