Effect of cobalt-60 gamma irradiation on storage life and quality of kinnow mandarin
2015
Ullah, M.W.E.
Kinnow is very prominent cultivar of citrus in Pakistan. It is the leading exportable cultivar of Pakistan. Unfortunately, its storage life is less and quality deteriorates in storage due to disease infestation. Different practices are used to enhance its storage life and maintain its quality. The current study was conducted to investigate the effects of Co-60 gamma irradiation on the storage life and quality of citrus (Kinnow mandarin). Fruits were irradiated with different doses of 0, 0.6, 0.8 and 1 KGy and stored at 4 degree C with 90-95% relative humidity for 90 days. Fruit physical characteristics, chemical analysis and organoleptic evaluation were preformed before and after 30, 60 and 90 days of storage. The results showed that Fruit weight loss was reduced significantly in treated fruits as compare to untreated fruits. 0.6 kGy dose of radiation maintained peel weight better as compare to other treatments. Significantly less losses in rag weight, Juice weight and peel thickness was found in fruit those were treated with 0.6 kGy radiation. Higher total soluble solids (9.08 degree Brix) were observed in fruit treated with 0.6 kGy dose of radiation as compare to all other treatments. All treated fruits retained higher ascorbic acid contents as compare to untreated fruit. Fruits treated with 0.6 kGy dose of radiation showed highest sugar contents, while untreated fruits and the fruits treated with 1 kGy dose of irradiation showed lowest sugar contents. Organoleptic evaluation also showed significant results regarding all quality attributes. The results of 'Kinnow mandarin' fruit treated with irradiation significantly showed better quality after storage as compare 10 controlled fruits. Among all the treatments the irradiation dose 0.6 kGy was found most appropriate dose to maintain the fruit quality during storage.
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