Perforated Bags Research Articles

UAV-Based Vegetation Indices to Evaluate Coffee Crop Response after Transplanting Seedlings Grown in Different Containers

Brazil stands out among coffee-growing countries worldwide. The use of precision agriculture to monitor coffee plants after transplantation has become an important step in the coffee production chain. The objective of this study was to assess how coffee plants respond after transplanting seedlings grown in different containers, based on multispectral images acquired by Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV). The study was conducted in Santo Antônio do Amparo, Minas Gerais, Brazil. The coffee plants were imaged by UAV, and their height, crown diameter, and chlorophyll content were measured in the field. The vegetation indices were compared to the field measurements through graphical and correlation analysis. According to the results, no significant differences were found between the studied variables. However, the area transplanted with seedlings grown in perforated bags showed a lower percentage of mortality than the treatment with root trainers (6.4% vs. 11.7%). Additionally, the vegetation indices, including normalized difference red-edge, normalized difference vegetation index, and canopy planar area calculated by vectorization (cm2), were strongly correlated with biophysical parameters. Linear models were successfully developed to predict biophysical parameters, such as the leaf area index. Moreover, UAV proved to be an effective tool for monitoring coffee using this approach.

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.

Determiningcarrot preservation depending on the root quality and size, as well as on storage techniques

This study aimsto scientifically substantiate the influence of the quality, size of carrot roots, as well as storage techniques, on safety that couldprolong their consumption. The research into carrot roots has not been developed properly. In this regard, it is important to conduct comprehensive studies of objective indicators that exert the greatest impact on the intensity of natural weight loss of carrot roots and their preservation. The study reported here aimed to scientifically substantiate the influence of the quality, size of carrot roots,as well as storage techniques, on safety, which could allow them to be consumed longer. It has been theoretically substantiated and experimentally confirmed that the longest storage period of 206 days with a commercial yield of 89.27 %characterized large root crops. The output of marketable products of medium root crops was 86.56 %, small ones after 161 days ‒ 80.30 %. Compared with large root crops, the shelf life of both small and mechanically damaged carrots decreased by 46 days, and the yield of marketable products decreased by 9.0 and 11.1 %, respectively. Carrot roots damaged by pests were preserved almost the same as chopped ones. On average, over 191–192 days of storage, the yield of marketable products amounted to 83.43 and 83.90 %, respectively. The shortest shelf life (142) and the worst preservation (68.34 %)were observed in carrots with a torn peel, due to a large number of diseased root crops (18.53 and defective ones (6.85 %). Storage of carrots in boxes at a permanent storage facility with forced-air and exhaust natural ventilation turned out to be ineffective. The yield of marketable products amounted to 85.5 %. The highest safety of 96.3–94.3 % was observed when the roots were stored in plastic bags and perforated bags, respectively. A greater yield of marketable products is provided by bags with a capacity of 5 kg. It was found that the storage in cardboard boxes and paper bags contributed to the development of microorganisms. The number of affected root crops ranged from 2.4 to 2.8 %.

Morphological characterization and response of red flower rag leaf (Crassocephalum crepidioides Benth S. Moore) to organic and inorganic fertilizers and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus

Red flower rag leaf (Crassocephalum crepidioides) is one of the underutilized vegetables consumed globally. Pot trials were conducted to characterize 15 morphologically distinct accessions of C. crepidioides and assess the effects of treatment combinations of eggshell, NPK 15:15:15, poultry manure and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus(Glomus mosseae) as soil amendments on growth and yield-related characters of C. crepidioides. Thereafter, 48 seedlings of the best performing accession were transplanted into perforated polythene bags filled with 7 kg of heat-sterilized soil. The experiment was laid out in a completely randomized design with three replicates. Treatment combinations were incorporated into in the polythene bags 1 week after transplanting, while control plants received no amendments. The results showed that accession NH/GKB-15 had the highest plant height (29.83 cm), stem length (27.67 cm), number of leaves (15) and length of internode at node 3 (1.13 cm) and node 4 (1.17 cm). The growth and yield characters of this best performing accession (NH/GKB-15) in response to soil amendments showed that poultry manure produced the tallest plants (55.17 cm), longest and widest stems (48.35 and 0.66 cm), longest and widest leaves (16.39 and 6.26 cm, respectively), and higher number of inflorescence (2.13). With NPK 15:15:15 the seedlings did not survive. Poultry manure should therefore be utilized for better plant nutrition and faster growth of C. crepidioides seedlings as well as for safer consumption of the leafy vegetable.

