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Article

Influence of Salicylic Acid and Melatonin During Postharvest Refrigeration on Prolonging Keitt Mango Freshness

by
Waleed A. Almasoud
1,
Mahmoud Abdel-Sattar
2,*,
Sobhy M. Khalifa
3,
Ahmed S. Dawood
3,
Mohamed A. Shahda
3,
Ahmed M. El-Taher
4,
Amr M. Haikal
5,
Hail Z. Rihan
6 and
Adel F. Ahmed
3
1
Department of Agricultural Engineering, College of Food and Agriculture Sciences, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2460, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
2
Department of Plant Production, College of Food and Agriculture Sciences, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2460, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
3
Department of Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture, Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11884, Egypt
4
Department of Agricultural Botany, Agriculture Faculty, Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11884, Egypt
5
Horticulture Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Damanhour University, Damanhour 22516, Egypt
6
School of Biological and Marine Sciences/Plymouth, University of Plymouth, Plymouth PL4 8AA, UK
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Sustainability 2024, 16(23), 10675; https://doi.org/10.3390/su162310675
Submission received: 1 November 2024 / Revised: 27 November 2024 / Accepted: 2 December 2024 / Published: 5 December 2024
Browse Figures
Versions Notes

Abstract

Mangoes are highly valued for their flavor and nutritional content, but their shelf life is limited due to quick ripening and susceptibility to microbial deterioration. The use of salicylic acid and melatonin as postharvest dipping treatments for mango fruits has the potential to significantly improve shelf life while retaining fruit quality. Salicylic acid modulates ethylene synthesis and stress reactions, whereas melatonin provides a strong antioxidant defense. These treatments might be used in postharvest management methods to minimize losses and improve mango marketability. The goal of this study is to look at the effects of salicylic acid and melatonin postharvest treatments on Keitt mango fruit in terms of physiochemical quality, enzyme activity, and ascorbic acid content during cold storage. Fruits were chilled at 5 °C ± 2 and 85 ± 2 percent humidity throughout the 2022–2023 seasons. The treatments were as follows: control (untreated fruits), salicylic acid (1 and 2 mM), and melatonin (200 and 400 mM). Data showed that dipping mango fruits in salicylic acid and melatonin under cold conditions decreased weight loss and fruit decay while improving physiochemical properties such as fruit firmness, total soluble solids (TSS%), total acidity, total sugars, enzyme activities, and ascorbic acid levels over time. In both seasons, dipping mango fruits in a melatonin solution at 200 mM followed by a salicylic acid solution at 1 mM produced the highest values for all examined parameters when compared to the control and other treatments. These findings indicate that postharvest administration of salicylic acid and melatonin can successfully increase the storability and quality of Keitt mangoes under refrigerated circumstances, providing a feasible technique for reducing postharvest losses and increasing marketability.

