Author(s):

Shilpa Chawla, Reena Devi and Veena Jain

Abstract: Effect of post-harvest treatments of chitosan and CaCl₂ alone and in combination on the physico-chemical characteristics of guava (Hisar Surkha) fruits were studied. The fruits were treated with different concentrations of chitosan (0.5-3.0%) and CaCl₂ (1.0-3.0%) for 5 min and evaluated for various physico-chemical parameters. Best concentration for chitosan (1.5%) was selected on the basis of quality-related parameters. For the storage study of guava, fruit were then treated with the selected concentration of chitosan in combination with different concentrations of CaCl₂ (1.0-3.0%) for 5 min and then stored at room temperature (18ºC). Pre-treatment of fruits with chitosan and CaCl₂ alone and in combination significantly delayed decline in physiological loss in weight, total soluble solids and more retention of firmness, acidity, ascorbic acid, sugars, phenols and total antioxidant activity during storage. The treatment of CaCl₂ (1.5%)+chitosan (1.5%) was most effective treatment in modulating physico-chemical changes in guava fruits and enhancing keeping quality of guava during storage.

Pages: 1035-1044  |  1995 Views  1003 Downloads

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