Determination of changes in physicochemical and sensory characteristics of purple passion fruit with the application of different packaging systems, including an ethylene scavenger additive.

To achieve a suitable packaging configuration, it is important first to determine the physicochemical characteristics related to the packaged product. In this study, the physicochemical characterization of fresh purple passion fruits of three different ripening stages was carried out to determine key variables for the packaging, such as O2 consumption and CO2 -ethylene production rates. Subsequently, intermediate-ripe fruits were packaged for 21 days at 6 °C under three packaging conditions: Xtend® perforated bags, low-density polyethylene (LDPE) bags, and LDPE bags with a novel ethylene scavenger active additive (ESAA). It was observed that an equilibrium modified atmosphere was formed in the packages. For the Xtend® bags, the highest values of O2 (yo2 =0.184 to 0.192) and lowest of CO2 (yco2 =0.033 to 0.041) were reached, whereas for the LDPE bags with ESAA these values were moderate. In the case of ethylene, the LDPE bags showed the highest levels in the headspace (26 to 31ppm), whereas the lowest levels were obtained in the LDPE bags with additive (2 to 4ppm). These levels resulted in a delay in the ripening of the fruits during storage, which was verified through a sensory acceptability test that was carried out on the juice extracted from the fruits. In this sensory test, panelists identified similar characteristics between the fruits packaged with ESAA and the Xtend® bags, regarding the control fruits. The LDPE bags with the ethylene scavenger performed satisfactorily and can considerably delay the ripening, which may result in longer shelf life and conservation of fresh purple passion fruits. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: This work presents a novel packaging proposal that reduces oxygen and ethylene levels in contact with purple passion fruits. Our proposed active packaging can be used to increase the fruit shelf life by improving its conservation conditions throughout the chain of storage, transport, and distribution in the market. With this, it will be possible to reduce the fruit's losses due to senescence and to reduce the substrate consumption by using a more effective packaging system.

Influence of edible coatings and packaging on quality and shelf-life of carrot stored under ambient conditions

Experiments were conducted to assess the integrated effect of edible coatings viz. pectin and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and packaging on quality parameters and biochemical attributes of carrot stored under ambient conditions (Temp 15.4–24.5°C, RH 48–91%). Carrots of variety Punjab Carrot Red were harvested, washed, surface dried, and coated with pectin (0.5%, 1%) and CMC (0.5%, 1%), respectively. Samples were kept in open trays, jute and perforated bags and were stored under ambient conditions. Coating and packaging slowed down the changes in weight, colour, texture, total soluble solids, ascorbic acid content, titrable acidity and total phenolics during storage. Coating and packaging also resulted in enhancement in activities of antioxidative enzymes. Among all the coatings, 0.5% pectin and among different packaging, jute bags packed samples exhibited highest maintenance in the quality parameters as well as highest activities of antioxidative enzymes. Coating with 0.5% pectin combined with jute bags packaging maintained the quality parameters to greater extent possibly by reducing the oxidative stress and has potential to enhance the shelf life of carrot under ambient conditions.

