Performance of five haskap (Lonicera caerulea L.) cultivars and the effect of hexanal on postharvest quality

Growers are challenged to provide premium, ripe haskap fruit to market while limiting the negative attributes associated with over-ripening. Hexanal is an inhibitor of phospholipase D, an enzyme involved in membrane degradation, and has shown promise in extending the longevity of fruit. This study investigated the performance of a hexanal-based preharvest spray for enhancing the quality and shelf life of haskap fruit, an emerging crop in Canada. At two locations in 2015, 2016, and 2017, five cultivars were sprayed with a control treatment or a 0.02% hexanal formulation at 2–3 wk before harvest. Fruit was stored at 4 °C and assessed for quality at successive times. Although inconsistent, results suggest a hexanal spray may impart a small benefit to the postharvest quality of haskap fruit. Secondary objectives included describing important agronomic characteristics of haskap and assessing the potential of a hexanal preharvest spray for enhancing fruit retention. Hexanal did not reduce fruit drop and had no effect on quality at harvest. Fruit contained high levels of soluble solids and titratable acids, were very dark in colour, and did not degrade in quality as rapidly as softer fruit crops such as strawberry or raspberry.