Effects of modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) and natural edible coatings on controlling postharvest fungal infection, shelf life extension and quality retention of strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.)

Abstract

Strawberry is a nutritious, but highly perishable fruit, which require appropriate technology to maintain postharvest quality. Hence, an experiment was conducted to develop a safe technology for controlling postharvest fungal infection, shelf life extension and quality retention of strawberry using modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) and natural edible coatings. Two factor experiment comprised three MAP viz. control (without packaging), low-density perforated polyethylene (LDPPE) and low-density perforated plastic box (LDPPB); and four natural edible coatings viz. control (no treatment), aloe vera @ 1%, garlic @ 1:1 and chitosan coating @ 0.2%, was conducted in completely randomized design with 3 replications. MAP and natural edible coatings were significant on all the parameters studied. Results revealed that combined treatment of LDPPB along with edible garlic coatings showed best external appearance among the treatments. The maximum weight loss (38.53%) and TSS content (8.23%) were recorded in without packaging plus control, while the minimum weight loss (21.17%) and TSS content (6.40%) were found with LDPPB plus garlic extract. Maximum disease incidence (90%) and severity (46.33%) was found in control fruits, while minimum disease incidence (30.0%) and severity (6.37%) was recorded in combined treatment of LDPPB and garlic coatings. The shortest shelf life was found from control treatment, whereas the longest shelf life (6.36 days) was obtained from combined treatment of LDPPB and garlic coatings. Therefore, combined treatment of LDPPB along with edible garlic coatings was found to be better in respect of significantly reducing postharvest fungal infection, shelf life prolongation and quality retention of strawberry.