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Level of TSS: TA ratio increased during transportation and storage (Figure 2). Higher TSS: TA ratio (74.7) was
recorded 3 ply Beer cartons while lower (59.0-62.2) in others treatments. This might be due to conversion of
organic acid into sugars during fruit ripening process. Excessive increase in TSS: TA ratio in 3 ply Beer cartons
may cause imbalance resulting poor sensory rating due to development of slight bitterness and mealiness. Due to
absence of ventilation in 3 ply Beer cartons, anaerobic condition favors quick fermentation of fruits. Mahajan
(1994) reported that many biochemical changes take place during storage which disturbs the TSS: TA ratio
ultimately rendering the fruit unacceptable.
3.5 Fruit firmness, starch index and blush intensity
At maturity stage, fruit firmness was 8.1 kg/cm
2
. Firmness of fruits decreased after transportation and storage
(Figure 2). Lowest firmness was recorded in 3 ply Beer cartons (5.8 kg/cm
2
) while higher in other treatments.
This evidence indicates that fruits packed in 3 ply Beer cartons degraded faster due to low aeration as well as
more physical damage during transportation. A major quality problem of apples in the market is soft fruit which
is typically assessed using a puncture test also known as flesh firmness. Softening is generally considered an
undesirable ripening process in apple fruit, as firmer apples tend to be juicier, crispier, crunchier and less mealy
than softer fruit. Softening of flesh during storage could be due to degradation of soluble pectin by high activity
of endo-poly-galacturonase enzyme in fruits (Jason et al., 2002; and Harker et al., 2002). Jaeger et al. (1998)
reported that apples that have crisp, juicy texture and prolong shelf life are highly preferred by the consumers.
At maturity stage, average starch index of apple fruits was 4.1. Starch content decreased during transportation and
storage (Figure 2). Higher starch index
(5.9) was recorded in 3 ply Beer cartons followed by 7 ply FDD CFB
boxes (5.6) while lower (5.5) 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
(80.0%) in 3 ply Beer cartons while lowest (75.0-77.5%) in other
treatments, this might be due to absence of ventilation by which anaerobic condition favors fermentation and
conversion of chlorophyll into colored pigments.
3.6 Economic analysis
Minimum postharvest loss (6.6%) was observed in 7 ply 180 psi CFB boxes (improved practice) while maximum
(22.4%) in 3 ply Beer cartons (existing practice). Lowest net return (NRs 185000 per truckload) was observed in
3 ply Beer cartons while highest (NRs 263750 per truckload) in 7 ply 180 psi CFB boxes. With prospects of loss
reduction, improved packaging method sounds the best technology. PLW (4.4%), spoilage loss (13.5%), losses
due to 50% decrease in the market value of fruits was 4.5% in 3 ply Beer cartons making a total of 22.4% loss
which was reduced to 6.6% 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. If the traders replace conventional
system of packaging fruits in 3 ply Beer carton by improved one, they can gain additional benefit of NRs 78750
(USD 757) per truckload (Table 3).
4 Conclusions
Based on above evidence, we can conclude that CFB box recommended by FFD (7 ply CFB boxes of 20 kg
capacity) was not acceptable container because of more postharvest loss, inconvenience in handling and
unaffordable price for the consumers. CFB box of 10 kg capacity with 7 ply 180 psi bursting strength was
identified as most desirable, efficacious and appropriate container easily accepted by farmers groups,
cooperatives, traders and consumers in Nepalese context for packaging and long distance transportation of fruits
from production sites to distant markets by truck in rough road because of convenience in handling and stacking;
minimum scratching, brushing and spoilage damages; high shock bearing capacity, high storability; better
retention of appearance, crispiness, taste, aroma and fruit firmness; high BC ratio and affordable price for
consumers.
