Irradiation and Storage Temperature Influence the Physiological Changes and Shelf Life of Mango (Mangifera indica L.)

In spite of being the leading producer of mango in the world, India registers the highest post harvest losses and minuscule exports. The reasons for this paradox are manifold. However, issues related to quarantine, shelf life and quality are the major stumbling blocks to trade, both national and international Therefore, a balance between the required effective dose and tolerance of fruit to irradiation has to be investigated under various storage temperatures. The experiment was arranged with sixteen treatment combinations of irradiation doses (0.00kGy-0.60kGy) and similar to storage temperature (Ambient at 27±2°C and 60-70% RH, 9°C and 90% RH, 12°C and 90% RH and Control atmospheric (CA) storage (12°C, O2 2%, CO2 3% and RH 90%) from the year 2008-2010. The fruits were exposed to gamma radiation from the source of 60 Co. The data indicated that the fruits irradiated with 0.40kGy gamma rays recorded significantly minimum per cent reduction in physiological loss in weight, reduced ripening per cent, increased marketability of fruits and maximum average days to ripening and shelf life of fruits. Similar pattern were noticed when fruits kept at 9°C storage temperature and in combined effect of irradiation and storage conditions. Suggestions are made for maximizing storage potential by use of irradiation and adequate storage facilities for qualitative and hygiene produces.