Vol. 11, Special Issue 9 (2022)

Author(s):
FR Parmar, BH Panchal, SJ Macwan and SA Patel

Abstract:
A study conducted on the effect of packaging materials and calcium chloride on storage quality and shelf life of broccoli under cold storage conditions during the Rabi (January-February) 2022 at Department of Horticulture, B. A. College of Agriculture, Anand Agricultural University, Anand, Gujarat. The fresh quality produce of uniform size and mature broccoli were subject to post harvest treatments. The treatments comprised of different packaging materials like Polyethylene without perforation, Polyethylene with perforation, Polypropylene without perforation, Polypropylene with perforation and without packaging and calcium chloride (1.0%), calcium chloride (1.5%) and no dipping. Periodic observations on 4th, 8^th, 12^th and 16^th day of storage were taken. The study results revealed that broccoli heads dipped in CaCl₂ (1.5%) solution and packed individually in polypropylene without perforation was the most effective treatment in reducing physiological loss in weight, lowering fungal decay percentage with more retention of ascorbic acid and extending shelf life up to 16th day of storage at 5±1°C and RH 95% under cold storage condition. However treatment of polyethylene without perforation with calcium chloride 1.5% retained maximum chlorophyll with minimum yellowing and good appearance.