Low Density Polyethylene Bags Research Articles

EFFECT OF SMOKING AS POST-HARVEST TREATMENT ON THE RIPENING AND QUALITY OF BANANA (MUSA SP)

The application of smoke is a traditional practice to trigger the ripening process of banana. This experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of different post-harvest treatment on the physiochemical properties of banana fruits. This experiment was laid out in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with three replications, which constituted the seven treatments viz. control, low density polyethylene bag, as well as 12, 18, 24, 30 and 36 hours exposed to smoke. The results indicated that smoke treatment increased physiological weight loss and pulp weight during storage whereas decreased firmness, peel weight and dry matter content. Chemical parameters such as moisture, total soluble solid, and total sugar showed an increasing trend during the storage period, whereas acidity and vitamin C increased initially up to 5 days and declined thereafter during the ripening of the banana. Smoking for 18 hours resulted in uniform ripening with yellow coloration within 5 days, whereas untreated control fruits remained green for 5 days and ripened within 8 days after storage. The present study concludes that smoke treatment is a simple but quick means of banana ripening. Exposer of banana fruits to smoke for 18 hours produced better quality and improved the shelf life.

Evaluation of a Packaging System in Pallets Under Modified Atmosphere to Extend the Shelf-life of ‘Padrón’ Peppers Stored at Refrigeration Temperature

A modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) system in pallets was developed for ‘Padrón’ peppers as a way to extend their shelf-life while maintaining good fruit quality. Peppers were stored at 6 °C in cardboard boxes arranged on pallets wrapped in micro-perforated low-density polyethylene (LDPE) bags. Physico-chemical (moisture, firmness, color, chlorophylls, carotenoids, ascorbic acid, and total phenolic content) and sensory analysis were carried out after 0, 7, 14, and 21 days of storage. An initial mixture of 11.8% O2–8.5% CO2 prevented anaerobic conditions and kept suitable CO2 levels throughout the entire storage period. Silica gel was tested as a moisture absorbent and considerably reduced water vapor condensation inside packaging bags. The MAP system developed maintained the shelf-life of peppers until the end of the 21-day storage period. The fruit always showed a good appearance and color. No rotting or other types of undesirable alterations were observed. MAP markedly reduced the fraction of peppers with water loss as evidenced by a minimum percentage of fruit with wrinkles (12.5%) as compared to unpackaged samples (75%). Good pigment stability was also observed.

Low-density polyethylene-derived carbon nanotubes from express packaging bags waste as electrode material for supercapacitors

A simple and efficient method for disposing of waste low-density polyethylene (LDPE) express packaging bags is proposed in this paper as a way to minimize waste and address the energy shortage at the same time. In addition to following the production of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) derived from LDPE, the application of CNTs as electrodes for supercapacitors was attempted. Waste LDPE bags were pyrolyzed and carbonized with catalyst using a dual-temperature reaction system, a designed 450 °C pyrolysis temperature accompany with different carbonization temperatures (650 °C, 700 °C, 750 °C, 800 °C, 850 °C), and treatment durations (0 h, 2 h, 4 h, 6 h) were investigated. As determined by FE-SEM and FE-TEM, the CNTs synthesized at 750 °C showed a finer tube diameter, much more uniform distribution, bamboo-like structure, as well as the highest yield of 41.9 %, and carbon conversion of 61.2 %. As being charged and discharged 10,000 times, the electrode remained a 93.16 % capacitance and a 92.85 % Coulomb efficiency. A dual-temperature reaction system could be utilized to recycle waste LDPE efficiently, and the LDPE-derived CNTs could be applied for supercapacitors.

