Effects of storage temperatures on the postharvest quality of jute leaves (Corchorus olitorius L.)

Abstract

The postharvest quality responses of jute leaves (Corchorus olitorius L.) in sealed polyethylene bags under different temperatures (1, 8, 15, 20, and 30 °C) were determined. Jute leaves were sensitive to chilling injury manifested as browning symptoms at low storage temperatures (1 and 8 °C). Losses in moisture and l-ascorbic acid were minimized at low temperatures, whereas chlorophyll fluorescence signals were reduced significantly prior to incipient chilling injury. In contrast, jute leaves were susceptible to senescence that was accompanied by yellowing of the leaves and defoliation at high storage temperatures (15, 20, and 30 °C). Higher temperatures also caused the accumulation of high amounts of free amino acids, and significant loss of l-ascorbic acid and total chlorophyll contents. Higher concentrations of C2H4 as well as CO2 accumulated inside the polyethylene bags resulting in early senescing of the leaves. Jute leaves had a longer storage life at 8 °C than with the other storage temperatures, and the shelf life was 8 days.