International Journal of Horticulture, 2017, Vol.7, No. 8, 54-63
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was observed in 7 ply 180 psi CFB boxes (6.0%) followed by 7 ply 160 psi CFB boxes (6.2%) while maximum in
3 ply Beer cartons (21.6%). Likewise, minimum spoilage loss or unacceptable damage (2.0%) was observed in 7
ply 180 psi CFB boxes followed by 7 ply 160 psi CFB boxes (2.2%) while maximum in 3 ply Beer cartons
(10.7%). Minimum acceptable or partially damaged fruits were observed (4.0%) in 7 ply 180/160 psi CFB boxes
while maximum (10.9%) in 3 ply Beer cartons. Minimum equivalent loss (50% of acceptable or partially damaged
fruits) was observed (2.0%) in 7 ply 180/160 psi CFB boxes while maximum (5.5%) in 3 ply Beer cartons.
Table 1 Effect of packaging materials on PLW, total damage, spoilage and acceptable damage of Red delicious apple during
transportation and subsequent storage for one month at Bheri cold store,
Kohalpur
,
Banke
,
Nepal
for two consecutive years
(2013-2014)
Types of CFB box
PLW (%)
Total damage
(%)
Spoilage (%)
Acceptable
damage (%)
Equivalent
loss (%)
Total postharvest
loss (%)
5 ply 140 psi CFB
1.5
8.8
3.6
5.2
2.6
7.7
5 ply 160 psi CFB
1.5
7.6
2.9
4.7
2.4
6.8
5 ply 180 psi CFB
1.5
7.3
2.6
4.7
2.4
6.5
7 ply 140 psi CFB
1.5
6.6
2.4
4.2
2.1
6.0
7 ply 160 psi CFB
1.5
6.2
2.2
4.0
2.0
5.7
7 ply 180 psi CFB
1.5
6.0
2.0
4.0
2.0
5.5
7 ply FDD CFB
1.9
12.0
6.2
5.8
2.9
11.0
3 ply Beer Carton
F- test
3.8
***
21.6
***
10.7
***
10.9
5.5
20.0
LSD (P< 0.05)
1.4
7.6
2.9
CV (%)
1.5
7.3
2.6
Table 2 Postharvest losses of Red delicious apple
fruits
in existing value chain (EVC) and improved value chain (IVC) scenarios in
the mid western development region of Nepal during 2013-2014
Loss Parameters
EVC (%)
IVC (%)
1. PLW
3.8
1.5
2. Total Damage
21.6
6.0
3. Spoilage
10.7
2.0
4. Acceptable Damage (2-3)
5. Equivalent loss
[(price loss due to total damage / total price of whole lot) x 100]*
6. Total postharvest loss (1+3+5)
10.9
5.5
20.0
4.0
2.0
5.5
Note: *Damaged fruits were priced 50% lower than sound fruits
Total postharvest loss was maximum in 3 ply Beer cartons (20.0%) followed by 7 ply FFD CFB boxes (11.0%)
while minimum in 7 ply 180 psi CFB boxes (5.5%). Maximum damages in 3 ply Beer carton might be due to
inadequate cushioning and strength which increased the damage to internal tissues during transportation. Seven
ply CFB box of 20 kg capacity recommended by FDD was not acceptable container for packaging of apple fruits
because of high postharvest loss; inconvenience in handling during transportation, storage and marketing; and
unaffordable price for the consumers. CFB Box of 10 kg capacity having 7 ply 180 PSI bursting strength was
easily accepted by the farmers groups, cooperatives, traders and consumers in Nepalese context because of
convenience in handling; minimum brushing, scaring, spoilage damage; high storability, affordable price, better
retention of fruit quality.
The scratches or minor wounds may not be apparently visible immediately after transportation however it has
significant influence during storage. The fruit skin in apples consists of the cuticle, epidermis and several layers of
hypodermis. Both skin and its waxy coat are of significant importance during transportation and storage. The most
important function of the epidermis and cuticle is to protect the fruit surface against environmental stresses such
as wind, temperature, drought, chemicals, insects, and microorganisms throughout the fruit life on the tree and
later, after harvest, during transportation and storage (Tukey et al., 1942; Babos et al., 1984). Compression
damage may occur in lower depth of the container as a result of load of upper fruits, while impact damage may
