Effect of KMnO4 on shelf life and quality of banana (Musa paradisiaca L.)

Banana being a climacteric fruit show an increase in ethylene production during the ripening which reduces the shelf life. Potassium permanganate (KMnO4) as an ethylene absorber extends the shelf life and maintains postharvest quality. The experiment was conducted at the laboratory of Nepal Polytechnic Institute, Bharatpur-11, Chitwan, Nepal from 2nd August to 13th August 2018 to investigate the effect of different concentrations of KMnO4 on post-harvest qualities of banana at ambient conditions (30.35 ± 2.15 ℃ and 82 ± 5.5% RH). The experiment consisted of five different concentrations of KMnO4 viz 0, 2, 4, 6 and 8 grams (gm) per seven fingers of banana. The research was laid out in a Complete Randomized Design (CRD) with four replications. Among different concentrations of KMnO4, 4 gm KMnO4 showed the minimum weight loss on 4, 8 and 12 days which was 0.66%, 2.55% and 5.93% respectively. The maximum shelf life (13.50 days), titratable acidity (1.89%) and firmness (4.47 lb) was recorded in 6 gm KMnO4. The highest total soluble solids (18.30%) was obtained in 0 gm KMnO4. Thus at ambient room conditions (30.35 ± 2.15 ℃ and 82 ± 5.5% RH), it is suggested to use 6 gm KMnO4 per seven fingers of banana fruits to reduce post-harvest loss.