1. Introduction

Mango (Mangifera indica L.) is a popular tropical fruit with significant economic and nutritional value [1]. However, its postharvest life is restricted due to a variety of physiological and pathological conditions. Anthracnose, a significant disease affecting mangoes, has historically been managed mostly using fungicides. However, there is rising worry over the usage of synthetic chemicals and how they affect human health and the environment [2]. Postharvest management has a strong correlation with fruit and vegetable loss and waste [3]. Postharvest losses occur when the quality and quantity of harvested crops are diminished or lost before they reach the end user. This is mostly due to poor handling and storage procedures, insufficient transportation, and a lack of infrastructure [4]. To address these challenges, researchers investigated alternate ways of improving mango storability and quality [5]. One such strategy is to use natural substances such as salicylic acid and melatonin during the postharvest period. The postharvest treatment of salicylic acid (SA) and melatonin (MT) has piqued the interest of researchers looking to improve mango storability and fruit quality, especially Mangifera indica L. cv. Keitt. This mango type is appreciated for its sweet flavor, scent, and nutritional value, but it deteriorates quickly after harvest, necessitating the development of effective preservation methods.
Salicylic acid is a plant hormone that regulates several physiological processes, including disease resistance, whereas melatonin is a multifunctional molecule with antioxidant capabilities [6]. Salicylic acid is a plant hormone that plays an important role in plant growth, development, and stress resistance [7]. Postharvest administration of salicylic acid can have a considerable influence on fruit quality and shelf life [8]. Salicylic acid treatments have been demonstrated in studies to delay ripening, minimize weight loss, and slow decay rates in a variety of fruits, including mangos [9]. Salicylic acid has been shown to increase antioxidant capacity and minimize oxidative stress, preserving fruit firmness and delaying senescence [10]. Salicylic acid does this by suppressing the activity of enzymes involved in browning and degradation, such as polyphenol oxidase and peroxidase [11]. Salicylic acid treatments can control ethylene production, a ripening hormone, increasing the fruit’s postharvest life [12].
Melatonin, or N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine, is a synthetic hormone that regulates plant growth and affects plant germination, roots, vitality, and yields [13]. Melatonin is being rapidly used on plants worldwide due to its unique properties [14]. As a bioactive molecule, melatonin is renowned for its antioxidant capabilities and ability to regulate physiological processes in plants [15]. Studies indicate that melatonin has a high safety profile, with research showing that moderate doses used in health and dietary applications are not associated with serious side effects [16]. Melatonin postharvest can enhance the quality and storability of fruits by reducing oxidative stress and increasing antioxidant enzyme activity [17]. Melatonin treatments in mangoes can help preserve higher quantities of chlorophyll, allowing the skin to retain its green color for longer periods of storage. This treatment also aids in lowering respiration rates and delaying the ripening process, which is critical for increasing shelf life [18]. Due to its remarkable ability to interact with potent scavenging and modulating pathways, melatonin has been shown to have a general beneficial effect on several plant species when administered at appropriate concentrations, physiological stages of the plant life cycle, and under suitable temperature and light conditions [19]. Melatonin has a broad range of action in several plant species and can alleviate some significant postharvest difficulties in crops, there is a strong motivation to investigate fruits from other species. If melatonin is effective against a wide range of fruits, it might offer a natural, safe, and low-cost alternative for preserving fruit quality during storage [20]. Melatonin has been shown in plants to increase tolerance to different stimuli, including oxidative stress, by scavenging free radicals and altering antioxidant enzyme activity [21].
Recent research has revealed that applying salicylic acid and melatonin after harvest can significantly reduce the incidence of anthracnose, delayed ripening, and maintain higher levels of antioxidants and other quality attributes [22,23]. Melatonin and salicylic acid treatments can synergistically improve mango postharvest quality. According to studies, combining these chemicals can produce better benefits than using them separately. For example, combining salicylic acid with melatonin has been demonstrated to considerably minimize weight loss, preserve firmness, and increase the antioxidant capacity of mango fruits during storage [24]. These chemicals can be administered by dipping or spraying, and then stored at appropriate temperatures [25]. Postharvest treatments with salicylic acid and melatonin should be adapted to the mango cultivar’s individual requirements and storage circumstances. For example, preharvest applications paired with postharvest treatments can provide better protection and quality preservation. This strategy has been successfully adopted in research, suggesting its economic viability [26]. As a result, mango fruits must be preserved to be marketable for longer. This helps to increase revenue from mango cultivation and production, sustain the production and growth process, and preserve a healthy environment by decreasing damaged fruits, which creates a variety of environmental concerns. This study supports the Sustainable Development Goals by decreasing food waste, improving crop quality, and promoting food security. It advocates sustainable practices that increase farmer income, enhance nutrition as a critical public health component, and save resources while promoting healthier, more resilient urban populations [27].
This study investigates how melatonin and salicylic acid affect the freshness duration of ‘Keitt’ mango fruits throughout the postharvest cooling process. To close the knowledge gap in postharvest fruit storage research and offer fresh approaches that might help extend mango storage life and cut down on food waste, the study aims to determine the optimal concentrations and mechanisms of action for both salicylic acid and melatonin. This study provides a solid foundation for future research on the function of natural chemicals in maintaining fruit quality after harvest.

2. Materials and Methods

2.1. Experimental Site and Plant Materials

The present study was carried out during two successive seasons 2022 and 2023, on Keitt mango Fruit (Mangifera indica L.). Fresh mango fruits were harvested from a private orchard at the early ripe stage in the Al Adliya area, Sharkia Governorate, Egypt. The trees were 7 years old, grafted on Succary rootstock, developed in sandy loam soil with a drip irrigation method, and subjected to standard agricultural procedures. The harvested fruits were genteelly packed in carton boxes and correctly labeled. Fruits of uniform size, good quality, and free of damage or sickness were selected and transported immediately to procedures were completed, and the results were documented in the Horticulture Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Al-Azhar University, Egypt. Fruit was rinsed with distilled water and sanitized with a 1% sodium hypochlorite solution to remove any foreign matter, such as dust, dirt, or other pollutants, before being air-dried for use. The fruits were air dried and sorted to remove unwanted fruits such as mechanically injured, discolored, or defective.

