Effect of Chlorine and Silver Grafted zeolite-LDPE Composite Bags Packaging on the Postharvest Quality of Sapota (Manilkara Achras)

Abstract

In this study, zeolite-LDPE composite bags with or without an infusion of antimicrobial compound (chlorine or silver) were employed as novel packaging materials. The influence of packaging innovation on physico-chemical parameters and shelf life of sapota (Manilkara achras, Family: Sapotaceae) fruits under cold storage condition was investigated. Sapota fruits first packed in antimicrobial compound synergized zeolite-LDPE composite bags and then placed in corrugated fiber board (CFB) box showed significantly lower physiological loss in weight, respiration rate, total soluble solids (TSS), disease score and higher color (L*, chroma and hue-angle) values for pulp, titratable acidity, firmness and more shelf-life than the sapota fruits packed in corrugated fiber board (CFB) box alone. Our results suggest that zeolite-LDPE composite bags synergized with antimicrobial compounds could maintain the postharvest quality and increase the shelf-life of sapota fruits.