MAINTAINING QUALITY OF LOQUAT (ERIOBOTRYA JAPONICA LINDL.) FRUIT AFTER HARVEST

Abstract

Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica Lindl.) is a highly perishable, non climacteric fruit and requires very careful handling. To extend the shelf life of loquat, the effectiveness of different packages including high density polyethylene (HDPE) 0.09 mm thickness, low density polyethylene (LDPE) 0.03 mm thickness, 0.25% perforated high density polyethylene (HDPEP) and 0.25% perforated low density polyethylene (LDPEP) were studied. Loquat fruit of “Surkh” cultivar was picked at mature ripe stage. Fruits were washed, sorted, packed in different polyethylene packages, placed in soft board cartons and stored in a cold store at 4 ˚C. Changes in weight loss, total soluble solids (TSS), ascorbic acid (AA), browning index (BI), firmness and titratable acidity (TA) as affected by different treatments were studied. LDPEP retained significantly highest firmness (1.21 kgf) and lowest TA (0.32%). Lowest values for weight loss (0.17%), TSS (10.5%) and firmness (1.00 kgf) were exhibited by HDPE. Browning index was lowest in LDPE. Control had significantly highest values for TSS (13.4 %), BI (22.06%) and weight loss (2.43%).