Effect of ethylene absorption using nano-particles on the storage and quality characteristics of apricot

Internal and external accumulation of ethylene is considered as one of the principle causes of post-harvest losses in several fruits including apricots. Ethylene is an important factor in the ripening of fruits and its production and accumulation during the storage can cause serious damage to the stored apricot. Furthermore, spoilage due to indigenous bacteria in presense of ethylene can also be augmented. Reduced quality characters of the fruit, results in the reduced export of apricots and causes seasonal fluctuation of the price and availability. Ethylen can be removed from the environment in the storage in different ways. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of ethylene absorption through nanoparticles coated by potassium permanganate. Potassium permanganate and Zeolite based Nano-Molecular Filters were used in two forms; a) small 5 grams sachets that were put directly on the fruits in each container and b) ETH 1500 machine (Bioconversion). The experimental design was factorial in Complete Block Design (CBD) with four replications. The two factors were the presence or absence of the sachets and the machine. Commercial traits affecting the marketing quality and the shelf life of the fruit i.e. total soluble solids concentration (TSS), pH, titrable acidity (TA), texture (firmness) and the reduction in fresh weight were measured at the beginning of the experiment (day 0) and 10, 20 and 30 days after the storage. Significant differences were observed in all the measured traits for different treatments and sampling times. The maximum TA, and firmness values (0.21 and 32.71 N, respectively) and minimum pH (5.49), TSS (11.5%) and weight reduction (5.59%) were obtained for treatments that included the machine after 30 days of storage. In contrast, the lowest TA and firmness values (0.15 and 2.61 N, respectively) and highest pH (5.80), weight reduction (14.30%) and TSS (14.88%) were obtained from control treatments where the ethylen was not removed from the surrounding atmosphere in the storage (absence of ETH Machine and sachets). We therefore conclude that the use of Potassium Permanganate and Zeolite based Nano-Molecular Filters increased the shelf life, and marketing value of apricot and is advisable for fruit storage facilities.