Effect of post harvest chemicals on physiological loss in weight, fruit decay and shelf life of custard apple (Annona squamosa L.) during storage

Abstract

The experimental study was conducted on “Effect of post harvest chemicals on physiological loss in weight, fruit decay and shelf life of custard apple (Annona squamosa L.) during storage’’ at Department of Horticulture, Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth, Parbhani and framed in Complete Randomized design (CRD). Custard apple fruits were harvested at physiological stage of maturity. Fruits were graded, washed and dried under fan. After that fruits were treated with 1-Methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) at two concentrations 100ppb and 200ppb for 24 h duration and coated with Chitosan-1% and wax. Treated fruits were subsequently packed in corrugated fibre board boxes and stored at ambient temperature. The results was concluded that the combined application of 1-Methylcyclopropene 200ppb and chitosan 1% as a to inhibited the physiological loss in weight, ripening and extend shelf life and maintain quality of custard apple fruit during storage.