Post-Harvest Quality of Fresh Akabare Chili (Capsicum chinese) as Affected by Hydrocooling, Package Modification and Storage Temperature

ABSTRACT Akabare chilli (Capsicum chinese) is a high-value crop in the eastern hills of Nepal. Akabare growers faced the problem of its value decrement during transportation and marketing because of immediate post-harvest losses. This study was targeted for finding cheap post-harvest treatment to extend freshness and shelf life of fresh Akabare by applying post-harvest treatments like hydrocooling, refrigerated temperature storage, and perforation mediated plastic packaging. The chemical qualities (moisture, vitamin C and chlorophyll content) were studied on a regular interval of 4 days along with visual inspection for 20 days. The package modification included unperforated as well as perforated polypropylene bags having 2, 4 and 6 perforations of 2.5 mm diameter. Samples without any treatment remained fresh only for 2 days, while only hydrocooled samples retained moisture, vitamin C and chlorophyll content significantly (p < .05) higher than untreated, in both storage temperatures. None of the samples stored at room temperature retained freshness beyond 4 days. Thus, based on the better retention of moisture and vitamin C content, hydrocooling followed by packaging in polypropylene bag (four perforations) and storage at refrigerated temperature could be considered the best post-harvest treatment and packaging.

EFFECT OF PACKAGING TYPE AND PERFORATION RATE ON STORABILITY AND QUALITY OF COMMON BEANS PODS: - A- PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is one of the most important members of leguminous crops grown in Egypt for either local consumption or exportation. For highly respiring produce such as mushrooms, peas and broccoli, traditional films like LDPE. However, the micro- perforated films are special films which are expensive and not available everywhere. This experiment was carried out at Fruit Handling Department laboratories, Horticultural Research Institute. Snap bean pods were obtained from a private farm at Giza, at suitable maturity stage of marketing. Uniform pods and free from blemishes were selected for storage experiment. Pods were packed in perforated or non-perforated polyethylene and polypropylene bags (30 μm thickness, 15 × 25 cm size) and each bag had 250 g as one replicate. There were two perforation rates in addition normal perforation rate. All treatments were stored at 7°C and 90 - 95 % relative humidity for 7, 14, 21days. Pods physical properties were recorded during storage. A significant decrease in weight loss percentage was observed in all perforated and non-perforated treatments in comparison with normal perforation rate. The highest weight loss was associated with those stored in normal perforation rate compared with all the other treatments. While the lowest weight loss was associated with those stored in non-perforated treatment in comparison with all other treatments. On the other side, reducing perforation rate significantly reduced decay incidence of stored common beans compared with non-perforated and normal perforated bags. Common beans stored in the less perforation rate bags was associated with the less decay incidence during storage. However, there was no significant differences among these treatments. Also, these treatments significantly reduced deterioration rate in all other studied quality of common beans during storage. Moreover, it is clear that, although common bean pods packaged in polyethylene bags had quality parameter higher than those packaged in polypropylene bags during the two seasons, there was no significant differences among these treatments in these aspects. We can conclude that, reducing bag perforation rate well led to improve common beans storability and reduce its deterioration rate during storage.

Ethyl formate fumigation: Its effect on stone and pome fruit quality, and grain chinch bug (Macchiademus diplopterus) mortality

The grain chinch bug, Macchiademus diplopterus (Distant) (Hemiptera: Lygaeidae), is a key phytosanitary pest requiring postharvest mitigation control for successful export of South African deciduous fruit. The main aims of the present investigation was to examine, firstly, the potential of ethyl formate as a fumigant to control the grain chinch bug and secondly, the effect of ethyl formate on the fruit quality of selected stone and pome fruit cultivars. The preliminary trial indicated a minimum concentration of 50 g/m3 (or 50 mg/L) ethyl formate for 1 h was required to obtain 100% mortality of the grain chinch bug. Building on those findings, phytotoxic trials assessed the effect of applying a dose range of 50–150 g/m3 ethyl formate for 1 h in desiccators at ambient temperature on various pome and stone fruit cultivars. No internal or external phytotoxic damage was observed on the various cultivars. An informal tasting panel could not distinguish between treated and untreated fruit. The effect of packaging (cartons with perforated bags or liners as per commercial use for each product) on the ability of ethyl formate to control the grain chinch bug was assessed after the phytotoxic susceptibility trials. The introduction of packaging confirmed that a higher concentration of ethyl formate (85 g/m3) was required for packaged fruit compared to the 50 g/m3 required for open crates or lugs. Higher ethyl formate concentrations enabled the fumigant to diffuse and penetrate the different packaging types without a dilution effect, effectively controlling the grain chinch bug embedded inside the cartons while maintaining fruit quality.

