Lower Physiological Loss In Weight Research Articles

Standardization on Effect of Storage and Packaging Materials on Shelf Life and Quality of Ridge Gourd (Luffa acutangula L.)

An experiment was conducted on ‘‘Standardization on effect of storage and packaging materials on shelf life and quality of ridge gourd (Luffa acutangula L)’’ during Kharif 2021 and Summer 2022 on shelf life and quality of ridge gourd at PG laboratory, College of Horticulture, Rajendranagar. The experiment design is factorial completely randomized design with eight packaging materials as factor-1 and three elite treatments as factor-2 with a total of twenty four (24) treatments replicated thrice. The results revealed that, the Polyethylene 200 gauge with 2% vent and Vermicompost 12 t/ha + Arka microbial consortium recorded lowest physiological loss in weight, titrable acidity and highest shelf life, TSS, ascorbic acid, firmness, chlorophyll content with increase in days of storage.

Effect of Postharvest Treatments on Physiological, Chemical, Microbial and Sensory Qualities of Fruits of Papaya Variety Surya

Background: Papaya is a climacteric fruit which is highly perishable due to rapid ripening and softening and susceptibility to biotic or abiotic stresses, resulting in large losses during storage. Traditionally, people resort to the application of synthetic chemical fungicides on to the crop plant and to the fruits during storage, to control the anthracnose caused by the fungus Colletotrichum gloeosporioides on fruits. But their repeated use has caused resistance in microorganisms and toxicity for humans. Hence, nowadays there has been increasing interest in using natural alternatives instead of chemical treatment. Methods: Fruits of papaya variety Surya collected at fully mature green stage were subjected to different postharvest management practices namely precooling, surface sanitization, treatment with chitosan and were packaged in corrugated fibre board boxes and stored till the end of shelf life under ambient condition. Untreated fruits (control) were also used in the study. Result: Fruits coated with chitosan (1%) registered an improved shelf life of 6.33 days as against 4.33 days in control in ambient storage and it further improved the sensory score for all the organoleptic parameters, after six days of storage. 1% chitosan coating also reported significantly lowest physiological loss in weight (3.51 %), ion leakage (60.47%), total soluble solids (12.13 °Brix), total carotenoids (2.34 mg 100g-1), total sugar (7.26%) and reducing sugar (6.34%) and least disease index (16.67%), bacterial count (22.33 cfu/ml × 106) and fungal count (7.33 cfu/ml × 103) after three days of storage when compared with control.

Seaweed Extract as a Biostimulant Agent to Enhance the Fruit Growth, Yield, and Quality of Kiwifruit

The kiwifruit [Actinidia deliciosa (A. Chev.) C.F. Liang & A.R. Ferguson] has attained significant importance for commercial cultivation in the mid-Himalayan region of the Indian subcontinent during the last three decades. The fruit quality matching international standards has remained a concern. Keeping in mind the bio-stimulatory effects of seaweed extract, a marine bioactive component in horticultural crops, the current study conducted to elucidate the impact of seaweed extract on kiwifruit growth, yield, and quality was conducted in the Department of Fruit Science’s kiwifruit block at Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Himachal Pradesh, India. For the studies, nine-year-old Allison kiwi vines of uniform size and vigor were planted at a spacing of 4 m × 6 m. With 11 treatments, the experiment was set up in a randomized block design viz, T1: Spray treatment of 1000 ppm (seaweed extract) SWE at fruit set (FS); T2:Spray treatment of 2000 ppm SWE at FS; T3: Spray treatment of 3000 ppm SWE at FS; T4: Spray treatment of 1000 ppm SWE at FS and 10 days after Fruit set (FS); T5: Spray treatment of 2000 ppm SWE at FS and 10 days after FS (DAFS); T6: Spray treatment of 3000 ppm SWE at FS and 10 days after FS; T7: Fruit dip treatment of 1000 ppm SWE at 10 days after FS; T8: Fruit dip treatment @ 2000 ppm SWE at 10 days after FS; T9: Fruit dip treatment @3000 ppm SWE at 10 days after fruit set; T10: Fruit dip treatment @ 5 ppm CPPU at 10 days after fruit set; T11: Control. The current study compared several seaweed extract treatments, which were applied at various times and concentrations, to N-(2-chloro-4-pyridyl)-N-phenyl-urea (CPPU-5ppm) and untreated control. Seaweed extract (SWE) dip at 3000 ppm 10 days after the fruit set produced significant growth in fruit length and diameter in growing kiwifruit, which was non-significant with CPPU treatment and superior to control. The shape index, fruit weight, and total fruit yield were also found to be the highest with the same treatment. Fruit quality parameters, namely fruit soluble solids contents (SSC) and total sugars, were recorded at a maximum with the SWE Spray dose of 3000 ppm at FS and 10 DAFS. The SSC: Acid ratio and reducing sugars were recorded as the highest with an application of SWE dip at 3000 ppm 10 DAFS. The application of SWE dip at 2000 ppm 10 DAFS) was found to advance the harvesting maturity by 6 days and also exhibited the lowest physiological loss in weight (% PLW) with the highest ascorbic acid content. After 15 days of storage at ambient room temperature (25 ± 2 °C), the application of SWE dip at 3000 ppm 10 DAFS recorded the highest SSC acid ratio and the lowest titratable acidity. Thus, the application of seaweed extract dip at 3000 ppm 10 days after the fruit set can be recommended to the farmers as an appropriate alternative to the chemical treatment.

