Effect of different packaging materials on shelf-life and quality of apple during storage

Abstract

Studies were conducted to assess the effect of different containers and liners on post-harvest losses and quality parameters of apple during storage at room temperature (22–28oC) and walk-in chambers (5 ± 2oC). For this, apples were packed in CFB boxes, wooden boxes, plastic crates and gunny bags and lined either with polyethylene sheet or newspaper cuttings. Observation on PLW (%), decay loss (%), fruit firmness (N), juice recovery (%), and quality parameters (TSS, acidity, total sugars and ascorbic acid content) were recorded at different intervals. Our results indicated that PLW and decay loss of apples increased significantly with increase in storage period both at ambient conditions and cold storage, and this increase was much more drastic in control than in different containers. Among different containers, PLW (5.60%) and decay loss (8.0%) were lesser in CFB boxes, followed by wooden boxes. Similarly, containers lined with polyethylene sheet had lesser PLW and higher decay loss than those lined with newspaper cuttings. Fruits remained firmer with higher juice recovery in CFB or wooden containers than other containers or control. Among different quality parameters, total soluble contents, total sugars of apples increased and ascorbic acid content, and acidity decreased with the increase in storage period at ambient conditions up to 30 days, which declined afterwards. Under cold storage conditions, these parameters showed the similar trend up to five months of storage. This increase or decrease in different quality attributes was faster in control fruits than those kept in different containers. Fruits in CFB or wooden boxes had better quality attributes than those in other containers or control. Thus, CFB or wooden boxes were found better in controlling post-harvest losses in apples during storage than other containers. Similarly, fruits lined or wrapped with polyethylene sheet were better in all aspects than those wrapped in newspaper cuttings.