2.2. Experimental Design and Treatments

The fruits were randomly separated into two groups: one for testing the fruit’s physical qualities, and the other for measuring their chemical and enzyme activity. Each group had 300 fruits, which were separated into five subgroups to mimic the five treatments employed. Each treatment had three replicates, with 20 fruits per replicate, laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). Fruits were treated by dipping in a 20 L solution of SA (produced by Fabricacion Almana Company – Laborchemi, Apolda, Germany), at 1 mM and 2 mM concentrations, with Tween 20 (2 mL L−1) as a surfactant, at 25 o C for 10 min. Melatonin (HELIAN, Cairo Egypt), was dissolved in ethanol and diluted to 200 and 400 mM before being immersed for 10 min. The fruits of each treatment were subjected to one of the following treatments: C, as control (dipped in distilled water); dipped in 1 mM salicylic acid solution (SA 1); dipped in 2 mM salicylic acid solution (SA 2); dipped in 200 mM melatonin solution (MT1); or dipped in 400 mM melatonin solution (MT2).

2.3. Measurements and Determinations:

2.3.1. Fruit Physical Properties

The first group of fruits was examined to determine its physical characteristics. The fruit’s physical properties were estimated by determining the weight loss (%), decay (%), and fruit firmness (kg/cm2). Utilizing a 0.0001 g sensitive digital scale (Mettler, Toledo, Schwerzenbach, Switzerland, 0.0001 g accuracy), fruit weight (g) was measured. Weight loss percentage was calculated as the variation between each replication’s starting and final weight [28]. To convert it to a percentage, the calculation below was used:
Weight   loss   % = W i ( g ) − W s ( g ) W i ( g ) × 100
where Wi = the initial weight of the fruit before cold storage, and Ws = the weight of the fruit at a period of sampling. Interval = 7 days of refrigerating directly after the period of sampling.
Decay percentage was estimated by determining the skin appearance, shriveling, fungus, bacteria, and pathogens [29]. At each inspection, deteriorated fruits were destroyed, and the weight of fruits per replicate was used to calculate the decay percentage using the formula:
Decay   % = T o t a l   n u m b e r   o f   d e c a y e d   f r u i t s I n i t i a l   n u m b e r   o f   s t o r e d   f r u i t s × 100
Fruit firmness (kg/cm2) was determined on two opposite sides of the flesh of each fruit after peeling using a Magness–Taylor pressure tester and a penetrometer (Turoni Decco Iberica Penetrometer, Italy, model FT 011) [30].

2.3.2. Fruit Chemical Properties:

The fruit pulp was pressed for half of the fruits from the second group and mixed with the fruit juice to assess the chemical characteristics of the fruit.
Total soluble solid: The total soluble solid percentage was measured in 10 mL of mango juice filtrate using the refractometer equipment (TAGO 9099, Tokyo, Japan) according to the AOAC [31].
Total acidity: The titratable acidity of the mango fruit extract was calculated as citric acid/100 mL of juice by placing a 10 mL juice fruit in a 250 mL beaker and adding 40 mL of water. This was thoroughly mixed, and then three drops of phenolphthalein indicator were added to the juice water solution. The overall acidity percentage was determined using titration with 0.1 N NaOH according to AOAC [31], using the formula:
Total   Acidity   % = V o l u m e   o f   N a O H ( m L ) × N o r m a l i t y   o f   N a O H ( N ) × 64.04 V o l u m e   o f   t h e   S a m p l e   ( m L )
Ascorbic acid: Ascorbic acid levels (vitamin C) were determined by homogenizing Mesocarp flesh (2 g) was homogenized in 10 mL of 3% (w/v) metaphosphoric acid using a mortar and pestle at 4 °C, which was then filtered through filter paper according to Deepa et al. [32] and AOAC [31]. The homogenate was centrifugated at 3000× g for 20 min at 4 °C and 2 mL of the supernatant was added to 5 mL of 3% metaphosphoric acid and then titrated with 0.1 mM 2,6-dichloroindophenol (DPIP) for the end step.

