EFFECT OF PACKAGING MATERIAL ON SHELF LIFE AND QUALITY OF 'BANESHAN' MANGO HARVESTED AT DIFFERENT MATURITY STAGES

The potential for extending the shelf life of ‘Baneshan’ mango, at two maturity stages (M1-7-8°Brix and M2-8-9°Brix) was studied during storage at 12°C. Fruits were packed using polypropylene bags of 12.5 micron (50 gauge), 25 micron (100 gauge), 37.5 micron (150 gauge) and StePac Xtend^® bags. Unpacked fruits were treated as control. Head space gases analysis for %O₂ and %CO₂ were carried out after 24-hour intervals and packages were opened after 14, 28 and 42 days. Further observations were conducted for four days at ambient temperature (25°C) by evaluating the weight loss, firmness, visual colour, pH, total soluble solids, acidity, reducing and total sugars. Overall, results indicated that fruits harvested at M₂ stage and packed in Xtend^® bags had better quality. Shelf life can be extended up to 28 days at 12.5±1°C with further storage for 4 days of ambient conditions.