Effect of different ripening agents in storage life of banana (Musa paradisiaca) at Deukhuri, Dang, Nepal

An experiment was conducted at the horticulture laboratory of Prithu Technical College, Deukhuri, Dang, Nepal from 17th to September 30, 2021 to determine a suitable ripening agent for bananas. The experiment was set up in a Completely Randomized Block Design (CRD) consisting of one control and six ripening agents. The ripening agents include five organic ripening agents: ashuro 100 g (T2), dhurshilo 100 g (T3), apple 100 g (T4), tomato 70 g (T5), and paddy straw 100 g(T6), and one chemical ripening agent: ethephone 1000 ppm (T7), each replicated three times. A dozen of the hard green stage of G9 bananas were used for each treatment and kept in a separate Low-Density Polyethylene bag with two perforations. The treated bananas were tested for major physio-chemical changes (physiological weight loss, pulp/peel ratio, total soluble solid, specific gravity, titrable acidity, and firmness), color change of banana peel, and days to ripen. T7 and T4 had the shortest ripening period (3 and 4 days respectively) and shelf-life (3 and 4 days respectively) while T1 and T6 had the longest ripening period (11 and 9 days respectively) and shelf-life (8 days). At days to ripen, T7 and T4 had the least physiological weight loss (2.43 and 2.87% respectively) and highest Total Soluble Solid (13 and 13.23 ˚brix respectively). Thus, T7 proved better for quick ripening but is toxic in nature while T4, in comparison to T7, showed comparatively more shelf-life, similar ripening period, and more importantly, it is easily accessible and has no hazardous effect on health, so T4 can be regarded as the most effective agent for banana ripening. However, if bananas are to be stored for a longer time, T6 can be recommended. • Apple can be an effective ripening agent for bananas. • Chemical ripening agents are harmful to health. • Paddy straw can be used for the long storage life of banana. • Ripening agents can change the ripening period and storage life of bananas.

Lipid Oxidation Changes of Arabica Green Coffee Beans during Accelerated Storage with Different Packaging Types.

The storage conditions of green coffee beans (GCBs) are indispensable in preserving their commercial value. In Thailand, coffee farmers and roasters typically store GCBs for six months to a year before roasting. However, the beans undergo oxidation during storage, influencing both quality and taste. This study investigated changes in GCB lipid oxidation under different accelerated storage conditions (30 °C, 40 °C and 50 °C with 50% RH) and packaging, i.e., plastic woven (PW), low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and hermetic/GrainPro® (GP) bags. Samples were collected every five days (0, 5, 10, 15 and 20 days) and analyzed for lipid oxidation parameters including acid value (AV), free fatty acids (FFA), peroxide value (PV), ρ-anisidine value (PAV), total oxidation value (TOTOX), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), moisture content (MC), water activity (aw) and color. Primary oxidation was observed, with AV, FFA and PAV gradually changing during storage from 1.49 ± 0.32 to 3.7 ± 0.83 mg KOH/g oil, 3.82 ± 0.83 to 9.51 ± 1.09 mg KOH/g oil and 0.99 ± 0.03 to 1.79 ± 0.14, respectively. Secondary oxidation changes as PV and TBARS were reported at 0.86 ± 0.12 to 3.63 ± 0.10 meq/kg oil and 6.76 ± 2.27 to 35.26 ± 0.37 MDA/kg oil, respectively, affecting the flavor and odor of GCBs. Higher storage temperature significantly influenced a lower GCB quality. GP bags maintained higher GCB quality than LDPE and PW bags. Results provided scientific evidence of the packaging impact on oxidation for GCB under accelerated storage.

Performance of a hermetic device and neem (Azadirachta indica) in storing wheat seed: Evidence from participatory household trials in central Bangladesh

