Effect of Different Packages on Quality and Extension of Shelf-Life in Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum L. Mill.)

Abstract

Tomato hybrid NS-2535 at the turning stage was packed in three different packages, namely, Corrugated Fibre Board (CFB) boxes of size 400 x 300 x 150mm, plastic crates (400 x 300 x 150mm) and polyethylene bag of size 300 x 450mm. Samples were stored at ambient conditions (Temperature: 28-30°C, RH: 55-62%). The samples were analyzed for weight loss (%), spoilage (%), biochemical qualities and shelf-life during storage. Fruits had a shelf-life of 11 days in all the packages. At the end of the storage period, tomato packed in CFB boxes and plastic crates showed less spoilage (8.7%-7.65%) and lower weight loss (5.02-5.48%). Biochemical analysis showed that lycopene (2.282 and 2.414 mg/100g, respectively), carotenoids (6.46 and 5.26 mg/100g, respectively) and ascorbic acid content (28.83 and 31.14mg/100g, respectively) were higher in tomato packed in CFB boxes and plastic crates compared to those packed in polyethylene bag. Samples packed in CFB boxes had a higher content of total sugars (2.54%) than those in other packages. From our studies it was found that storage life of tomato (hyb. NS-2535) packed in CFB boxes and plastic crates could be extended upto 11 days at ambient conditions, with less spoilage, lower weight loss and greater retention of ascorbic acid, lycopene and total sugar content.