Effects of Gibberellic acid (GA3) on shelf life and physiochemical properties of mango (Mangifera indica L. var Bombay green)

The present study investigated the effect of GA3 on the physicochemical properties and shelf life of mango (Mangifera indica L. var. Bombay green) from 31st May 2022 to 8th June 2022 at the Central Laboratory of GPCAR collage Gothgaun, Morang, Nepal. The study's goal was to find the right gibberellic acid concentration to use in mangoes that were collected at a mature stage to delay fruit ripening, preserve quality, and lengthen shelf life. The experiment was laid out in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with five treatments and four replications. Mature freshly harvested mango fruits of uniform size were dipped into an aqueous solution of gibberellic acid at 0 ppm (T1), 100 ppm (T2), 200 ppm (T3), 300 ppm (T4) and 400 ppm (T5) for 10 minutes. Data on physicochemical parameters (mango pulp pH, total soluble solids, titratable acidity, physiological weight loss, and shelf life) were statistically analyzed through biochemical analyses. Further, fruits treated with 400 ppm of GA3; resulted in the lowest physiological loss in weight (22.08%), the minimum pulp pH (5.02), and the minimum titratable acidity (0.14%) on the 8th day after storage. The highest total soluble solid (19.85°B) was recorded with GA3 @400ppm, while the lowest soluble solids (16.90°B) were recorded with control ppm on the 8th day after storage. Fruits treated with GA3 at 400 ppm had the longest shelf life (7.17 days), while fruits treated with GA at 300 ppm had the shortest shelf life (7.19 days). Therefore, the best results were obtained when gibberellic acid was applied at 400 ppm, which extended the shelf life and physiochemical traits of mango fruits.

Postharvest Salicylic Acid Treatment Affects Weight Loss, Spoilage and Biochemical Attributes of Bartlett Pear Fruits

The present study aimed to determine the effect of postharvest salicylic acid (SA) treatments on storability and biochemical quality of Bartlett pear fruits at ambient storage conditions. Freshly harvested fruits were treated with salicylic acid solution at 0 (control), 0.5, 1 or 2 mM and fruits were stored at ambient conditions (room temperature) for 21 days storage studies. Data on physiological loss in weight (PLW), fruit spoilage and biochemical quality of fruits (total soluble soils, titratable acidity, ascorbic acid, reducing and total sugars) were recorded. Results revealed that the salicylic acid treatments significantly minimized the PLW and fruit spoilage. At 21 days of storage at ambient conditions, the lowest PLW (13.76 %) and fruit spoilage (21.70 %) was noted with SA at 2 mM. All three SA treatments effectively retained the biochemical attributes of fruits i.e. total soluble soils, titratable acidity, ascorbic acid, reducing and total sugars as compared to control fruits. In conclusion, Salicylic acid at 2 mM treatment to the Bartlett pear fruits after harvest can be useful in minimizing the PLW and fruit spoilage and also maintaining the biochemical quality of fruits during ambient storage conditions.