Smallholder farmers in Bangladesh often use low-density polyethylene (LDPE) bags contained within woven polypropylene bags to store wheat seed during the summer monsoon that precedes winter season planting. High humidity and temperature during this period can encourage increased seed moisture and pests, thereby lowering seed quality. Following a farm household survey conducted to inform trial design, eighty farmers were engaged in an action research process in which they participated in designing and conducting trials comparing traditional and alternative seed storage methods over 30 weeks. Factorial treatments included comparison of hermetic SuperGrainbags® (Premium RZ) against LDPE bags, both with and without the addition of dried neem tree leaves (Azadirachta indica). SuperGrainbags® were more effective in maintaining seed moisture at acceptable levels close to pre-storage conditions than LDPE bags. Both seed germination and seedling coleoptile length were significantly greater in hermetic than LDPE bags. Neem had no effect on seed moisture, germination, or coleoptile length. SuperGrainbags® were also more effective in abating seed damage during storage, although inclusion of neem within LDPE bags also had significant damage. Quantification of seed predating insects and diseases suggested that SuperGrainbags® also suppressed Coleopteran pests and blackspot, the latter indicative of Fusarium graminearum. Conversely, where farmers used LDPE bags, neem also had an additional though limited pest suppressive effect. Post-storage treatment scoring by farmers revealed a strong preference for SuperGrainbags® and no preference differences for or against neem. This study demonstrates a process by which farmers can be involved in the participatory co-design and testing of alternative wheat storage options, and stresses the need to develop SuperGrainbag® supply chains so hermetic storage can be made widely available.

Polylactic Acid Film Coated with Electrospun Gelatin/Chitosan Nanofibers Containing Betel Leaf Ethanolic Extract: Properties, Bioactivities, and Use for Shelf-Life Extension of Tilapia Slices.

Gelatin/chitosan solutions incorporated with betel leaf ethanolic extract (BLEE) at varying concentrations were electrospun on polylactic acid (PLA) films. Nanofibers with different morphologies, as indicated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), were formed after solutions of gelatin/chitosan with and without BLEE were electrospun on PLA films at a constant voltage (25 kV) and a feed rate of 0.4 mL/h. Beaded gelatin/chitosan nanofibers (GC/NF) were found, particularly when high concentrations of BLEE were encapsulated. PLA films coated with GC/NF, and with BLEE added, showed antioxidant and antibacterial activities, which were augmented by increasing BLEE concentrations. Lower water vapor permeability and enhanced mechanical properties were achieved for GC/NF-coated PLA film (p < 0.05). Microbial growth and lipid oxidation of Nile tilapia slices packaged in PLA film coated with GC/NF containing 2% BLEE were more retarded than those packaged in low-density polyethylene (LDPE) bags over refrigerated storage of 12 days. Based on microbial limits, the shelf-life was escalated to 9 days, while the control had a shelf-life of 3 days. Therefore, such a novel film/bag could be a promising active packaging for foods.

Evaluation of Biodegradation Efficiency of Xylene Pretreated Polyethylene Wastes by Isolated Lysinibacillus fusiformis

The ability of the bacterial degradation of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) waste by Lysinibacillus fusiformis isolated from hydrocarbon-contaminated soil was investigated in the present study. The potential of the bacterial isolate to utilize LDPE waste bags of two different thicknesses in a month as a sole carbon source in mineral salt media was assessed. Further, the effect of pretreatment by xylene on the bacterial degradation of LDPE waste bags (0.5 percent w/v) in 30 days was investigated. The isolated Lysinibacillus fusiformis was able to degrade 9.51 percent of LDPE with 30 μm thickness but able to degrade only 1.45 percent of LDPE having 50 μm thickness. The bacterial biomass was 1.77 times higher on LDPE- 30 μm containing media in comparison to LDPE- 50 μm. The xylene pretreatment of LDPE wastes enhanced the biodegradation efficiency of isolated Lysinibacillus fusiformis to 12.09 and 1.97 percent respectively in 30 μm and 50 μm thick LDPE bags. The xylene pre-treatment improved the bacterial growth on media with LDPE of both thicknesses. The adherence of bacterium on the surface of LDPE was found more on 50 μm thick xylene treated LDPE compared to its untreated LDPE than 30 μm thick LDPE films. The xylene pre-treatment of polyethylene waste had an additive effect on the biodegradation of waste LDPE films with a significant effect on thickness.

