Articles
Effects of modified atmosphere packaging on the quality and shelf life of tomatoes in Nepal
Article number
1179_28
Pages
183 – 188
Language
English
Abstract
This study determined the efficacy of modified atmospheric packaging (MAP) in enhancing the quality and shelf-life of tomato ‘Samjhana’ under ambient conditions during winter (March 2015: 15.5±4.5°C; 82±17% RH). MAP treatments were 25 micron-thick low-density polyethylene (LDPE), 50 micron-thick LDPE, 25 micron-thick polypropylene (PP), 50 micron-thick PP, and commercial clingwrap film.
Samples held under ambient conditions in the open served as the control.
Ten kg breaker fruits were used for each treatment per replicate; four replicates were used.
Fruit were held in the MAP for 5 and 10 days to simulate short- and long-term holding and transport, respectively.
After treatment, the samples were kept in the open.
MAP was very effective in prolonging the shelf life of tomato.
Fruit in 25-50 micron-thick LDPE showed better color retention and firmness, lower weight loss, and longer shelf life than the other treatments.
The 5-day holding period in the MAP resulted in better quality and longer shelf life than the 10-day holding period.
The results indicate that tomatoes can be successfully stored in MAP to minimize perishability and reduce postharvest losses.
Samples held under ambient conditions in the open served as the control.
Ten kg breaker fruits were used for each treatment per replicate; four replicates were used.
Fruit were held in the MAP for 5 and 10 days to simulate short- and long-term holding and transport, respectively.
After treatment, the samples were kept in the open.
MAP was very effective in prolonging the shelf life of tomato.
Fruit in 25-50 micron-thick LDPE showed better color retention and firmness, lower weight loss, and longer shelf life than the other treatments.
The 5-day holding period in the MAP resulted in better quality and longer shelf life than the 10-day holding period.
The results indicate that tomatoes can be successfully stored in MAP to minimize perishability and reduce postharvest losses.
Authors
D.M. Gautam, S. Joshi, K.M. Tripathi, A.L. Acedo, W. Easdown, J.A. Hughes, J.D.H. Keatinge
Keywords
Solanum lycopersicum, polymeric films, ripening, physiological weight loss, color
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