The Effects of Treatment with Ethylene-Producing Tablets on the Quality and Storability of Banana (Musa sp.)

Abstract

This study was conducted to assess the effect of ethylene producing tablet (patent no.10-1574011) and treatment period on quality and storability of banana (AAA - Cavendish group) fruit imported into Korea from the Philippines. Three and five days of treatment periods, and different concentrations of ethylene tablet (50 ppmv, 100 ppmv) and control (standard ethylene gas treatment at a concentration of 100 ppmv) were used for the study. Slightly higher respiration rate was observed in banana fruits treated with 50 ppmv in both 3 and 5 days after treatments as compared to the control. Better storability was observed with banana fruits treated with 50 ppmv and 100 ppmv as compared to the control. All the treatments were shown a decrease in firmness as the storage days proceeded. The highest firmness was recorded from 50 ppmv on the initial day of storage while the lowest was recorded from 100 ppmv on 9 day storage. It was observed that banana fruits could be stored for up to 12 days without losing their color quality in all treatments except for the control. However, the quality of fruits at the control rapidly decreased (lost marketability) after 9 days of storage. Banana fruits treated with ethylene tablet with 100 ppmv for 5 days recorded the highest soluble solids content (SSC) at the beginning of storage period which was similar with the control. However, banana fruits treated with ethylene tablet with 100 ppmv for 3 days showed better storability than the control. On the other hand, ethylene tablet with 50 ppmv for 5 days of treatment has extended banana shelf life without affecting peel color, firmness and SSC content. Hence, these results indicate that banana fruits treated with ethylene tablet with 100 ppmv for 3 days or /and 50 ppmv for 5 days are an optimum for ripening of banana to be used for market and ultimate consumption.