Identification of romaine lettuce (Lactuca sativa var. longifolia) Cultivars with reduced browning discoloration for fresh-cut processing

Discoloration (browning) represents a major challenge that limits the quality and shelf life of fresh-cut lettuce. In this study, we aimed to find romaine lettuce (Lactuca sativa var. longifolia) accessions with low browning potential. Midribs of 14 accessions (11 cultivars, two breeding lines, and a single plant introduction) were shredded and packaged in perforated bags for five days. Images of processed samples were captured daily and analyzed with computer vision technology to quantify browning intensity via L*a*b* color values and browning index (BI). Enzymatic activity[phenylalanine lyase (PAL), peroxidase (POD), and polyphenol oxidase (PPO)] and total phenolic content (TPC) were measured daily. After five days in storage, the accessions in the Tall Guzmaine and Parris Island Cos pedigree groups exhibited the greatest and least browning, respectively. In addition, while the PAL, POD, and TPC increased substantially over time, the PPO of twelve accessions fluctuated with only minor increases. For all accessions, the temporal increase of PAL, POD, and TPC showed significant, positive correlation to browning progression. Comparing between accessions, those that had greater amounts of accumulated PAL and smaller amounts of POD tended to have a greater amount of browning after five days of storage, despite relatively low correlation coefficients. However, the accumulation of TPC and PPO was not correlated to browning severity after five days of storage. This systematic study provides lettuce growers and breeders with guidance for selecting accessions with limited browning, and it supplies researchers in plant physiology and genetics with more information on the roles of enzymes in the lettuce browning process.

Exploring cold quarantine to mango fruit against fruit fly using artificial ripening

Mango quarantine is based mainly on heat treatment, with a possible deterioration of fruit quality. We studied the effects of cold quarantine (19 days storage at 2 °C) on fruit quality of commercial mango cvs. Keitt and Shelly for three consecutive years. Chilling injury (CI) occurs in mango fruit stored at temperatures lower than 12 °C. By reanalysing our previous transcriptome, we found that under sub-optimal temperature storage (5 °C), the fruit increases its ethylene biosynthesis and osmolarity by activating sugar metabolism, thereby probably reducing its freezing point. Similarly, ripe fruit with higher sugar concentration should be more resistant to cold-storage stress. Here, mango fruit was artificially ripened with 150 ppm ethylene. The control group, stored at 2 °C, suffered from severe CI, whereas the combined treatment of artificial ripening, modified atmosphere (fruit were enclosed in perforated bags) and subsequent low-temperature conditioning resulted in a significant reduction in CI to satisfactory levels for consumer acceptance (taste, aroma and texture). The combined treatment reduced lipid peroxidation and maintained flavour, leading to a novel cold-quarantine treatment for mango fruit. Thus, by reversing the supply chain and storing ripe and ready-to-eat fruit, cold quarantine was enabled for mango, and possibly other chilling-susceptible fruits.

Effect of packaging on postharvest quality of organic western kale

Organic leafy vegetables are an important source of nutrition and have little or no pesticide residues which has led to an increased demand by consumers. However, chlorophyll loss during storage and marketing is a major problem. This research's objective was to investigate the effect of packaging on extending shelf life of organic western kale. Organic western kale was purchased from a major supplier and transported to the laboratory by refrigerated truck. The kale was washed with tap water and packed in various types of bags: perforated PE bag, perforated zip bag and anti-fog bag. All treatments were held at 10°C for 10 days. The perforated zip bag and anti-fog bag significantly reduced weight loss compared to the perforated PE bag. Chlorophyll loss and the decline of hue angle was less in kale held in the anti-fog bag. The respiration rate, ethylene production, and vitamin C were not significantly different among the three treatments. This result indicated that the perforated zip bag or anti-fog bag can maintain the quality of organic kale for up to 8 days at 10°C.