2.3.3. Enzyme Activities:

The remaining samples of fruits from each replicate were randomly selected to determine the enzyme activities. Enzyme extraction and assays were performed using the Sunohara and Matsumoto method [33]. The exocarp flesh (1 g) was crushed in liquid nitrogen and homogenized at 4 °C in 10 mL of 25 mM K3PO4 (Potassium Phosphate) buffer pH 7.8 comprising 0.4 mM EDTA (Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid) 1 mM ascorbic acid, and 2% polyvinyl polypyrrolidone. The homogenate was centrifuged at 15,000× g for 20 min at 4 °C and the supernatant was filtered through filter paper.
SOD (Superoxide Dismutase) activity was examined in a 2 mL reaction mixture containing 0.2 mL of 500 mM K3PO4 buffer pH 7.8, 0.2 mL of 0.1 mM cytochrome C from horse heart, 0.2 mL of 1 mM xanthine dissolved in 10 mM NaOH, 0.04 mL of xanthine oxidase, 1.32 mL of distilled water, and 0.04 mL of enzyme extract. The rate of reduction in cytochrome C was determined by the identified rate of increase in absorbance at 550 nm. The SOD activity was expressed as unit/mg protein.
CAT (catalase) activity was assayed in a 2 mL reaction mixture containing 1.9 mL of 50 mM K3PO4 buffer pH 7.0 covering 25 mM H2O2 (Hydrogen Peroxide) and 0.1 mL of separate enzyme. The subsequent decomposition of H2O2 was observed at 240 nm. CAT activity was expressed as μmol AA decomposed (mg protein)−1 min−1.
APX (ascorbate peroxidase) activity was tested in a 2 mL reaction mix, containing 0.5 mL of 100 mM K3PO4 buffer pH 7.0, 0.5 mL of 1 mM L-ascorbic acid (AA), 0.5 mL of 0.4 mM EDTA, 0.02 mL of 10 mM H2O2, 0.38 mL of distilled water, and 0.1 mL of enzyme separate. The subsequent decrease in ascorbic acid was observed at 290 nm. APX activity was expressed as μmol AA decomposed (mg protein)−1 min−1.
The activity of each enzyme was expressed on a protein basis. Protein content was determined by using bovine serum albumin as standard according to Lowry et al. [34].

2.4. Statistical Analysis

All physical, physiochemical, microbiological, and phytochemical data acquired from the whole random design were statistically evaluated using ANOVA (2 Way Randomized Complete Design) using Costat V6-303 statistical software following Snedecor and Cochran [35]. The means of each treatment were compared using the least significant differences (LSDs) at p < 0.05, both across various storage periods and within the same time point.

3. Results

3.1. Fruit Physical Properties

3.1.1. Weight Loss (%)

When compared to the control treatment in both production seasons, weight loss was considerably decreased when Keitt mango fruits were dipped in solutions containing melatonin and salicylic acid during postharvest cooling. According to the results in Figure 1, dipping mango fruits with a melatonin solution at 200 mM resulted in the least significant weight loss, followed by dipping mango fruits with a salicylic acid solution at 1 mM, while the control treatment resulted in the highest rate in both seasons. Furthermore, data revealed that extending the storage duration contributed to increased weight loss, with fruits stored for 35 days recording the greatest values and those stored for 7 days recording the lowest values.

3.1.2. Decay %

Figure 2 shows the decay percentage of mango fruit. The control fruit decayed at the conclusion of the storage period; however, mango fruits that were dipped in a 200 mM melatonin solution, followed by a 1 mM salicylic acid solution, retained a nice look when compared to the control treatment and other treated fruits. Increasing the duration of storage at refrigeration temperature enhanced the fruit deterioration percentage of Keitt mango fruits under postharvest refrigeration throughout the 2022 and 2023 seasons. Fruit stored for 35 days had the fastest decay rates in both seasons, whereas fruit stored for 7 days had the slowest decay rates. Figure 2 shows that treatments with a 7-day storage length had the lowest fruit degradation percentages when compared to identical treatments with a 35-day storage period. Therefore, all treatments with a 7-day storage period produced the lowest fruit deterioration percentages, particularly those treated with melatonin solution at 200 mM. In contrast, all interactions with storage times of 28 and 35 days had the statistically largest fruit decay percentage, except for the control treatment and salicylic acid solution at 2 mM, which had the highest decay percentage of 21 days in both seasons.

3.1.3. Fruits Firmness:

Fruit hardness gradually reduces with extended storage. Figure 3 shows that fruit firmness was preserved in all treatments. Mango fruits treated with a 200 mM melatonin solution followed by a 1 mM salicylic acid solution increased considerably in fruit firmness compared to control fruits, which showed greater softening rates in both seasons of Keitt mango fruits under postharvest refrigeration during 2022 and 2023. Data revealed that increasing the storage duration reduced weight loss, with fruits stored for 35 days recording the lowest values and those held for 7 days recording the highest values.

