EFFECT OF MODIFIED ATMOSPHERE PACKAGING ON THE POSTHARVEST LIFE AND QUALITY OF MANGO CV. SAMAR BAHISHT CHAUNSA STORED AT CHILLING TEMPERATURE

Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) increases the postharvest life of fresh fruits by suppressing metabolic activities with modified in-package atmosphere. This study was aimed to explore the potential benefits of MAP technology combined with low temperature storage in mango cv. `Samar Bahisht Chaunsa' to extend its shelf life. Physiologically mature mangoes after harvest were de-sapped (0.5% lime solution), dipped in hot water (52 +/- 2 degrees C for 5 min) fungicidal (0.5 mL Prochloraz L-1) solution, packed in 5kg cardboard boxes (T-1; Biofresh (R) , T-2; Xtend (R) , T-3; Unbagged) and stored at 13 degrees C +/- 1, RH: 85-90% for 7, 14, 21, 28 and 35 days. Following cold storage, fruit were subjected to two different ripening temperatures (32 and 24 degrees C) with a 24 h 100 ppm ethylene treatment. Data related to physical, physiological, biochemical, organoleptic and marketable attributes was collected. Among MAP bags, the desirable atmosphere comprising high CO2 and low O-2 concentration was observed in Biofresh (R) bags. Tolerance of mangoes under elevated CO2 atmospheres and chilling injury (CI) decreased when storage period exceeded more than 14 days with onset of discolouration issues. Overall, bagged fruit had minimum weight loss, CI intensity, shriveling and remained firmer in comparison to control. Maximum peel colour development was observed in fruit stored up to 14 days in Biofresh (R) bags when ripened at high temperature (32 +/- 1 degrees C). Whereas, fruit kept in Xtend (R) bags and those without MAP only developed acceptable peel colour up to 7 days of cold storage. Fruit kept in Xtend (R) bags exhibited minimum ethylene levels (ppm) and endured the least loss in weight and firmness but remained mostly green. Bagged fruit had a higher vitamin C content and lower TA in comparison to unbagged fruits. In conclusion, 'Samar Bahisht Chaunsa' stored at 13 degrees C in Biofresh (R) bag showed better visual appearance, palatability and nutritive values as compared to Xtend (R) bag and those without MAP.