Impact of Packaging Materials on Banana Shelf Life and Quality in Subtropical Nepal

Abstract

Banana is a highly perishable crop susceptible to significant postharvest losses, particularly during handling and transportation throughout the supply chain. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of different packaging materials—polythene bags, cardboard boxes, banana leaves, rice straw, and no packaging (control)—on the shelf life and quality of bananas in subtropical conditions. A completely randomized design (CRD) was employed with five postharvest treatments and four replicates. Major quality parameters assessed over a 16-day storage period included total soluble solids (TSS), pulp firmness, pH, fruit volume, pulp-to-peel ratio, and fruit weight. The results revealed that bananas packaged in polythene bags exhibited the highest fruit volume (81.25 cm3) and the greatest pulp firmness (0.38 kg/cm2), indicating better texture retention. The highest pH value (6.64) was recorded for bananas packed in cardboard, suggesting slower ripening. The control group (no packaging) exhibited the highest TSS, reflecting faster ripening and potential deterioration. Polythene packaging proved most effective in preserving the initial fruit weight and reducing moisture loss during storage. Both polythene and cardboard packaging significantly enhanced the shelf life and maintained the quality attributes of bananas compared to other treatments. The findings suggest that appropriate packaging materials, particularly polythene and cardboard, play a crucial role in minimizing postharvest losses and extending the shelf life of bananas in subtropical environments. Adopting these packaging methods could improve fruit quality during storage and transportation, thereby supporting better market value and reducing economic losses.