Postharvest Salicylic Acid Application Affects the Biochemical Quality and Stability of Strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa Duch.) cv. Chandler Fruits under Ambient Storage Conditions

The present study aimed to determine the effect of postharvest salicylic acid (SA) application on storability and biochemical quality of strawberry fruits cv. Chandler under ambient storage conditions. Freshly harvested fruits were subjected to salicylic acid treatment at 0 (control), 0.5, 1 or 2 mM and fruits were stored at room temperature for 6 days storage studies. Data on physiological loss in weight (PLW), fruit spoilage and biochemical quality of fruits (total soluble soils, titratable acidity, ascorbic acid, reducing and total sugars) were recorded. Results showed that postharvest salicylic acid treatment significantly minimized the PLW and fruit spoilage. At 6 days of storage, the lowest PLW (14.43 %) and fruit spoilage (21.70 %) was observed with SA at 2 mM. All the salicylic acid treatments were effective in retaining the biochemical quality of fruit (total soluble soils, titratable acidity, ascorbic acid, reducing and total sugars). In conclusion, Salicylic acid at 2 mM treatment of strawberry fruits after harvest can be useful in minimizing PLW and fruit spoilage and also maintaining the biochemical quality of fruits during ambient storage conditions.

Effect of Antioxidants and Polyamines on Physical Parameters of Sapota [Manilkara achras (Mill) Fosberg] cv. Kalipatti

The present investigation was carried out at PG laboratory in College of Horticulture, Rajendranagar during 2016-2017 and 2017-2018. The experiment was carried out in Completely Randomized Design with three replications. The physical parameters like physiological loss in weight (PLW), number of days for ripening, firmness, ripening percentage, shelf life, and spoilage were estimated. PLW, firmness and spoilage were estimated at 3 days interval during ripening. The data on physical parameters showed that there was significant influence of post harvest application of antioxidants and polyamines on shelf-life of sapota. Fruits treated with BA @ 100 ppm (T2) recorded lower PLW (17.76%), maximum number of days for ripening (8.50 days), and minimum spoilage where as shelf life (12.17 days) and firmness (1.95 kg cm-2), were higher in BA @ 100 ppm (T2) treated fruits during both the years and in pooled data respectively.

Aloe vera gel coating as a postharvest application to reduce spintern browning and to extend the shelf of rambutan fruits

Rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum L.) is an attractive tropical fruit due to its hairy appearance, red and yellow pericarp shades, and green-tipped hair-like spinterns. The fruits are highly perishable, non-climacteric and the browning of spintern and pericarp reduce their marketability and limit shelf life The present study evaluated the efficacy of aloe gel coating in reducing the spintern browning of rambutan fruits for extended shelf life. The study used medium-sized rambutan fruits, harvested at commercial maturity (red pericarp). After cleaning and sanitising (ozonation two ppm), fruits were dipped in aloe gel (10, 25, 50%) for five minutes and stored in CFB boxes at room temperature. Physiological loss in weight increased during the storage and 50% aloe gel lost the least weight (18.19%) and retained the total soluble solids (17.98 Brix), acidity (0.40%), moisture content (79.05%), total sugar (20.75%), reducing sugar (3.14%), ascorbic acid (22.69 mg 100g-1), total phenols (3.48 mg 100g-1), and antioxidant activity (68.85%). The aloe gel (50%) coated rambutan fruits packaged in ventilated polypropylene and stored under refrigerated conditions (12±10 C) had the lowest physiological loss in weight of 9.33%, the highest total soluble solids (16.96 Brix), acidity (0.30%), moisture content (80.08%), total sugar (17.67%), reducing sugar (2.84%), and ascorbic acid (19.42 mg 100 g-1) content, the lowest browning score, and the highest organoleptic qualities and shelf life.

