G. D. Subedi, D. M. Gautam, D. R. Baral, G. B. K. C.3, K. P. Paudya, R. K. Giri
Nepal Agricultural Research Council, HRD, Khumaltar, Lalitpur, Nepal
Nepal Agricultural Research Council, HRS, Rajikot, Jumla, Nepal
Tribhuvan University, IAAS, Kritipur, Kathmandu, Nepal
E-mail: girisubedi2003@yahoo.com , subedigiridharinarc@gmail.com

DOI

ABSTRACT

After harvesting, apple fruits experience a variety of loading conditions that potentially lead to mechanical damage and bruising, which reduce the quality and shelf life of the products. Studies were carried out at Horticulture Research Station, Rajikot, Jumla for three consecutive years (2012-2014) to evaluate the effect of different cushioning materials for packaging and transportation of fruits of three cultivars of apple from orchard to collection centre, thereafter on storage. Fruits were harvested on 3rd week of September; healthy fruits of almost uniform size and shape were selected for the study. About 25 kg fruits were hold in conical bamboo baskets using different cushioning materials; transported to collection centre by porters on their back. Data on number of damaged fruits was recorded one day after transportation. Again, undamaged healthy 20 fruits from the same experiment were selected and stored in plastic crates under room condition for 3 months (11.80C and 65% RH). The result revealed that during transportation minimum number of bruised fruits was recorded in Red delicious (13.3%). With regard to cushioning materials, minimum number of bruised fruits (11.3%) was observed in bamboo basket without grass liner. After three months of storage, maximum spoilage was observed in Golden delicious (16.8%) while minimum in Red delicious (10.1%). With regard to cushioning material, minimum spoilage (7.2%) was observed in bamboo basket with grass liner. Highest physiological weight loss in storage was observed in Golden delicious (17.2%) and lowest in Red delicious (11.4%). Consumers overall acceptability was higher in Royal delicious at maturity stage while higher in Red delicious after storage. Therefore, grass and woolen shawl were identified as most effective cushioning materials during apple transportation from orchard to collection centre under Jumla condition of Nepal.