3.2. Fruit Chemical Properties:

3.2.1. Total Soluble Solids (TSS %), and Total Acidity

The results in Figure 4 and Figure 5 show that dipping Keitt mango fruits in salicylic acid and melatonin solutions under postharvest refrigeration conditions during the 2022 and 2023 seasons significantly increased total soluble solids while decreasing total acidity when compared to the control in both seasons. Furthermore, data clearly showed that the highest significant values of total soluble solids (TSS) were obtained when mango fruits were dipped in melatonin solution at 200 mM, followed by dipping mango fruits in salicylic acid solution at 1 mM, as compared to the control, which had the lowest value in both seasons.
In the same vein, dipping mango fruits with melatonin solution at 400 mM, followed by dipping mango fruits with salicylic acid solution at 2 mM, had the highest overall total acidity value in the first season, whereas dipping mango fruits with salicylic acid solution at 2 mM, followed by control treatment, had the highest overall total acidity value in the second season. The findings revealed that increasing the storage duration increased total soluble solids, with fruits stored for 35 days recording the highest values and those stored for 7 days recording the lowest values. On the other hand, data revealed that extending the storage duration reduced overall acidity, with fruits held for 35 days recording the lowest values and those stored for 7 days recording the highest values.

3.2.2. Ascorbic Acid

Dipping Keitt mango fruits in salicylic acid and melatonin solutions under postharvest chilling settings significantly raised ascorbic acid levels relative to the control treatment in two seasons. According to the results in Figure 6, dipping mango fruits in a melatonin solution at 200 mM produced the highest significant value of ascorbic acid, followed by dipping mango fruits in a salicylic acid solution at 1 mM, while the control treatment produced the lowest value in both seasons. Furthermore, data revealed that increasing storage duration reduced ascorbic acid levels, with fruits stored for 35 days having the lowest values and fruits stored for 7 days having the greatest values.

3.3. Enzyme Activities

Enzyme activity (superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and ascorbate peroxidase (APX)) significantly declined with prolonged storage, as seen in Figure 7, Figure 8 and Figure 9. Fruits treated with 200 mM melatonin solution, followed by 1 mM salicylic acid solution, showed significantly higher levels of SOD, CAT, and APX than the control treatment in both seasons of Keitt mango fruits under postharvest refrigeration in 2022 and 2023. The influence of storage length revealed that (SOD), (CAT), and (APX) dropped as the storage period increased, with fruits held for 35 days recording the lowest value compared to those stored for 7 days, which acquired the greatest values.

4. Discussion

4.1. Fruit Physical Properties

Mangoes, being climacteric fruits, undergo major physiological changes following harvest, such as increased respiration and ethylene production. These mechanisms contribute to ripening, senescence, and water loss, resulting in weight loss and worse fruit quality [36]. Salicylic acid is well known for its potential to increase plant resilience to biotic and abiotic stressors [37]. Salicylic acid, when administered postharvest, can considerably minimize fruit weight loss by preserving cell membrane integrity, slowing respiration, and delaying ripening [38]. Salicylic acid is a phenolic molecule that contributes significantly to plant growth, development, and stress responses. It has been extensively researched for its function in improving postharvest quality and increasing the shelf life of crops [39]. Salicylic acid can affect a variety of physiological processes, including ethylene production and respiration rate, both of which are important determinants in postharvest weight loss [40]. This increased antioxidant capacity promotes cellular integrity while reducing weight loss [10]. Salicylic acid works by creating systemic acquired resistance (SAR) in plants, increasing their capacity to survive a variety of stressors, including water loss [41]. Salicylic acid can regulate the activity of oxidative stress enzymes, preserving cell membrane integrity and slowing senescence [42]. Mango weight loss is mostly caused by water loss and respiration, which are mitigated by several postharvest treatments [43]. One intriguing therapy is the use of melatonin, a chemical renowned for its antioxidant effects and function in plant stress responses. Furthermore, melatonin therapy is extremely easy and readily integrated into existing postharvest handling protocols, making it an appealing choice for mango farmers and exporters [44]. Similar effects of melatonin were seen in cherries and tomatoes, indicating that melatonin has a broad-spectrum effectiveness in decreasing postharvest degradation [45].
Salicylic acid enhances fruit defense systems via numerous methods. It increases the synthesis of pathogenesis-related (PR) proteins, which prevent infections from growing. Furthermore, salicylic acid stimulates the production of secondary metabolites such as phenolic compounds and antioxidants, which help the fruit withstand microbial infection [46]. Studies reveal that postharvest treatment with salicylic acid greatly decreases the decay percentage in ‘Keitt’ mangoes. Mangoes treated with salicylic acid had a lower decay rate than untreated controls [47]. The reduced decay percentage was ascribed to increased antioxidative enzyme activity and phenolic compound buildup, both of which boosted the fruit’s resilience to fungal diseases. Postharvest deterioration remains a major issue, hurting the fruit’s marketability and economic worth [48]. Melatonin, a well-known biological regulator in animals, also has an important function in plant physiology and may be utilized as an efficient postharvest therapy to minimize mango deterioration [49]. Melatonin improves the activity of antioxidant enzymes, for instance superoxide dismutase, catalase, and peroxidase, which work together to prevent oxidative damage and degradation [50]. Melatonin-treated mangoes lost less weight, retained their firmness, and had better antioxidant enzyme activity, resulting in a considerable reduction in decay percentage [51].
Salicylic acid preserved more firmness than untreated fruits. This impact is linked to the delayed breakdown of protection and other cell wall components, which are necessary for the fruit’s structural integrity [52]. Salicylic acid affects fruit firmness and quality primarily through its capacity to delay ripening and boost the fruit’s antioxidant defense system [53]. Salicylic acid inhibits fruit softening by blocking ethylene production, a ripening hormone. Furthermore, salicylic acid increases the activity of antioxidative enzymes, which aids in oxidative stress reduction and cell wall integrity [54]. Salicylic acid’s antioxidant activities play an important role in maintaining mango quality [55]. Salicylic acid decreases oxidative damage to fruits during storage by increasing the activity of enzymes such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, and peroxidase. Studies have shown that dipping mangoes in melatonin solutions of varied concentrations can greatly slow the softening process [56]. Melatonin improves fruit antioxidant defenses by lowering the buildup of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can cause cellular damage and softening [46]. Melatonin inhibits ethylene production and signaling, a hormone responsible for accelerating ripening and softening in fruits [57].

