Effect of potassium permanganate and salicylic acid chemicals on the shelf life and quality of sapota (Manilkara achras) fruits

Abstract

The experiment on post-harvest dipping of sapota fruits to increase the shelf life and quality of fruits was done with the different concentrations of salicylic acid and Potassium permanganate (KMnO4) absorbent. The harvested fruits were dipped in 0.5 mM, 1 mM and 1.5 mM of salicylic acid and potassium permanganate (treated fruits packed in CFB boxes and conventional packaging) and evaluated for their effect on physical and chemical characteristics of fruits. Among the two post harvest treatments fruits treated with KMnO4 (packed in CFB box) showed least PLW (11.95 %), respiration rate (68.49 ml CO2 kg-1 h -1), witnessed higher firmness (54.71 N), showed less spoilage (10.82%), recorded least polygalactouranase (PG) activity (71.57 µg -galatouronic acid-FW g-1 h-1 ) and electrolyte leakage (6.20 %) without adversely affecting physico-chemical and organoleptic qualities even up to 8 days of storage while fruits under control were spoiled on the 8th day of storage. Main objective of the study was to know the response of Potassium permanganate (KMnO4) and salicylic acid on extending the marketability of sapota fruit.