International Journal of Horticulture, 2017, Vol.7, No.13, 106-114
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Figure 2 Quality parameters of Golden Delicious apple fruits before transportation and after one month storage (5±1°C, 95% RH) at
Bheri cold store,
Kohalpur, Banke, Nepal
for two consecutive years (2013-2014)
At maturity stage, average starch index of apple fruits was 3.5. Starch content decreased during transportation and
storage (Figure 2). Higher starch index (5.8) was recorded in 3 ply Beer cartons and 7 ply FDD CFB boxes while
lower (5.6) in other treatments. Higher starch index in fruits packed in 3 ply Beer cartons might be due to more
physical damage resulted more conversion of starch into reducing sugars. At maturity stage, blush intensity was
65.0% with respect to packaging materials. Blush intensity increased during transportation and storage (Figure 2).
Highest blush intensity (78.3%) in 3 ply Beer cartons while lower (75.0-76.7%) in others treatments might be due
to absence of ventilation in Beer cartons by which anaerobic condition favors fermentation and conversion of
chlorophyll into colored pigments.
3.6 Economic analysis
Minimum postharvest loss (7.2%) was observed in 7 ply 180 psi CFB boxes (improved practice) while maximum
(24.2%) in 3 ply Beer cartons (existing practice). Lowest net return (NRs 173750 per truckload) was observed in
3 ply Beer cartons while highest (NRs 260000 per truckload) in 7 ply 180 psi CFB boxes. With prospects of loss
reduction, improved packaging method sounds the best technology. PLW (4.6%), spoilage (13.9%), losses due to
50% decrease in the market value of fruits was 5.8% in 3 ply Beer cartons making a total of 24.2% loss which
was reduced to 7.2% in 7 ply 180 psi CFB boxes. Economic analysis shows that higher BC Ratio (1.8) was
obtained in 7 ply 180 psi CFB boxes while lower (1.6) in 3 ply Beer cartons. Thus, if the traders replace
conventional system of packaging fruits in 3 ply Beer carton by improved one, they can gain additional benefit of
NRs 86250 (US$ 829) per truckload (Table 3).
A
B
C
D
E
F
