Effect of different packaging material on shelf life of some horticultural crops: A review

Abstract

The shelf life of fresh horticultural crops is often limited, thus leading to significant post-harvest losses and wastage. Proper packaging plays a crucial role in extending the shelf life of such crops along with preserving their quality and reducing food waste. The review highlights some of the key factors affecting shelf life of horticultural crops and also some of the important factors to consider while selection of packaging material. This study provides a comprehensive overview of the role of different packaging materials in increasing the shelf life of some horticultural crops by discussing some of the research studies done in this field by different researchers with due course of time with some of the important horticultural crops such citrus, banana, mango, brinjal etc. The review concluded suggesting a collaborative approach among researchers, professionals and growers to come up with such more innovative approaches in the field of packaging crops with the motive of increasing their shelf life by employing advanced technology, multidisciplinary research and exchange of ideas.