Influence of plant-based edible coatings on shelf-life of banana cv. ‘Ney Poovan’

Abstract

Banana is known as deliciously of the tropics because of its wide availability, rich in nutrition, and low price. In India, banana stands first in production. But due to the non-availability of proper post-harvest facilities, it is prone to heavy post-harvest losses. The losses are very huge in the rural and tribal areas when compared to urban areas. To reduce the post-harvest losses and extend the shelf life of banana in rural and tribal areas, a study was carried out with locally available edible plant materials. The fruits were treated with corn starch (2%, 4% and 6%) and/or combination with the herbal extract i.e., Tulsi leaf extract (Ocimum sp), Mint leaf extract (Mentha sp), and Papaya leaf extract (Carica papaya) (2%, 4% and 6%, each). Various physio-chemical parameters were studied to determine the efficacy and influence of these herbal edible coatings on shelf life and quality of banana. The results revealed that corn starch 6% in combination with papaya leaf extract 6% and/or mint leaf extract (6%) was found effective in extending the shelf life of banana cv. ‘Ney Poovan’ up to 9 days. The combination effect of corn starch and papaya leaf extract and/or mint leaf extract reduced the PLW%, maintained higher Vit-C, lowered conversion of starch to sugars, and reduced spoilage.