ICAR Research Data Repository for Knowledge Management

The effect on the quality of mango fruits
(Mangifera indica) during modified atmosphere packaging
was investigated. The fruits were kept in carton boxes
whose top surface was covered with either chitosan
film or with low-density polyethylene (positive control)
or kept as such (control) and stored at room temperature
(27±1 °C at 65% RH). The CO2 and O2 levels measured
on day 3 were 23–26% and 3–6%, and at the end of the
storage period they were 19–21% and 5–6%, respectively.
Various quality parameters such as colour, chlorophyll,
acidity, vitamin C, carotenoid and sugar contents
were studied. The fruits stored as such had a shelf-life of
9±1 days, whereas those stored in low-density polyethylene
showed off-flavour due to fermentation and fungal growth on the stalk and around the fruits, and were partially spoiled. On the other hand, fruits stored in chitosan-covered boxes showed an extension of shelf-life of up to 18 days and without any microbial growth and offflavour.Being biodegradable and ecofriendly, chitosan films are useful as an alternative to synthetic packaging films in the storage of freshly harvested mangoes.