Development and root morphology of passion fruit in different substrates

Among the factors that contribute to better initial development of plants, it is the substrate used. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of substrate in initial formation and morphology of the roots of two species of passion fruits. The analyses were done in the nursery of the Federal University of Goiás (UFG), Regional Jataí, Brazil, with a light interception of 60%. The material used were seeds of yellow passion fruit (Passiflora edulis f. flavicarpa) and the cultivar FB 200 (Flora Brasil), harvested in the UFG experimental field. They were sown in three types of substrates: Soil I (mixture of soil, chicken manure and sand in a ratio of 2:1:1 by volume), soil II (steep bank), and Bioplant®, using for plants perforated bags with a capacity of 1.5 L. The experimental design was a completely randomized design with six treatments, eight replications and four plants per plot. After 30 days of sowing, fresh matter of root, root dry matter and morphology were evaluated. The substrate affected the initial development of yellow passion fruit, obtaining the best results with Bioplant®, showing as promising for the development of all the evaluated characteristics.

Effect of sulfur dioxide and modified atmosphere packaging on blueberry postharvest quality

Sulfur dioxide and modified atmospheres were evaluated to find the optimal method to control decay and prolong the quality of blueberries after harvest. To determine the most suitable MAP system for highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum, ‘Brigitta’), fruit were stored in controlled atmospheres (CO2/O2 partial pressures in kPa: 5/1; 7/15, 15/5) or an atmosphere modified by varying the amount of fruit in two modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) systems. The MAP systems employed bags with 60μm-thick low density polyethylene where the fruit were hermetically sealed in the bag: (1) without perforation (MAP 0); or (2) with two perforations of 3mm2 (MAP 2). ‘O’Neal’, ‘Duke’, ‘Legacy’, ‘Brigitta’, ‘Elliott’ and ‘Aurora’ were evaluated to reduce deterioration by the most suitable MAP system and, in a separate experiment, ‘Legacy’ fruit were fumigated with SO2 and packed in the MAP and compared with perforated bag (PB). The effectiveness of reducing blueberry deterioration was evaluated after 30–45days at 0°C. CO2 partial pressure higher than 8kPa or O2 partial pressure lower than 2kPa induces ‘Brigitta’ fruit softening. Among the evaluated cultivars, MAP 2 attained CO2 and O2 partial pressures between 4.5–6.0kPa and 13–15.0kPa, respectively. Induction of fruit softening by CO2 was dependent on the cultivar. ‘O’Neal’, ‘Duke’ and ‘Legacy’ were extremely sensitive, at CO2 concentration of 6kPa. The benefits of MAP 2 were mainly attributed to humid environment within the packages that allow reducing weight loss and symptoms of dehydration; effects that were mimicked by the perforated bag. ‘Legacy’ blueberry fruit were fumigated for 30min at 20°C with SO2 at concentration time product of 100–150 (μLL−1) h, followed by packaging in MAP 2 or in a perforated (0.3% ventilation area) low density polyethylene bag and storage for 45days at 0°C. Decay, weight loss, and the percentage of dehydrated and soft fruit were reduced effectively when the SO2-fumigated fruit were stored in either MAP 2 or the perforated bag. Decay was particularly well controlled by SO2. SO2 fumigated fruit, packed into a perforated bag was a better option than packaging the fruit into modified atmosphere bags, where the CO2 steady state partial pressure that controlled decay was extremely close to the level that injured the fruit.