Effects of preservation temperature on the quality of Hung Yen longan fruits

The purpose of this study was to choose the appropriate temperature for postharvest storage of Hung Yen longan fruits. The fruits were firstly harvested, cleaned, and dried. After that longans were packaged in a Low density polyethylene bag with holes and stored under cold temperatures of 5.0, 7.5, 10 and 12.5oC (±0.5oC). A survey was conducted for quality indicators such as weight loss, total soluble solids, total organic acids, total polyphenol, polyphenoloxydase, and peroxidase activity. The results showed that, at 10oC, Hung Yen longans can be preserved for 20 days and still maintain their good quality. Specifically, the natural weight loss was 10.64%; the rate of fruit drop and rot was 1.57 and 1.48%, respectively. Total soluble solids, organic acids, and polyphenol content were 17.7oBx, 0.52%, and 126 μg GAE/ml, respectively.

Utilization of Waste Plastic in Manufacturing of Bricks

Abstract: Plastic waste which is increasing day by day becomes eyesore and in turn pollutes the environment, especially in high mountain villages where no garbage collection system exists. A large amount of plastic is being brought into the tourist trekking regions are discarded or burned which leads to the contamination of environment and air. Hence, these waste plastics are to be effectively utilized. Low-density polyethylene bags are cleaned and added with sand at particular percentages to obtain high strength bricks that possess thermal and sound insulation properties to control pollution and to reduce the overall cost of construction; this is one of the best ways to avoid the accumulation of plastic waste which is an on-degradable pollutant. This alternatively saves the quantity of sand/clay that has to be taken away from the precious river beds/mines. The plastic waste is naturally available in surplus quantity and hence the cost factor comes down. Also coloring agents can be added to the mixture to attain desired shades. Hence in this thesis, an attempt is made to study regard the properties of the brick which is manufactured using plastic wastes. The present work deals with the manufacturing and analysis of bricks made with waste plastic (LDPE) and fine aggregates. The bricks produced are light weight, have smooth surface and fine edges, do not have cracks and have high crushing strength and very low water absorption. The bricks are manufactured by heating waste plastic to temperature range of 120 to 150 degree centigrade and mixing sand to the molten plastic.

Effect of Thermal Processing Conditions on the Physicochemical and Moisture-Sorption Characteristics of Two Cocoyam (Colocasia esculenta) Varieties

Two cocoyam varieties (Colocasia esculenta) known as taro grown in Cross-River State and Bendel were subjected to different processing conditions (boiling and drying) and the effect of boiling temperature, boiling time and drying temperatures were investigated. They were processed into flour using standard methods, packaged in low-density polyethylene bags and kept in the laboratory for analysis. The results obtained showed that crude fat, crude protein, ash, moisture, crude fibre and carbohydrate contents ranged from 0.42-0.92%, 6.03-9.01%, 2.13-3.90%, 5.20-12.07%, 0.43-0.77% and 73.32-81.73%, respectively. The anti-nutrients contents of the samples showed that oxalate ranged from 0.01-0.99 mg/g, alkaloids (0.12-0.73 mg/g), flavonoids (0.00-0.83 mg/g), phytate (0.01-1.90 mg/g), saponin (0.00-0.83 mg/g) and tannin (0.00-0.01 mg/g). The investigation revealed that there were significant (p&lt;0.05) variations in the functional properties of the cocoyam samples with the water absorption capacity ranging from (1.56-3.01 mg/g), bulk density(0.58-0.82 mg/g), swelling index (1.54-2.91 mg/g), Oil absorption capacity (1.32-1.67 mg/g), while porosity ranged from 0.30-0.76 mg/g. There were also significant (p&lt;0.05) variations in the thermal diffusivity of the samples with the samples of Cross River Cocoyam having higher thermal diffusivity compared to sample of Bendel Cocoyam. The higher thermal diffusivity observed in the cross river cocoyam could be due to the lower moisture content of the samples. The result of the pasting properties showed that the peak viscosity, peak time, final viscosity, breakdown and set back viscosities ranged from 10.88-15.81 N/m2, 7.87-20.87 mins, 8.00-9.97 N/m2, 15.10-17.90 N/m2, 6.0-7.5 N/m2 and 2.3-3.8 N/m2. The research discovered that sample with less pasting temperatures and high peak viscosity had better thickening effect as seen in sample of Cross River Cocoyam. The moisture sorption isotherms had sigmoid-shaped profiles for all of the three temperatures. The hysteresis effect at the three temperatures was distinctly expressed. The increasing temperatures resulted in less hysteresis effect on taro flour which meant the adsorption and desorption curves were closer.

