Document Type : Research Article-en
Authors
- Mohammad Saadatian 1
- Afsaneh Ansari 2
- Ramin Haji-Taghilou 3
- Kadhim Sedeeq 1
- Rawen Abdulhadi 4
- Abdulsameea Majeed 1
1 General Science Department, Faculty of Education, Soran University, Soran, Iraq
2 Horticulture Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran
3 1Horticulture Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran
4 Department of Pharmacy, Rwandz Private Technical Instiute, Soran, Iraq
Abstract
This study investigated the impact of melatonin treatments (1 mM and 2 mM) on the post-harvest quality of orange juice during 30 and 60 days of cold storage. Parameters such as titratable acidity (TA), total soluble solids (TSS), vitamin C, antioxidant capacity, total phenolic compounds (TPC), total flavonoids compounds (TFC), enzymatic activities (PAL, CAT), and color parameters were evaluated. Melatonin significantly improved fruit quality by maintaining higher levels of total soluble solids, vitamin C, and antioxidant capacity. Both treatments effectively reduced weight loss and enhanced the activity of antioxidant enzymes. While 2 mM melatonin showed greater efficacy in the initial stages of storage, 1 mM demonstrated better stability in maintaining quality over extended periods. Melatonin treatments also influenced color parameters, suggesting potential improvements in visual appeal. These findings highlight the potential of melatonin as a natural preservative for enhancing the post-harvest quality and extending the shelf life of orange juice. Further research is warranted to optimize melatonin concentrations and explore its integration with other preservation techniques for sustainable and efficient fruit management.
Keywords: Melatonin, Post-harvest, PAL Enzyme, Antioxidant, Shelf Life
Introduction
Extending the shelf life of fruits is essential to reducing food waste, maintaining nutritional value, and ensuring the availability of fresh produce in distant markets(Bhosale & Sundaram, 2011). Longer shelf life minimizes economic losses for producers and retailers while providing consumers with consistent access to quality fruits. Effective preservation techniques, such as refrigeration, freezing, and controlled atmosphere storage, play a critical role in maintaining fruit quality during storage and transport. These methods significantly contribute to the sustainability of food supply chains by reducing spoilage and waste (Singh, Salaria, Talekar, & Suresh, 2024; Tadapaneni, Daryaei, Krishnamurthy, Edirisinghe, & Burton-Freeman, 2014).
Oranges, as one of the most widely consumed citrus fruits globally, hold significant economic and nutritional importance (Sidana, Saini, Dahiya, Nain, & Bala, 2013). They are valued for their richness in vitamins, antioxidants, and dietary fiber, which make them a staple in many diets. However, the high perishability of oranges poses challenges in their post-harvest handling (Tütem, Sözgen Başkan, Karaman Ersoy, & Apak, 2020). Factors like weight loss, microbial spoilage, and nutrient degradation can limit their shelf life, leading to substantial losses during storage and distribution. Thus, there is a pressing need for effective strategies to enhance their post-harvest quality and extend their shelf life (Khathir, Yuliana, Agustina, & Putra, 2019; Sicari, Dorato, Giuffrè, Rizzo, & Albunia, 2017).
Melatonin has emerged as a promising natural compound in improving the post-harvest management of fruits (Saud, Jiang, Chen, & Fahad, 2023). Traditionally recognized for its role in regulating sleep and circadian rhythms in animals, melatonin is now known to be synthesized in plants as well. In plants, it performs multiple physiological functions, including stress regulation, antioxidant activity, and growth modulation (Saroj et al., 2023). Its potential as a post-harvest treatment lies in its ability to mitigate oxidative stress, delay ripening, and maintain fruit quality during storage (Xue et al., 2021).
Oxidative stress, caused by the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), is a major factor contributing to post-harvest quality loss in fruits (Neog & Saikia, 2010). ROS accelerate cellular damage, leading to faster ripening, senescence, and spoilage (Hailu, Seyoum, & Dechassa, 2008). Melatonin acts as a potent antioxidant by scavenging ROS and enhancing the activity of antioxidant enzymes, thereby reducing oxidative damage. Furthermore, it can regulate the production of ethylene -a hormone central to fruit ripening- by inhibiting its biosynthesis, slowing down ripening processes, and prolonging the storage life of fruits (Berra & Rizzo, 2009).
Studies have shown that melatonin application can effectively maintain the quality of various fruits during storage. For instance, melatonin treatment has been found to delay weight loss, reduce microbial decay, and retain firmness in fruits like strawberries, bananas, and tomatoes (Arshad & Haghshenas, 2025; El-Mogy, Ludlow, Roberts, Müller, & Rogers, 2019; Zang et al., 2022)..
Melatonin is particularly appealing because of its compatibility with sustainable agricultural practices. Unlike synthetic chemicals that may have adverse effects on health and the environment, melatonin is a naturally occurring, non-toxic compound (Sharma, Thakur, Mann, & Umar, 2024). It aligns with growing consumer demand for organic and environmentally friendly produce. Additionally, melatonin can be integrated with other preservation methods, such as cold storage or edible coatings, to create a multifaceted approach to fruit preservation.
Despite its promise, challenges remain in the large-scale adoption of melatonin in post-harvest management. Key limitations include the need for standardized application protocols and the lack of extensive field-level research under practical conditions. Moreover, economic feasibility and scalability must be addressed to make melatonin treatments viable for widespread commercial use.
In conclusion, melatonin represents an innovative and sustainable solution to the challenges of post-harvest fruit management. Its ability to delay ripening, maintain quality, and extend shelf life offers significant benefits for reducing waste and improving the availability of high-quality fruits. As research continues to optimize its application, melatonin could play a pivotal role in creating more efficient and sustainable post-harvest systems for oranges and other perishable fruits.
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