Modified atmosphere packaging maintains physico-chemical properties of custard apple (Annona squamosa L.) fruits

• Published in: Indian journal of agricultural research Vol. 49; no. 6; pp. 489 - 495
• Main Authors: Patil, R.A, Rao, D.V. Sudhakar, Manasa, B
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Agricultural Research Communication Centre 01.12.2015
• Subjects: Low temperature; Post-harvest quality; Ripening; Storage
• ISSN: 0367-8245; 0976-058X
• DOI: 10.18805/ijare.v49i6.6674

Custard apple, a tropical fruit, is underutilized because of its poor storability. Researchers have worked on various aspects for improving the storage life of fruits; still its storage life is limited to few days. So to counteract this, an experiment was conducted to studythe effect of modified atmosphere packaging using three different kinds of films along with low temperature storage at 8, 12 and 15°C and observations were recorded at weekly interval. The study indicated an increasing trend in the respiration rate and ethylene production rate as well, and the rate increased with increase in storage temperature and duration. Thephysiological loss in weight in packed fruitsshowed a drastic reduction. Titratableacidity increased as storage duration while ascorbic acid shown exact reverse trend. There was significant increase in reducing sugar and total sugar as duration increased but rate was low in 8° C fruits.