Impact of salicylic acid on post-harvest physiology of horticultural crops

Salicylic acid (SA), an endogenous plant growth regulator, has been found to generate a wide range of metabolic and physiological responses in plants thereby affecting their growth and development. SA as a natural and safe phenolic compound exhibits a high potential in controlling post-harvest losses of horticultural crops. In the present review, we have focused on various intrinsic biosynthetic pathways and effects of exogenous salicylic acid on post-harvest decay and disease resistance, oxidative stress, fruit ripening, ethylene biosynthesis and action, fruit firmness, respiration, antioxidant systems and nutritional quality have also been discussed.