Effect of Different Edible Coatings on Postharvest Quality of Mandarin Orange (Citrus reticulata Blanco)

Although Nepal produces a large amount of mandarin it faces huge postharvest losses due to improper postharvest practices. Treating fruits with different edible coatings can minimize postharvest losses. The experiment was carried out in the horticulture lab of Prithu Technical College, Dang, Nepal to evaluate the effects of different edible coating materials on the postharvest quality of mandarin. The experiment was laid in Complete Randomized Design (CRD) with three replications and seven treatments in each replication. Mandarins were coated with different edible coating materials i.e. paraffin wax (100%, 75% and 50%), mustard oil, Aloe vera, turmeric paste and control (non-coated). After coating with different edible materials, mandarins were kept at ambient room conditions (18±2℃ and 52.41±14.35%). The lowest physiological loss in weight at 7, 14and 21 days was recorded in mandarin coated with 75% paraffin wax which was 3.10%, 4.83% and 10.33%, respectively. The highest titratable acidity (0.68%), juice content (46.33%) and marketable fruit percentage (81.73%) were recorded in 75% paraffin wax. The highest total soluble solid (14.00 ˚Brix) was recorded in control. Based on the result obtained from our research, it is suggested to use 75% paraffin wax for the storage of mandarin at ambient room conditions (18±2℃ and 52.41±14.35% RH) as it gives a high percentage of marketable fruits and juice content and also minimizes the physiological loss in weight.

Performance on postharvest quality of late season cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis L.) varieties in Terai region of Nepal

The experiment was conducted at Horticulture Farm of Agriculture and Forestry University, Rampur, Nepal during the November 2016 to March 2018 for two consecutive years to assess the characteristics on postharvest quality of late season cauliflower varieties. The experiment was laid in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with the eleven late season cauliflower varieties viz., Freedom, Titan, Ravella, Amazing, Artica, Bishop, Casper, Indam 9803, NS 106, Snow Mystique, and Snowball 16, each replicated with four times. Significantly higher TSS value of 5.7º Brix was produced by Snowball 16 than other varieties. Considerably higher vitamin C of 49 mg/100 g was found in Amazing than other varieties. Significantly lower physiological loss in weight of 5.3%, 9.6% and 15.6% was found in Artica at three, six and nine days after harvesting, respectively. Higher score for the taste of curd was 8.8 in Snowball 16 followed by Amazing while lower score for taste of the curd was 4.8 in Indam 9803 variety. The attractive color and more compact curd score of 8.4 was found in both Titan and Artica than other varieties. Therefore, it can be concluded that Snowball 16 and Amazing varieties were the best open pollinated varieties for taste of the curd and composition of chemical constitutes. Bishop, Snow Mystique, NS 106, Artica and Titan varieties were other probable hybrid varieties based on their overall postharvest characteristics.

Effectiveness of Different Storage Conditions and Sanitizers of the Post Harvest Performance of Sweet Pepper (Capsicum annum L.) in Chitwan District, Nepal

To investigate the effectiveness of different Storage conditions and Sanitizer treatments on the postharvest performance of the fruits of Sweet pepper var. California Wonder, an experiment was laid out in two factorial Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. Fruits subjected to Sanitizer treatments viz Sodium hypochlorite @ 0.02%, Calcinated calcium @ 0.1%, Neem extract @10%, Aloe vera @10% and Control were stored under Evaporative Cooling (EC) and Ambient conditions. Observations were recorded for Physiological loss in weight (PLW), Total soluble solid (TSS), Titratable acidity (TA), Vitamin C, Spoilage percentage and Shelf life of the fruits. At the end of the shelf life, the main effects of Storage conditions and Sanitizers were found significant for PLW, Spoilage percentage, TSS, Vitamin C and Shelf life. The lowest PLW (13.19%) was observed in the fruits stored in EC condition compared to the fruits kept in Ambient storage (21.61%). EC storage showed the lowest Spoilage percentage (41.1%), the longest Shelf life (13.8 days), the highest TSS (3.16°Brix) and Vitamin C (53.7 mg/100g). Among the Sanitizers, the lowest PLW (14.69%) and Spoilage percentage (37.5%) were recorded in the treatment of Sodium hypochlorite followed by Aloe vera solution. Likewise, the highest TSS (3.63°Brix), Vitamin C (52.8 mg/100 g) and the longest Shelf life (13.33 days) were recorded under the treatment of Aloe vera solution. The treatment combination of EC storage and Sodium hypochlorite exhibited the lowest PLW on 9th day (11.05%) of storage. The results suggest that the postharvest quality and shelf life of sweet pepper can be extended by storing the sweet pepper fruits in energy efficient EC storage after the application of Sanitizers viz. Sodium hypochlorite and Aloe vera.

