Surface Coating and Modified Atmosphere Packaging Enhances Storage Life and Quality of ‘Kaghzi l ime’

Abstract

The study was conducted to assess the effect of different wax coating materials and Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) on storage life and quality of ‘Kaghzi lime’ ( Citrus aurantifolia Swing.) fruits. The fruits were harvested at light yellow skin color stage and treated with different wax co ating materials: T 1 = Citrus Wax (wood resins18%, Imazalil 0.3%, Thiabendazloe 0.5%), T 2 = PHRC SCM Wax [9% total solids (castor and shellac based wax)]; T 3 = Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP), and T 0 = The fruit without any treatment were used as control. T he fruits were stored at 10°C for 45 days and relative humidity was maintained at 90%. Physiochemical, sensory, organoleptic, and quality parameters were measured after 30 and 45 days of harvesting. The coating treatments significantly ( P ≤ 0.05) reduced physiological weight loss, increased shelf life and maintained the quality of fruits. Among all treatments, Citrus Wax proved best because it maintained relatively higher levels of acidity, flavor, vitamin C content and fruit firmness; prev ented disease attack; and improved juice recovery of lime fruits compared with control. Thus this treatment can be used to enhance the shelf life and maintain quality of the lime fruits. Keywords: Citrus aurantifolia , Lime, Postharvest treatment, Shelf li fe, Wax application.