Impacts of methyl jasmonate treatments on quality properties and bioactive compounds of jujube fruit (Ziziphus jujuba) during cold storage

Background: Jujube is an important fruit species due to its high nutritional value and health benefits. However, the short shelf life of fruit causes quality losses, making it difficult to trade. This study was conducted to determine the effects of postharvest methyl jasmonate (MeJA) applications on the fruit quality and biochemical properties of ‘Li’ jujube (Ziziphus jujuba Mill.) cultivar. In the study, fruits were pre-cooled at 7 °C and 85 ± 5% humidity for 24 h and those with diseases, pests, and mechanical damage were eliminated. Then, MeJA was applied to the fruits at concentrations of 0.2 mM and 0.4 mM and stored at 0 ± 0.5 °C and 90 ± 5% humidity for 45 days and analyzes were performed at 15-day intervals. Results: This study showed that MeJA applications positively affected the postharvest quality of jujube fruit. MeJA-applied fruits exhibited lower weight loss and lower respiration rates, and MeJA applications helped preserve fruit color and maintained fruit firmness for a longer time. MeJA was effective in maintaining the total phenolic and flavonoid content in fruit content and the loss of vitamin C content was lower with MeJA application. MeJA was effective for determining soluble solids content (SSC), and titratable acidity and delayed ripening in fruit. Conclussion: MeJA application increases the commercial value of fruits by reducing weight loss, slowing down the ripening process, and preserving higher nutritional content and antioxidant activities and suggest that it can be used as a feasible method for improving fruit protection strategies. MeJA application stands out as an effective method for extending the shelf life of jujube fruits by preserving their post-harvest quality and nutritional values.