Effect of Packaging and Coating Technique on Postharvest Quality and Shelf Life of Raphanus sativus L. and Hibiscus sabdariffa L. Microgreens.

Microgreens are highly respiring produce characterized by a relatively short shelf-life. In this study, the efficacy of two types of macro-perforated packaging, PET clamshell (PET–CS) and LDPE self-seal bag (LDPE–SSB), was assessed on the postharvest quality and shelf life of radish (RaS) and roselle (HbS) microgreens stored at 5 °C. Pre-harvest spray treatment (AGSC) was compared with postharvest dip coating (AGDC) using Aloe vera gel (AG) for the first time in microgreens for postharvest quality improvement. PET–CS had a lower physiological loss in weight (PLW), respiration rate (RR), electrolyte leakage (EL), microbial counts (MCs), and higher overall acceptability (OA) than LDPE–SSB. AG-coated microgreens had significantly (p ≤ 0.05) lesser deteriorative postharvest changes and higher ascorbic acid content than uncoated control. AGSC maintained better OA and postharvest quality than AGDC, especially at the end of the study period in terms of reducing EL, retaining greenness (−a*), and chroma value in HbS microgreens. In RaS microgreens, AGSC helped to maintain lower PLW, MC, and higher ascorbic acid levels. AGSC could be suggested as an eco-friendly ergonomic pre-harvest treatment along with PET–CS for enhancement of postharvest quality and shelf life in RaS and HbS microgreens, with a tremendous potential to be extended to other microgreens.

Effect of 1– MCP concentration, exposure time and storage temperature on post-harvest quality of mango fruit cv. Alphanso

Present research work was undertaken to study the effect of 1-Methyl Cyclopropene (1- MCP) on quality and shelf life of the mango fruits (Cv. Alphanso). The freshly harvested matured mango fruits were treated with fungicide at 0.5 µL/L concentration for 10 mins followed by washing and cleaning. The fruits were then exposed to different concentrations of 1-MCP viz. 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2 µL/L at 20°C for 12 and 24 hrs respectively along with control fruits in an airtight chamber. The results obtained after conducting the above experiments indicated that the ripening was delayed by 1-MCP at early stages and shelf life of the fruit increases as the concentration of 1-MCP increased. Various physico-chemical changes such as physiological loss in weight (PLW), total soluble solids, surface colour, titrable acidity, ascorbic acid content and firmness of fruit was majorly influenced by 1-MCP which showed lower physiological loss in weight (11.6%), gradual increase in TSS from 9.7 to 22.1°Brix and colour from -3.63 to 2.59, considerable decrease was observed in titrable acidity from 1.34 to 0.14%, Ascorbic acid content from 81.18 to 25.2 mg/100 g and texture decreased from 312 to 66 gf respectively as compared to rest of the treatments and control fruits.

Effect of Chlorine and Silver Grafted zeolite-LDPE Composite Bags Packaging on the Postharvest Quality of Sapota (Manilkara Achras)

ABSTRACT In this study, zeolite-LDPE composite bags with or without an infusion of antimicrobial compound (chlorine or silver) were employed as novel packaging materials. The influence of packaging innovation on physico-chemical parameters and shelf life of sapota (Manilkara achras, Family: Sapotaceae) fruits under cold storage condition was investigated. Sapota fruits first packed in antimicrobial compound synergized zeolite-LDPE composite bags and then placed in corrugated fiber board (CFB) box showed significantly lower physiological loss in weight, respiration rate, total soluble solids (TSS), disease score and higher color (L*, chroma and hue-angle) values for pulp, titratable acidity, firmness and more shelf-life than the sapota fruits packed in corrugated fiber board (CFB) box alone. Our results suggest that zeolite-LDPE composite bags synergized with antimicrobial compounds could maintain the postharvest quality and increase the shelf-life of sapota fruits.

