Pre- and Post-harvest Salicylic Acid Application Improves Plant Growth, Fruit Quality and Storability of Pear- A Review

Abstract

Pears (Pyrus spp.) are important fruit of the temperate and sub-temperate zone worldwide commercially cultivated for its delicate flavour and smooth texture. Although several other species are grown on a large scale, Pyrus communis and P. pyrifolia are the two most important commercial pear species. Salicylic acid (SA) is a naturally occurring phenolic compound that is widely distributed in plants and is thought to be a hormone due to its regulatory role in plants. Salicylic acid as plant growth regulator has attracted a lot of attention because of its role in modulating plant responses particularly the biotic and abiotic stresses. Salicylic acid application in pear has the potential to improve plant performance and yield, reduce chilling injury, postharvest diseases and decay, and preserve fruit quality after harvest during storage. Further research in larger perspectives is needed to validate the predictors' reliability in production and postharvest management of pear.