Effects of 6‐ba Treatments on Yellowing and Quality of Stored Rocket (Eruca Sativa Mill.) Leaves

The aim of this work was to investigate the effects of 6‐benzylaminopurine (6‐BA) treatment on yellowing in order to retain the postharvest quality of rocket leaves. Results of the first experiment showed that the most effective 6‐BA concentration was 10 µL/L, as treated leaves had lower respiration rate, less yellowing and remained marketable after 14‐day storage at 8C. Results of the second experiment showed that treatment with 10 µL/L 6‐BA for 30, 60 or 120 s significantly reduced respiration rate from the 4th day of storage as well as yellowing, color and chlorophyll changes at the end of the 14‐day storage period. However, the most effective dipping time was that of 60 s, as treated leaves retained their initial chlorophyll content. No appreciable effect of that treatment on ascorbic acid, nitrates, soluble solids, total phenols and 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity of rocket leaves was observed in comparison with the control. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS Rocket is characterized by extremely high respiration rate and rapid senescence after harvest, which result in very short postharvest life. It is known that the exogenous application of cytokinins reduced chlorophyll degradation in many horticultural products. This work investigates an effective combination of concentration/time treatment to retard yellowing as well as the effect of these treatments on respiration rate, color and some nutritional parameters of stored rocket leaves. The information obtained from this study could provide the opportunity to extend the postharvest life of a highly perishable product.