4.2. Fruit Chemical Properties:

Generally, all measured chemical properties were significantly affected by salicylic acid and melatonin treatments in both the 2022 and 2023 seasons (Figure 4, Figure 5 and Figure 6). Salicylic acid treatment raised and improved their sweetness and general acceptability throughout storage [58]. Salicylic acid-treated fruits had a longer storage life and sustained TSS levels than untreated fruits [59]. Salicylic influences enzymes involved in sugar metabolism. For example, it can block invertase, an enzyme that converts sucrose to glucose and fructose, allowing sucrose levels to remain high [60]. Salicylic acid helps to slow down the metabolic pathways that cause sugar breakdown [61]. Melatonin alters the activity of enzymes involved in sugar metabolism. For example, it can block sugar-degrading enzymes, allowing TSS levels to remain high. This is also likely related to melatonin’s propensity to delay ripening, which allows sugars to build over a longer period [62]. Different melatonin concentrations have various effects on TSS, lower concentrations were shown to be more successful in sustaining greater TSS levels than larger concentrations, which occasionally resulted in a drop in TSS after lengthy storage due to metabolic imbalances [63]. Melatonin treatments aid in preserving overall acidity by delaying ripening and inhibiting metabolic processes that cause acid breakdown [64]. Melatonin-treated mangoes preserved their unique acidity and overall flavor profile for extended periods of storage due to greater amounts of organic acids. Melatonin also acts as a powerful antioxidant and anti-ethylene agent, aiding in the preservation of fruit quality after harvest [65]. Reduced acidity in fruits may result from faster acid consumption of organic acid in respiration [66], enhanced sugar accumulation, or better sugar delivery into fruit tissues and the conversion of organic acids to sugars [67]. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant due to its ability to trap hydroxyl and ability to neutralize superoxide radicals [68]. Postharvest treatment of salicylic acid not only retains the nutritional content of the fruits but also increases their total antioxidant capacity, making them more suitable for ingestion even after extended storage [69]. Melatonin therapy has been demonstrated to improve ascorbic acid concentration in a variety of fruits [70]. Melatonin suppresses degradation pathways while upregulating ascorbic acid synthesis pathways, resulting in an increase in ascorbic acid concentration [71]. In addition, Alebidi et al. [72] reported that inhibition of ascorbic acid oxidation by reducing ascorbate oxidase activity leads to a corresponding increase in ascorbic acid and thus maintains the concentration of ascorbic acid.