Biodegradation of Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) Bags by Fungi Isolated from Waste Disposal Soil

Plastics are available in different shapes nowadays in order to enhance the living standard. But unfortunately, most of these plastics are synthetic in nature that is why they show resistance to physical and chemical degradation processes and enhance environmental hazards. The aim of the present research study was to isolate and identify beneficial fungal species from soil that have the capability to degrade plastic. Soil samples from a waste disposal site at Peshawar district were diluted and inoculated on sabouraud dextrose agar (SDA) and potato dextrose agar (PDA) for fungus isolation. After isolation, the identifications of fungal species were done using standard identification techniques such as colony morphology and microscopic examination. The isolated fungal species that were identified were Aspergillus Niger, Aspergillus flavus, Penicillium, white rot, and brown rot fungi. After isolation, a degradation experiment was conducted to evaluate the capability of fungal isolates towards degradation of plastic. For this purpose, a 2 cm2 plastic piece was treated with fungal isolates for one month in a liquid culture system. The weight loss percentage was estimated at 22.9%, 16.1%, 18.4%, and 22.7% by Aspergillus Niger, Aspergillus flavus, brown rot, and white rot, respectively, which was confirmed by the Fourier transform analysis. The obtained FTIR peaks revealed the C–H bond deformation in alkenes, ketones, and esters. It has been concluded from the study that fungal species play a significant role in the degradation of synthetic plastic which can be used in bioreactors in future studies for the degradation of complex plastic materials.

Aspergillus terreus, Penicillium sp. and Bacillus sp. isolated from mangrove soil having laccase and peroxidase role in depolymerization of polyethylene bags

Low density polyethylene (LDPE) bags constituting major section in plastic wastes problem, were subjected to depolymerization study using microbial candidates isolated from mangrove soil. Three most promising microbial candidates were identified by rRNA gene sequencing analysis and uploaded in GenBank as Penicillium sp. [OM760513], Aspergillus terreus [OM760511] and Bacillus sp. [OM760515]. Incubation of the three candidates individually and in permutation and combination with LDPE bags in mineral salt medium broth (MSM) for 105 days revealed possible cooperative mechanism of microbial laccase and peroxidase in depolymerization of LDPE bag in an alternative manner. Weight loss by 24% and scan electron microscopy (SEM) examining surface of LDPE bag samples resulting from treatment with A. terreus OM760511 revealed its superiority. Attenuated Total Reflectance (ATR) Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy analysis revealed positive correlation between weight loss and changes in LDPE bag structure confirmed by increase in double bonds, shifting in absorption bands and decrease in T% parallel to decrease in both carbonyl index and crystallinity %.

Challenges for Sustainability in Packaging of Fresh Vegetables in Organic Farming

The policy of circular economy focuses on phasing out fossil-based packaging and replacing it with more sustainable alternatives. Companies face the challenge of choosing packaging for their products that are functional and affordable, and place relatively less pressure on the environment. This is especially important for organic farms that make voluntary commitments to undertake sustainable decisions regarding practices and methods of farming and types of packaging used. This publication attempts to analyze the determinants of the choices of sustainable packaging solutions made by organic farming companies with the example of Scilly Organic, an organic micro farm from the Isles of Scilly, United Kingdom—a producer of organic vegetables. There are many options for fresh vegetable packaging, which include fossil-based packaging, bio-based packaging, and packaging manufactured from material that is a mixture of synthetic, natural, or modified polymers. Biodegradable packaging, including compostable ones, is currently of particular interest because, when separated and disposed of in the correct manner in the waste management phase, they have sustainability potential. Biodegradable plastics constitute over 55.5% of global bioplastics production. Packaging is the largest market segment for bioplastic, with 48% of the total bioplastics market in 2021. Although the use of biobased packaging brings some advantages, it also comes with certain limitations that are the subject of intensive research. In this publication, the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) tool was used and a critical review of the literature was carried out. Based on the analysis, the key factors and aspects influencing the environmental performance of selected types of packaging were identified. The LCA was carried out for the three selected packaging types, including low-density polyethylene (LDPE) bags, polylactic acid (PLA) bags, and polyester starch biopolymer (PCSB) bags. The research showed that the selection of more sustainable packaging is not straightforward. The analysis performed was the basis for providing recommendations for improving the sustainability of organic farms with regard to the selection of packaging for fresh vegetables. The critical processes in the life cycle that have to be considered are, in the first place, the production of polymer-based materials, and to a lesser extent, the production of the packaging bags and post-consumption waste utilization. In the case of PLA bags, 51% of the total impact is attributed to the production of polymer material. For starch polyester bags, this share is 58%, and for LDPE it constitutes 41% of the total score. At the same time, the choice of packaging should be made in the context of the specific properties of the packaging material, the requirements for disposal methods, and local waste management systems.

