Effect of UV-C radiation on postharvest physiology of persimmon fruit (Diospyros kaki Thunb.) cv. `Karaj´ during storage at cold temperature

Drastic softening and incidence of diseases are the limiting factors of persimmon postharvest life in Iran. Ultraviolet radiation at hormic doses has been used to control postharvest disease and delay softening in some fruits. Therefore, in this study UV-C radiation at the doses of 0 (as control), 1.5 and 3 kJm^-2 were applied on the `Karaj´ persimmon and the quality attributes and disease incidence were evaluated after 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4 month storage at 1°C, plus 3 days shelf life. Results showed that both 1.5 and 3 kJm^-2 UV-C treatments compared to non treated fruits reduced the postharvest disease incidence of `Karaj´ persimmon during storage without any important effect on the fruit attributes such as, firmness, ethylene production and skin color. Hence, applied UV-C light after harvest could increase postharvest life of `Karaj´persimmon by disease control, but for having suitable firmness, it must be integrated with other effective postharvest treatments. However, it can be recommended for local markets, where the consumer prefers soft persimmon, same as Iran.