Optimizing packaging and storage of red mulberry fruits to augment post-harvest life

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Published

2026-06-30

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.58993/ijh/2026.83.2.16

Keywords:

Morus rubra L., sugars, anthocyanins, sensory quality, spoilage.
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Issue

Vol. 83 No. 02 (2026): Indian Journal of Horticulture

Section

Research Articles

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Copyright (c) 2026 P. S. Gurjar, M. K. Berwal, K. L. Kumawat, D. K. Sarolia

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

Authors

  • P. S. Gurjar ICAR-Central Institute for Arid Horticulture, Bikaner 334006, Rajasthan, India
  • M. K. Berwal ICAR-Central Institute for Arid Horticulture, Bikaner 334006, Rajasthan, India
  • K. L. Kumawat ICAR-Central Institute for Arid Horticulture, Bikaner 334006, Rajasthan, India
  • D. K. Sarolia ICAR-Central Institute for Arid Horticulture, Bikaner 334006, Rajasthan, India

Abstract

Mulberry fruits are highly perishable and susceptible to physical damage during post-harvest handling. This study was carried out to assess the shelf life of red mulberry fruits (cv. ‘Thar Lohit’) under ambient conditions (38-42°C; 55-60% RH) and low temperature storage (5±1°C; 85-90% RH). In addition, effect of packing materials, including plastic punnets, CFB boxes with 0.3% and 0.5% aeration, brown paper bags and muslin cloth bags on storage life was also studied. Plastic punnets and CFB boxes significantly reduced weight loss, minimized spoilage, and delayed biochemical changes during 3 days of storage under ambient conditions. Low-temperature storage combined with plastic punnet box packaging extended storage to 8 days while maintaining freshness and market acceptability. Under cold storage, total soluble solids (TSS), sugars, phenols, flavonoids, and antioxidants increased gradually up to 10 days but declined by day 12. The study concluded that red mulberry fruits (cv. Thar Lohit) can be stored in plastic punnets or CFB boxes for 2 days under ambient conditions and 8 days under low temperatures without compromising sensory quality.

How to Cite

Gurjar, P. S., Berwal, M. K., Kumawat, K. L., & Sarolia, D. K. (2026). Optimizing packaging and storage of red mulberry fruits to augment post-harvest life. Indian Journal of Horticulture, 83(02), 241–246. https://doi.org/10.58993/ijh/2026.83.2.16

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Author Biographies

M. K. Berwal, ICAR-Central Institute for Arid Horticulture, Bikaner 334006, Rajasthan, India

Senior Scientist, Plant Biochemistry

K. L. Kumawat, ICAR-Central Institute for Arid Horticulture, Bikaner 334006, Rajasthan, India

Scientist, Fruit Science

D. K. Sarolia, ICAR-Central Institute for Arid Horticulture, Bikaner 334006, Rajasthan, India

Principal Scientist Fruit Science

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