4.3. Enzyme Activities

The quality of fruits is seriously compromised by rapid ripening, which also shortens their marketable shelf life [73]. In horticultural crops, postharvest alterations can be reduced to a considerable extent, but they cannot be prevented [74]. It is becoming more and more crucial to preserve the postharvest life of fresh horticultural crops [75]. Salicylic acid enhances antioxidant enzyme activity, which helps to maintain cellular integrity and postpone fruit senescence [76]. The use of salicylic acid in postharvest treatments has been shown to delay senescence, minimize decay, and improve fruit antioxidant qualities, hence increasing shelf life [77]. Salicylic acid treatments enhanced the action of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, and ascorbate peroxidase. These enzymes serve an important function in scavenging reactive oxygen species, safeguarding the fruit from oxidative damage during storage [39]. The treatment of salicylic acid to Mangifera indica L. cv. Keitt resulted in a decrease in the activity of PPO and POD, enzymes responsible for fruit browning responses. Salicylic acid treatment, which inhibits these enzymes, aids in the preservation of mangoes’ visual and nutritional quality throughout storage [78]. Melatonin treatment enhances antioxidant enzyme activity, which helps to retain the structural integrity of the cell walls and delays the ripening process, which is critical for increasing mango shelf life [79]. This was corroborated by observations in other fruits, where melatonin-treated fruits had more enzyme activity than untreated controls, resulting in better storability and less spoiling [80]. Melatonin administration boosted SOD, CAT, and POD activities in sweet cherries, resulting in improved fruit firmness and a reduction in physiological problems [81]. Melatonin boosts the fruit’s natural antioxidant defense mechanism, decreasing oxidative damage and preserving its freshness [82]. Treatments with salicylic acid and melatonin as natural chemicals can maintain quality because of the enhancement of the action of antioxidant enzymes such as catalase, superoxide dismutase, and ascorbate peroxidase, providing an alternative way to preserve fruit appearance and nutritional value with prolonged storage after harvest [10,17,46].

5. Conclusions

Salicylic acid and melatonin administered postharvest have been shown to improve the storability and shelf life of Mangifera indica L. cv. Keitt. These treatments slowly ripen and reduce oxidative stress, providing a viable technique for decreasing postharvest losses. By using these measures, mango producers and exporters may improve marketability and customer happiness, therefore contributing to the mango industry’s economic sustainability. Further research is needed to enhance formulations and application methods to maximize the effects of these therapies.

Author Contributions

Conceptualization; W.A.A., M.A.-S. and A.M.H.; Data curation, S.M.K., A.F.A., A.S.D. and M.A.S.; Formal analysis, W.A.A., M.A.-S., S.M.K., A.S.D., M.A.S. and A.F.A.; Funding acquisition, M.A.-S.; Investigation; S.M.K., A.S.D., M.A.S. and A.F.A.; Methodology, S.M.K., A.S.D., M.A.S., A.F.A. and A.M.H.; Project administration, M.A.-S.; Resource, W.A.A., M.A.-S., A.M.H. and H.Z.R.; Software, W.A.A., M.A.-S., S.M.K., A.M.E.-T. and A.F.A.; Supervision, M.A.-S., S.M.K., A.S.D., M.A.S. and A.F.A.; validation, W.A.A., M.A.-S. and H.Z.R.; Visualization, W.A.A., M.A.-S., A.M.H., A.M.E.-T. and H.Z.R.; Writing—original draft, W.A.A., M.A.-S., S.M.K., A.S.D., M.A.S. and A.F.A.; Writing—review and editing, W.A.A., M.A.-S., A.F.A. and S.M.K. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

Funding

This research was funded by the Researchers Supporting Project (number: RSPD2024R707), King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Institutional Review Board Statement

Not applicable.

Informed Consent Statement

Not applicable.

Data Availability Statement

All the necessary records are included in the document.

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to extend their sincere appreciation to the Researchers’ Supporting Project (RSPD2024R707), King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia..

