Effect of Tragacanth Gum and Polyethylene Packaging on Postharvest Storage of "Canino" Apricot Fruits | ||
| Horticulture Research Journal | ||
| Volume 3, Issue 7, September 2025, Pages 59-75 PDF (564.79 K) | ||
| Document Type: Original Article | ||
| DOI: 10.21608/hrj.2025.464168 | ||
| Authors | ||
| Mahmoud, G. Abd El-Gawad1; Zeinab, A. Zaki1; Hatem, R.M. Kotb2 | ||
| 1Fruit Handling Res. Dept., Hort. Res. Instit., Agric. Res. Center, Giza, Egypt | ||
| 2Deciduous Fruit Res. Dept., Hort. Res. Instit., Agric. Res. Center, Giza, Egypt | ||
| Abstract | ||
| This study was carried out during two successive seasons (2023 and 2024) to examine the effectiveness of tragacanth gum (TCG) and polyethylene packaging in improving the postharvest quality during cold storage and shelf life periods of "Canino" Apricot fruits. Different concentrations of TCG (0.75% and 1.5%) and their combination with polyethylene bags were evaluated for their ability to reduce weight loss, decay, chilling injury, and respiration rate while maintaining firmness, total soluble solids, total acidity, vitamin C, and total phenols during cold storage at 0±1 ºC and 90–95% R.H. and shelf life at (25±2 °C and 65±5% R.H.). Fruit's chemical and physical characteristics were assessed every seven days. The results revealed that the TCG (1.5%)+polyethylene treatment significantly outperformed other treatments in preserving fruit quality and extending cold storage and shelf life. The TCG-formed edible coating was most effective in reducing respiration rate, weight loss, and decay, while also preserving maximum firmness, total phenols, and shelf life. Whereas, untreated fruits and polyethylene packaging treatment alone, maintained higher total soluble solids, vitamin C content, and lower total acidity. These findings highlight the potential of TCG-based coatings, particularly when combined with polyethylene, as sustainable and effective alternatives for extending the cold storage and shelf life periods of "Canino" Apricot fruits. | ||
| Keywords | ||
| Tragacanth Gum - Polyethylene Packaging; Apricot - Cold Storage - Chilling Injury | ||
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