Effect of temperature on fruit storage behaviour of aonla cultivars

The present study was carried out to assess the storage behaviour of three aonla cvs.Kanchan, Neelum and Balwant at different storage temperatures. Fruits of all the cultivars were stored at 6°C, 9°C, 12°C and ambient conditions. During storage a continuous reduction was recorded in fruit weight, firmness and ascorbic acid; whereas, the spoilage increased with the storage duration. At all the three storage temperature conditions, the lowest physiological loss in weight (PLW) was recorded in ‘Kanchan’ followed by ‘Neelum’ cultivar. During the entire storage period, highest firmness and ascorbic acid was retained by the cultivar ‘Neelum’ with lowest chilling injury and spoilage at 9°C as compared to other storage temperatures. Chilling injury was recorded in all the cultivars at 6°C. Among the three cultivars, ‘Neelum’ retained better fruit quality during the storage period in terms of firmness, ascorbic acid, chilling injury and spoilage at 9°C.

Storage behaviour of apple cultivars under ambient conditions

An experiment was conducted at ICAR-CITH, Regional Station, Mukteshwar, Nainital, Uttarakhand in ten apple cultivars to assess the physico-chemical changes and shelf-life at ambient storage conditions for 49 days. The physiological loss in weight, TSS, reducing sugars, total sugars, non-reducing sugars and fruit decay percentage increased, while fruit firmness, titratable acidity, ascorbic acid content and organoleptic score decreased during storage in all cultivars. Cultivar Skyline Supreme exhibited lowest physiological loss in weight (7.77%), highest TSS (14.93°B) and organoleptic score (7.19) than other apple cultivars. However, the cv. Red Chief exhibited highest ascorbic acid (12.32 mg/100 g), reducing sugars (8.89%) and total sugars (10.59%) and the cv. Bright-N-Early exhibited highest fruit firmness (8.18 lb/in2) and lowest fruit decay (5.05%) than other apple cultivars. Conclusively, Skyline Supreme, Red Chief and Bright-N-Early have better shelf-life than other apple cultivars under ambient storage conditions.

Influence of different polyethylene packaging on shelf life of tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa Linn.) loose flowers

Tuberose is an important commercial loose flower crop because of its fragrant flowers which can be utilized in many ways. Tuberose loose flowers retain their freshness only for a few days in ordinary condition. Packaging technology concentrated on longer period of storage of loose flowers would certainly be beneficial. In view of rapidly increasing demand of loose flowers of tuberose and need for extending their postharvest quality, the present study was initiated. the experiments included ten treatments namely, three thickness of polyethylene bags (dimention 20 x25 cm), i.e., 50, 75 and 100 micron with three levels of ventilated rates i.e., 0%, 1% and 2% and control. three cultivars of Single petalled tuberose namely, Mexican Single, Prajwal and Sikkim Selection were chosen for the experimentation. Fully developed mature florets (loose flowers) were plucked from growing plants and brought to the laboratory for experimentation. the statistically analysed data revealed that the higher (in cvs Mexican Single, Prajwal and Sikkim Selection, respectively) floret diameter (4.66, 5.00 and 5.58 mm), floret weight (0.62, 0.70 and 0.84g), relative water content (84.03, 82.97 and 88.86%), membrane stability index (76.90, 77.32 and 79.81%), total sample weight (178.86, 169.80 and 175.93g) and shelf life (5, 6 and 5 day) were recorded with loose flowers stored in 100 micron thick polyethylene bags without ventilation. The control treatment (when florets were kept in open plastic basket) recorded the lower value for above mentioned parameters. the lower physiological loss in weight (0.66, 1.75 and 2.38g, respectively) was obtained in florets packed in 100 micron thick polyethylene bags without ventilation. on the other hand, the higher physiological loss in weight (94.98, 95.90 and 96.14g, respectively) was reported in control treatment. The higher freshness index of florets (5 for all cultivars) was recorded when florets were packed in 50, 75 and 100 micron thick polyethylene bags with 0% ventilation, followed by (for all cultivars) packaging of florets in 50, 75 and 100 micron thick polyethylene bags with 1% ventilation. However, the lower freshness index (1 for all cultivars) was obtained in florets packed in 50, 75 and 100 micron thick polyethylene bags with 2% ventilation and also in control treatment.