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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Figure 1. Effect of dipping with salicylic acid and melatonin on weight loss (%) of Keitt mango fruits under postharvest refrigeration during 2022 and 2023 seasons, with LSD analysis (A = treatments, B = storage periods, A × B = interaction).
Figure 1. Effect of dipping with salicylic acid and melatonin on weight loss (%) of Keitt mango fruits under postharvest refrigeration during 2022 and 2023 seasons, with LSD analysis (A = treatments, B = storage periods, A × B = interaction).
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Figure 2. Effect of dipping with salicylic acid and melatonin on decay (%) of Keitt mango fruits under postharvest refrigeration during 2022 and 2023 seasons, with LSD analysis (A = treatments, B = storage periods, A × B = interaction).
Figure 2. Effect of dipping with salicylic acid and melatonin on decay (%) of Keitt mango fruits under postharvest refrigeration during 2022 and 2023 seasons, with LSD analysis (A = treatments, B = storage periods, A × B = interaction).
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Figure 3. Effect of dipping with salicylic acid and melatonin on firmness kg/cm2 of Keitt mango fruits under postharvest refrigeration during 2022 and 2023 seasons, with LSD analysis (A = treatments, B = storage periods, A × B = interaction).
Figure 3. Effect of dipping with salicylic acid and melatonin on firmness kg/cm2 of Keitt mango fruits under postharvest refrigeration during 2022 and 2023 seasons, with LSD analysis (A = treatments, B = storage periods, A × B = interaction).
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Figure 4. Effect of dipping with salicylic acid and melatonin on total soluble solids (TSS %) of Keitt mango fruits under postharvest refrigeration during 2022 and 2023 seasons, with LSD analysis (A = treatments, B = storage periods, A × B = interaction).
Figure 4. Effect of dipping with salicylic acid and melatonin on total soluble solids (TSS %) of Keitt mango fruits under postharvest refrigeration during 2022 and 2023 seasons, with LSD analysis (A = treatments, B = storage periods, A × B = interaction).
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Figure 5. Effect of dipping with salicylic acid and melatonin on total acidity of Keitt mango fruits under postharvest refrigeration during 2022 and 2023 seasons, with LSD analysis (A = treatments, B = storage periods, A × B = interaction).
Figure 5. Effect of dipping with salicylic acid and melatonin on total acidity of Keitt mango fruits under postharvest refrigeration during 2022 and 2023 seasons, with LSD analysis (A = treatments, B = storage periods, A × B = interaction).
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Figure 6. Effect of dipping with salicylic acid and melatonin on ascorbic acid of Keitt mango fruits under postharvest refrigeration during 2022 and 2023 seasons, with LSD analysis (A = treatments, B = storage periods, A × B = interaction).
Figure 6. Effect of dipping with salicylic acid and melatonin on ascorbic acid of Keitt mango fruits under postharvest refrigeration during 2022 and 2023 seasons, with LSD analysis (A = treatments, B = storage periods, A × B = interaction).
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Figure 7. Effect of dipping with salicylic acid and melatonin on superoxide dismutase (SOD) of Keitt mango fruits under postharvest refrigeration during 2022 and 2023 seasons, with LSD analysis (A = treatments, B = storage periods, A × B = interaction).
Figure 7. Effect of dipping with salicylic acid and melatonin on superoxide dismutase (SOD) of Keitt mango fruits under postharvest refrigeration during 2022 and 2023 seasons, with LSD analysis (A = treatments, B = storage periods, A × B = interaction).
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Figure 8. Effect of dipping with salicylic acid and melatonin on catalase (CAT) of Keitt mango fruits under postharvest refrigeration during 2022 and 2023 seasons, with LSD analysis (A = treatments, B = storage periods, A × B = interaction).
Figure 8. Effect of dipping with salicylic acid and melatonin on catalase (CAT) of Keitt mango fruits under postharvest refrigeration during 2022 and 2023 seasons, with LSD analysis (A = treatments, B = storage periods, A × B = interaction).
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Figure 9. Effect of dipping with salicylic acid and melatonin on ascorbate peroxidase (APX) of Keitt mango fruits under postharvest refrigeration during 2022 and 2023 seasons, with LSD analysis (A = treatments, B = storage periods, A × B = interaction).
Figure 9. Effect of dipping with salicylic acid and melatonin on ascorbate peroxidase (APX) of Keitt mango fruits under postharvest refrigeration during 2022 and 2023 seasons, with LSD analysis (A = treatments, B = storage periods, A × B = interaction).
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Almasoud, W.A.; Abdel-Sattar, M.; Khalifa, S.M.; Dawood, A.S.; Shahda, M.A.; El-Taher, A.M.; Haikal, A.M.; Rihan, H.Z.; Ahmed, A.F. Influence of Salicylic Acid and Melatonin During Postharvest Refrigeration on Prolonging Keitt Mango Freshness. Sustainability 2024, 16, 10675. https://doi.org/10.3390/su162310675

AMA Style

Almasoud WA, Abdel-Sattar M, Khalifa SM, Dawood AS, Shahda MA, El-Taher AM, Haikal AM, Rihan HZ, Ahmed AF. Influence of Salicylic Acid and Melatonin During Postharvest Refrigeration on Prolonging Keitt Mango Freshness. Sustainability. 2024; 16(23):10675. https://doi.org/10.3390/su162310675

Chicago/Turabian Style

Almasoud, Waleed A., Mahmoud Abdel-Sattar, Sobhy M. Khalifa, Ahmed S. Dawood, Mohamed A. Shahda, Ahmed M. El-Taher, Amr M. Haikal, Hail Z. Rihan, and Adel F. Ahmed. 2024. "Influence of Salicylic Acid and Melatonin During Postharvest Refrigeration on Prolonging Keitt Mango Freshness" Sustainability 16, no. 23: 10675. https://doi.org/10.3390/su162310675

APA Style

Almasoud, W. A., Abdel-Sattar, M., Khalifa, S. M., Dawood, A. S., Shahda, M. A., El-Taher, A. M., Haikal, A. M., Rihan, H. Z., & Ahmed, A. F. (2024). Influence of Salicylic Acid and Melatonin During Postharvest Refrigeration on Prolonging Keitt Mango Freshness. Sustainability, 16(23), 10675. https://doi.org/10.3390/su162310675

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