Since a concentration of 5ml l−1 NO appeared
optimal to extend the postharvest life of strawberries
in both studies, the effect of fumigation with
NO at 2.5–15 ml l−1 was examined. For strawberries
held at both 20 and 5°C an NO concentration
of 5–10 ml l−1 significantly extended postharvest
life while fumigation with 2.5 and 15 ml l−1 did
not (Table 3). The maximum extension in postharvest life was about 70% at 20°C and 60%
at 5°C. Regression analysis of the data generated
a significant quadratic equation of y=0.87+
0.16x−0.009x2
; r 2= +0.87 (PB0.01) at 20°C
and y=5.2+0.48x−0.030x2
; r 2=0.57 (PB
0.08) at 5°C; where y=postharvest life and x=
NO concentration. The equations indicate the
maximum postharvest life is achieved at a fumigation
concentration between 5 and 10 ml l−1 NO.