ROLE OF WAX COATING AND CALCIUM NITRATE WITH HDPE AND LDPE WRAPPING ON SHELF LIFE OF TOMATO

The present investigation on the role of wax coating and calcium nitrate with HDPE & LDPE wrapping on shelf life of Tomato was carried out during 2009-2010.The main emphasis was given to study the changes on physiochemical parameters of fruits and to ascertain the possibility of extending the shelf life of fruits at ambient storage. Faster changes in physiochemical parameters in control fruits (untreated) and slower changes in biochemical constituent was observed in fruits that are wax coated and wrapped with LDPE and HDPE bags. The treatment consisting of wax coated fruits and wrapped with LDPE bags was found to be effective in extending the shelf life of Tomato and suitable for marketability point of view.