Ethylene production, respiration and gas exchange modelling in modified atmosphere packaging for banana fruits

SummaryA mathematical model was developed from experimental measurements to describe the evolution of the O2, CO2 and ethylene in a modified atmosphere packaging system for Cavendish bananas. The respiration and ethylene production in the fruits were experimentally obtained from a closed system method and then represented by Michaelis–Menten equations of enzyme kinetics. The gas transfer through the packaging was described by a Fick's diffusion equation, and the temperature dependence was represented based on the Arrhenius law. The model was validated by packaging the fruit in perforated bags of polypropylene and low density polyethylene at 12 °C for a period of 8 days. With the developed model it was possible to satisfactorily describe the experimental evolution of the gas content in the headspace of the packages, obtaining coefficients of determination (R2) of 0.93 for the O2 levels, 0.90–0.91 for the CO2 levels, and 0.89–0.93 for the ethylene levels.

Modelling the evolution of O2 and CO2 concentrations in MAP of a fresh product: Application to tomato

Through modelling of modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) systems, it is possible to predict evolution of gas composition in the package headspace and ease the selection of favorable packaging conditions for the optimal preservation of the packaged product. However, it is necessary to adequately describe the associated phenomena: product respiration and gas exchange through the package. In this work, a mathematical model was established to describe the evolution of the O2 and CO2 concentrations in a MAP system, considering packages with perforations and of variable volume and validated for tomato. Respiration rates of the packed product were described using Michaelis–Menten kinetics while gas exchange through the packaging films and the perforations was described with Fick equations of diffusion. The influence of temperature in these kinetics was considered to follow Arrhenius’ law. In order to validate the model proposed, an experiment was conducted packaging tomatoes in PP, PLA and LDPE perforated bags for 12days at 13.5°C. The prediction capacity of the model agrees with the experimental data, with a coefficient of determination (R2) equal to 0.89–0.98 for O2 concentrations and 0.83–0.97 for CO2 concentrations. The model was used to define the required package surface area or perforation diameter to achieve a specific O2 concentration in the headspace.

Tolerance Potentials of Cocoa (Theobroma cacao) in Hydrocarbon Polluted Soils

In the present study the tolerance potentials of T. cacao in hydrocarbon polluted soil was evaluated. Top soil (0-25 cm depth) was collected from three points, bulked to form composite soil sample. Eight kilograms of the soil sample each were weighed into twenty five (25) perforated bags. The bags were polluted with 0 ml/kg, 50 ml/kg, 100 ml/kg, 150 ml/kg and 200 ml/kg of crude oil respectively with five replicates for each concentration and allowed for 2 weeks before planting. Three seeds of cocoa were sown in each of the polythene bags. Water was applied every three days to keep the soil moist. The results showed that cocoa plants at 8 weeks after planting (WAP) had significantly higher height (P 0.05) at the different concentrations of crude oil. While the leaf length, leaf area, number of leaves, leaf width and vine length shows significant difference (P<0.05) and in treatment dependent manner. The results also showed that the concentrations of Cu, Ni, Cr and Zn in the polluted soils were treatment dose dependent but did not significantly affect the plant tolerance at P<0.05. The pH, phosphorus, nitrogen content, and other physicochemical properties of the soil were not significantly affected by the crude oil treatment. The T. cacao has been found to be tolerant to hydrocarbon polluted soil environment, its usage in oil spill impacted area should be encourage.

Effect of Different Storage Conditions on Ascorbic Acid Content in Tomato and Cabbage

Ascorbic acid commonly known as vitamin C is essentially required human beings for their health and longevity. However, Due to inability of man to synthesize ascorbic acid, it has to be continuously supplied through the diet. The present study conducted with an objective to examine the relative efficacy of different storage conditions in retaining the ascorbic acid content in fresh vegetables. viz tomato and cabbage The vegetable were kept in both perforated and non -perforated polythene bags under light, dark and refrigerated condition. The ascorbic acid was analyzed with titration method from the day of procurement from market till eighth day on every alternative day. A gradual decrease in ascorbic acid content in both the vegetables during storage took place. The vegetables kept in non perforated polythene bags under refrigeration and dark retained vitamin C most when compared to other storage conditions.

