Physicochemical and Antioxidant Enhancements in Postharvest Mangifera indica Fruit Treated with Salicylic Acid

Advances in Agriculture and Agricultural Sciences | Vol. 12, No. 7, July 2026 | pp. 96–101

DOI: 10.46882/2026.AAAS.120701

Research Article

Title: Physicochemical and Antioxidant Enhancements in Postharvest Mangifera indica Fruit Treated with Salicylic Acid

Names of Authors: Espinosa, J. F.¹, Rodriguez, K. L.¹, and Torres, M. A.²

Authors’ Affiliations: ¹Department of Postharvest Technology, National Center for Agricultural Research, Celaya, Mexico. ²Faculty of Food Sciences, University of Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Mexico.

Abstract: Managing ripeness velocities in mango fruit (Mangifera indica L.) is a core requirement for reducing postharvest losses during export transport. This study evaluated the effects of postharvest dips in salicylic acid solutions (1.0, 2.0, and 3.0 mM) on the physiological shelf life and antioxidant profiles of 'Tommie Atkins' mangoes stored at 12 degrees Celsius for 24 days. Respiration rates, weight loss trends, flesh firmness, total carotenoids, and key antioxidant enzyme activities were analyzed at 4-day intervals. Mangoes treated with 2.0 mM salicylic acid maintained high flesh firmness metrics (yielding a value of 18.4 N vs 5.2 N in control groups by day 24) and showed a delayed climacteric ethylene peak. This concentration restricted total weight loss to 4.8%, compared to 11.3% within the reference controls. Furthermore, activities of catalase and peroxidase remained high in the treated fruit, boosting overall resistance against anthracnose decay (Colletotrichum gloeosporioides). The findings indicate that salicylic acid triggers defense mechanisms that extend the storage life of mango crops.

Keywords: Tropical fruits; Ripening suppression; Salicylic treatments; Weight loss management; Anthracnose control; Shelf life expansion.

Manuscript Timeline: Received March 10, 2026; Revised May 12, 2026; Accepted June 15, 2026; Published July 18, 2026.

Citation: Espinosa, J. F., Rodriguez, K. L., and Torres, M. A. (2026). Physicochemical and Antioxidant Enhancements in Postharvest Mangifera indica Fruit Treated with Salicylic Acid. Advances in Agriculture and Agricultural Sciences, 12(7), pp. 96–101.

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