Paper Bags or Plastic Bags? – A Brief Review

Plastics are one of the most widely and abundant substances in today's society. Worldwide the usage of low-density polyethylene bags create pollution on land and in the oceans, especially when they break down in macro and micro plastics. On all continents, governments try to establish solutions on how to fight plastic pollution form shopping bags by banning their use, implant fees for their usage and replace plastic bags with a more renewable material. Paper bags are a valid solution, especially when manufactured from recycled materials. It is estimated, that In the United States, enough material is available to cover the replacement of the 100 billion plastic bags uses yearly with 100% recycled paper bags.&#x0D; The required investment is roughly 6 billion dollars for new paper machines and mills, creating up to 10,000 new jobs in states where the paper machines would be installed and operated.

Changes in quality characteristics of fresh blueberries: Combined effect of cultivar and storage conditions

The influences of two storage conditions (regular atmosphere-RA and modified-atmosphere packaging-MAP) and different storage time on fruit textural parameters, chemical composition, and total quality index (TQI) of two blueberry cultivars were investigated. Freshly harvested fruit of mid and late season cultivars (‘Bluecrop’ and ‘Liberty’, respectively) were placed in plastic punnets, packed into low-density polyethylene bags of 25 µm thickness with two perforations of 3 mm and stored at 2 °C and 90% relative humidity for 30 days, either in RA or in MAP. Changes in gas composition inside the package and fruit quality characteristics were analyzed at 10-day intervals during storage: 0, 10, 20, and 30 days. ‘Liberty’ was dominant over ‘Bluecrop’ in terms of hardness (428 g and 296 g, respectively), as well as individual and total sugars (100 and 76 g·kg–1, respectively), organic acids (19 and 12 g·kg–1, respectively) and most subclasses of phenolic compounds (anthocyanins, flavonols, and hydroxycinnamic acids). In addition, a novel mathematical index of TQI was introduced to compare all evaluated parameters in order to obtain a quantitative single score, as an indicator of overall fruit quality. ‘Liberty’ had the better TQI score in RA, whereas ‘Bluecrop’ behaved better in MAP. Accordingly, for longer storage of blueberry fruit MAP should not be assumed to be uniformly helpful, since the effect of storage duration in the specific type of atmosphere substantially depends on the proper cultivar selection.

Effect of Drying Methods and Processing Conditions on the Quality of Curcuma longa Powder

Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a spice that has been used for a long time in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory properties and recently used in the food industry for its dyeing and flavoring properties. This work studied the effect of different drying methods (convection oven drying, fluidized bed drying, and traditional solar drying) on the quality of Curcuma longa powder. The effect of UV radiation on turmeric powder using different packaging materials (glass, aluminum foil bag, and low-density polyethylene bag), was also studied. Subsequently, the fluidized bed drying method was used to evaluate the effect of drying temperature. The results show that convection and fluidized bed drying had no significant impact on turmeric quality. However, solar drying degraded curcuminoids by 36.5% and the ORAC value decreased by 14%. Regarding the packaging materials, the aluminum bag prevented the deterioration of 14% of the curcuminoids for the powder exposed to UV radiation. Finally, the effect of temperature on fluidized bed drying was evaluated at 50–80 °C, finding that there were no significant differences in the curcuminoid content and antioxidant capacity of turmeric powder. This implies that the range of temperature used in this study is appropriate for drying this material using fluidized bed drying, producing a turmeric powder with a high content of bioactive compounds, when compared to convection oven and solar drying. Therefore, the turmeric powder obtained in this way can be used as an active ingredient in the formulation of different kinds of foods and supplements.

