ISHS Acta Horticulturae 291: III International Mango Symposium
USE OF HIGH MOLECULAR WEIGHT HIGH DENSITY POLYETHYLENE (HM-FILM) IN TRANSIT OF MANGO (CV. BANESHAN) |
| Authors: | C.K. Narayana, K. Roy, R.K. Pal |
| Abstract:
Fully mature mango undergoes considerable ripening during long distance transport. Any means to prevent or delay the initiation of ripening during transit would help in extending the period of availability of mango. An investigation was undertaken with high molecular weight high density polyethylene (HM-films) of 4 different thicknesses i.e. 10μ, 20μ, 25μ and 32.5μ. Mangoes of the cultivar Baneshan were individually packed in the HM-film pouch and placed in bamboo baskets (commercial practice) using paddy straw as cushioning material. The baskets were transported from Hyderabad to New Delhi over a distance of nearly 1700 kilometres by road and train. The pouches were opened on reaching New Delhi which was nearly 72 hours after harvest and the fruits were examined. All the HM-film packed fruits were green and the extent of greenness was directly proportionate to the thickness of the film used while the unpacked ones showed considerable ripening. All the fruits, both packed and unpacked were ripened in the conventional way and it was found that control fruits ripened within 24 hours and the fruits packed in different films ripened after 3 to 4 days. The total soluble solids and carotenoids were found to increase at a fast rate in control while in fruits packed in films (especially 25μ and 32.5μ thickness) it was slow. It was interesting to note that the rate of ripening was proportionate to the thickness of the film. The present study indicated that by using HM-films, the shelf-life of the mango could be extended by 3 to 4 days. Further investigation is in progress. | |
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