The effect of salicylic acid (SA) treatment at different concentrations and growth stages of strawberry (
Fragaria ananassa
cv. Selva)
fruit on postharvest ethylene production, fungal decay and overall quality index was studied. SA at all concentrations effectively reduced
fruit ethylene production and fungal decay and retained overall quality. Treatment of plants at vegetative stage and fruit development
stage followed by postharvest treatment of fruits with 1 and 2 mmol L
1
was the most effective strategy, whilst with decrease in treatment
time the effects of treatment decreased. Single stage treatment strategy of fruits with 2 mmol L
1
SA at postharvest stage was most effec-
tive. Postharvest treatment with 4 mmol L
1
SA slightly damaged the fruits and was less effective than 2 mmol L
1
in retaining fruit
quality