Effect of different packaging materials on shelf life and postharvest quality of tomato (Lycopersicum esculentum var. Srijana)

Tomatoes, being highly perishable, experience extreme post-harvest losses due to improper packaging materials. Experimentation was done to investigate the effect of different packaging materials on shelf life and quality traits of tomato var. Srijana at the horticulture laboratory of the Institute of Agriculture and Animal Science, Lamjung Campus under a completely randomized design. Seven treatments viz. no packaging (control), unperforated low-density polyethylene (LDPE) bag, perforated (4 holes of 2 mm) LDPE bag, unperforated high-density polyethylene (HDPE) bag, perforated HDPE bag, unperforated non-woven fabric bag, and perforated non-woven fabric bag with 3 replications were used. Tomatoes were evaluated for weight loss, color development, total soluble solids, titratable acidity, pH, and shelf life. Among the treatments, the lowest percentage of weight loss (0.66%) was observed on tomatoes packed in an unperforated HDPE bag, however, it had a higher fungus attack. No packaging group showed rapid shriveling of fruits with the highest percentage of weight loss (14.70%). Although packaging in a non-woven fabric bag was better than control, it showed a higher percentage of weight loss than plastic packaging due to its high permeability to gases and water vapor. The TSS and pH values were found to be higher and TA to be lower in no packaging compared to other packagings. The longest shelf life of tomatoes was observed in perforated LDPE (24 days), followed by HDPE (23 days) whereas the lowest was observed in control (16 days). Overall, the perforated plastic packaging was found best among all treatments with no significant variation among perforated HDPE and perforated LDPE for maintaining qualities of tomatoes and longer shelf life.

Commercial active packaging maintaining physicochemical qualities of carambola fruit during cold storage

Physicochemical quality of carambolas kept in active packaging during storage at 10 °C for 35 d were investigated. The carambola was individually packaged in a low density polyethylene (LDPE) bag with and without a sachet of commercial oxygen and ethylene absorbers. Fruit weight, color, ascorbic acid, firmness and the activities of polygalacturonase (PG) and pectin methylesterase (PME) were monitored. Storage in the active packaging reduced the losses of fruit weight and ascorbic acid content as well as maintained fruit color over the storage. The fruits packed in the active packaging had higher firmness compared to control. Negative relationships between softening and both of the PG (R2 = 0.6803) and PME (R2 = 0.8179) activities were found. These concluded that the active packaging effectively maintained quality of carambolas.

Postharvest quality of green chilli (Capsicum annuum) cultivars under cold and ambient conditions

The objective of the present investigation was to study the shelf-life of green chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) hybrid CH-52 and checks (CH-27 and Veerji) under cold storage and ambient conditions. The study was carried out at Punjab Horticultural Postharvest Technology Centre, Punjab Agricultural University during 2019–20. All the cultivars were packed in LDPE (Low Density Polyethylene) bags of 25 gauge thickness and were stored under cold store (4–7°C ± 1°C) and ambient (25–30°C) conditions. Significant differences were observed among genotypes for various physicochemical characteristics under both the storage conditions. CH-52 recorded lowest weight loss and minimum spoilage. Higher antioxidant potential, chlorophyll and capsaicin were also retained in CH-52 at the end of storage period. Among other two genotypes CH-27 showed better shelf life than Veerji. Therefore, CH-52 could be recommended for commercial cultivation owing to its lowest spoilage index and higher shelf life as compared to checks.