Vol. 10, Issue 12 (2021)

Author(s):
A Nithya Devi, T Arumugam and K Kumanan

Abstract:
India is the largest producer of banana in the world. Lack of proper post harvest handling techniques and infrastructural facilities poses a hurdle for export. A study was therefore conducted with the objective to explore the effect of waxing and fungicides (Trichoderma harzianum and Benomyl) on shelf life, quality characters and disease incidence in banana cv. Rasthali. Edible waxes can enhance or even replace many of the costliest post-harvest techniques. Rasthali was selected for the present investigation for its uniqueness in quality and potential for export. The effect of skin coating with wax combined with fungicides on the physiochemical changes and ripening of banana cv. Rasthali at ambient condition was studied. The green life and quality can be extended by treating the fruits with eco friendly bio fungicide (Trichoderma harzianum) along with 8% wax coating. This treatment combination registered the maximum total sugars (23.60%) and acidity (0.43%) with longest shelf life of 17.50 days.