Effect of Packaging Materials and Shelf Life Environment on Storage Behaviour and Quality of Ber (Ziziphus mauritiana Lamk.) cv. Gola and Chhuhara

Experiment was conducted to study the effect of different packaging materials like Basket, Perforated polythene bag , Wooden box, Gunny bag and Card board box on the storage behaviour and quality of ber at ambient temperature (Temp. 20.5°C and RH 25%) under North Indian conditions. Fruit colour was changed with increasing storage period in various containers. Increase in physiological loss in weight (PLW), spoilage percentage, total soluble solids (TSS), and decrease in organoleptic quality, acidity and ascorbic acid were general phenomena with advancement of storage period in all the treatments. The minimum per cent loss in weight and spoilage percentage was found in card board box followed by wooden box. Organoleptic rating was highest in gunny bags followed by perforated polythene. The maximum TSS was found in wooden box stored fruits followed by card board baskets. The maximum loss in per cent acidity and ascorbic acid content was observed in wooden box, whereas minimum loss was found in gunny bags. However, maximum ascorbic acid retention was found in gunny bag followed by perforated polythene bag. It may be concluded that perforated polythene bag and gunny bag were most suitable and economically viable packing container for storage of ber fruits under ambient conditions