EFFICACY OF POSTHARVEST TREATMENTS ON FRUIT MARKETABILITY AND PHYSICO-CHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF 'DASHEHARI' MANGO

An experiment was carried out at the Horticulture Research Centre of G.B. Pant University of Agriculture & Technology, Pantnagar to study the “Efficacy of postharvest treatments on fruit marketability and physico-chemical characteristics of ‘Dashehari’ mango”. Fruits were given different dip treatments with naphthalene acetic acid (100 ppm), gibberellic acid (100 ppm), succinic acid dimethyl hydrazide (1000 ppm), calcium nitrate (1.5%), calcium chloride (1.5%), bavistin (500 ppm), wax emulsion (6%) and perforated polythene bag, just after harvest. The treatments were given either singly or in various combinations, whereas water dip served as control. The experiment was conducted in completely randomized design. Results of the present study revealed that at the 14th day of storage the maximum marketability (89.35%) and minimum physiological loss in weight (15.06%) were recorded in the fruits treated with bavistin at 500 ppm along with wax emulsion at 6%. At the 14th day of storage minimum reduction in fruit weight (15.13%), fruit length (0.28%) and fruit diameter (0.37%) were recorded with same treatments. This treatment also retained significantly higher ascorbic acid content (31.23 mg/ 100 g pulp) as compared to other treatments. The treatment of fruit with bavistin at 500 ppm + wax emulsion at 6% + perforated polythene bag reported to have maximum content of total sugar (17.47%) and minimum titratable acidity (0.26%). TSS content was found maximum (19.68°B) with treatment of CaNO3 at 1.5%. The interaction between postharvest treatments and storage periods was found to be significant for physical quality parameters and non-significant for chemical quality parameters, whereas storage period significantly affected both type of parameters. Therefore, it may be concluded that the combined application of bavistin (500 ppm) with wax emulsion (6%) is the most effective application for increasing fruit marketability and quality of ‘Dashehari’ mango.

Developing an antimicrobial packaging of ready-to-eat pomegranate arils based on vapors of brandy or distillery ethanol

Despite the increasing pomegranate consumption, the ready-to-eat (RTE) arils are highly perishable and this negatively impacts their commercialization. Nowadays, mild pre-packaging decontamination interventions (washing with sanitizing agents or exposure to ultraviolet light) in sequence or not with modified atmospheres packaging technologies are applied. Even though, the latter combination of methods provides them a shelf-life of 10–14 days at cold storage, several negative effects have been also reported (i.e., degradation of anthocyanins). Thus, the aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of alternative, mild antimicrobials such as the vapors of distillery ethanol and brandy on microbial, physical, textural, sensorial, and multispectral imaging attributes of RTE arils during storage at different temperatures in perforated bags. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and yeasts/moulds were the dominant spoilage microbiota of RTE arils, regardless of storage temperature and antimicrobial. Vapors produced by both volatile antimicrobials significantly inhibited (p<0.05) the growth of LAB and yeasts/moulds, at all storage temperatures. For instance, at 4°C, when population of TVC on controls was 6.9 log CFU g−1 (day 23), the respective counts on arils treated with distillery ethanol or brandy followed the order: 4.9 log CFU g−1 (1mL of ethanol)>3.9 log CFU g−1 (1mL of brandy)>2.2 log CFU g−1 (2mL of ethanol)>1.2 log CFU g−1 (2mL of brandy). Moreover, arils exposed to distillery ethanol and brandy vapors showed lower weight loss (%) compared to controls, while the firmness was reduced, regardless of treatment and storage temperature. Color measurements and evaluation of multiple sensory attributes revealed that arils exposed to brandy vapors showed more intense red color and look fresher compared to controls for longer storage time. The latter observation was also validated by multispectral image analysis, since the results suggested that arils packaged with distillery ethanol or brandy maintained their anthocyanin and carotenoids content at higher levels than controls, at 4°C. Thus, such preservation methods may open new perspectives on mild antimicrobial packaging in order to extend shelf-life of perishable minimally processed fruits, like pomegranate RTE arils.