Possibility of using leaf extracts of tree-of-heaven (Ailanthus altissima (Mill.) Swingle) for the postharvest quality preservation of fresh apricot fruits

Abstract This study was conducted to test the possibility of using leaf extracts of invasive weed tree-of-heaven (Ailanthus altissima (Mill.) Swingle) for the postharvest quality preservation of apricot (cv. ‘Şalak’) fruits. Two different doses of A. altissima leaf extracts (0.5% and 2.5%) with and without supplements (0.1% g Arabic gum, 0.05% citric acid, 0.05% potassium sorbate and 0.05% ascorbic acid) were tested. Results showed that the extracts of A. altissima leaves have strong ability to prevent weight loss, reduce decay incidence, protect visual quality, delay the occurrence of chilling injury, keep fruit firmness and delay the reduction in ascorbic acid content.