Influence of packaging material along with wet refrigerated storage conditions on post-harvest life of cut chrysanthemum cv. Reagan White

An experiment was carried out to investigate the effect of different packaging films comprising of LDPE (100 and 200 gauge), polypropylene, polyethylene, micro-perforated polyethylene and cellophane bags on low temperature storage of cut chrysanthemum flowers cv. Reagan White. The results obtained showed that the LDPE was most effective film in enhancing the vase-life and quality under both refrigerated wet storage and normal ambient conditions. The LDPE 100 gauge packed flower stems resulted in enhanced vase-life compared to other treatments by maintaining flower and leaf membrane stability index coupled with lower physiological loss in weight. The percent decline in total soluble sugars and reducing sugar contents in leaf and ray floret tissues was less in LDPE packaged flowers as compared to other treatments and control. The wrapped flowers stems in refrigerated wet storage after 15 days at 4°C were held in vase at ambient conditions. The maximum vase-life (12.67 days) was found with LDPE 100 gauge packaged flower stems. The higher CO2 and lower O2 concentrations were recorded in LDPE packed flower stems, which were attributed to prevention of oxidative stress. There was marked favourable biochemical changes in the cut flower tissue, viz. total soluble sugars, reducing sugar, leaf chlorophyll content, MDA content, and superoxide dismutase activity in vase under ambient conditions.

Shelf-life enhancement of fresh fenugreek (Trigonella Foenum-graceum) under refrigerated condition

Experiments were conducted to extend the shelf-life of fresh fenugreek in different forms (leaves and bunch), using different packaging material viz. polypropylene, cling film, paper with an unpacked control sample. The packed fresh fenugreek was stored under refrigerated conditions (temperature 6 ± 1°C and RH 95±2%) and were analyzed at regular intervals for their quality attribute i.e. β-carotene, physiological loss in weight (PLW), chlorophyll content, colour change and sensory attributes. It was observed that packaging material had significant effect on of PLW, chlorophyll content, visual appearance and water accumulation. Polypropylene package and bunch form of sample were the best for enhancement of shelf-life of fenugreek up to 7 weeks. Lower PLW was observed to be 2.11 and 2.85% of initial weight in polypropylene material for leaves and bunch, respectively. Chlorophyll content decreased as much as by 91% for leaf and 90% for bunch wrt fresh (220mg/100g) in polypropylene packaging. It was observed that packaging of fenugreek in polypropylene package in bunch form resulted in best maintenance of chlorophyll, colour, weight loss, aroma and visual appearance. Overall it can be concluded that the fresh fenugreek in the form of bunch can be stored safely upto 48 days when packed in polypropylene package and stored under refrigerated conditions.

Influence of organics, inorganic and biofertilizers on growth, fruit quality, and soil characters of Himsagar mango grown in new alluvial zone of west Bengala, india

A field study with organic manures, inorganic manures and biofertilizers alone and in combination was carried out on 11-year-old mango (Mangifera indica L.) cv. Himsagar spaced 10 m apart in a randomized block design at the University Research Station, Gayeshpur, BCKV, West Bengal, India. The objective was to determine their effect on growth, soil characters, and fruit quality of mango grown in a new alluvial zone of West Bengal. Respiration, physiological loss in weight (PLW) and shelf life at ambient room temperatures, and soil characters were also assessed. Results revealed that among the eight treatments, biofertiliser (Azotobacter + PSM) along with 50% inorganic fertilizer significantly increased the growth characters of mango trees. This treatment also increased the physico-chemical character of fruit while biofertilizers alone improved the fruit quality, viz. total soluble solids, total sugar and β-carotene. Fruits treated with biofertilizers also had increased shelf life with lower PLW and respiration rate. Soil microbial population and other soil characters were improved by application of biofertilizer as well. It is concluded that biofertilizer application in mango gives better growth, fruit quality, and soil health.