Author(s):

Ashwini Kumar, Kumari Karuna, Abhay Mankar, Sunil Kumar Mandal and Nitu Kumari

Abstract: The present study aimed to measure the effects of chitosan and CaCl₂ treatments on biochemical attributes of strawberry fruits under refrigerated condition (at 7^oC). The pre-harvest sprayed treatments had significantly reduced the TA and spoilage per cent. Results showed an increased in total sugar and total antioxidant activity during the storage period of fruits. Most efficient treatment for TA, total antioxidant activity and spoilage was found with chitosan @ 6 g/L + CaCl₂ @ 1.00% (T₁₁ - 0.63%, 21.19 µmol TE g^-1 FW and 4.61% respectively). The value of total sugar was observed maximum with chitosan @6 g/L + CaCl₂ @ 1.50% (T₁₂ - 6.24%) while the lowest was noted in control (T₁- 3.69%). Chitosan sprays reduced post-harvest fungal rot, decreases respiration rate and maintained the keeping quality of the fruit compared with control. Calcium chloride serves as a source of calcium which modifies the cell wall composition in comparison to the control treatment and enhances the fruit quality especially by maintaining firmness.

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