Effect of different packaging materials on shelf life of African marigold (Tagetes erecta L.) loose flower during winter season

Abstract

The present investigation was done on effect of different packaging material on keeping quality of loose African marigold (Tagetes erecta L.) flower with objective to Study the Effect of Different Packaging Materials on Shelf life of Marigold loose flower during Winter Season. The research was arranged in Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with 11 treatments. Treatment consist different packaging material i.e. polyethylene 200 gauge (0, 1, 2% ventilation), polyethylene 400 gauge (0, 1 and 2% ventilation), gunny bags, onion mesh bag, card board box, crates and control (without packaging) and treatments replicated thrice. Among the treatments, The maximum values for parameters including freshness index, shelf life, relative water content, minimum physiological loss in weight and minimum spoilage percentage has been observed in T4 (polyethylene 400 gauge 0% ventilation) followed by T1 (polyethylene 200 gauge 0% ventilation). Card board box has found better than gunny bag, onion mesh bag and crates. Polyethylene 400 gauge 0% ventilation has been beneficial for increase shelf life of loose marigold flowers as compared to crates. Therefore, it may be concluded that as far as packaging material is concerned, polyethylene 400 gauge 0% ventilation has been found to be superior and may be recommended for transition of loose marigold flowers.