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EFFECTS OF HARVEST TIME AND GROWTH CONDITIONS ON STORAGE AND POST-STORAGE QUALITY OF FRESH PEPPERS (CAPSICUM ANNUUM L.)

MUHAMMAD BANARAS, P.W. BOSLAND* AND N. K. LOWNDS*

Abstract: Studies were carried out to see the effect of modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) on extending postharvest longevity of mid-season, late-season and greenhouse grown pepper fruits stored at 8 and 20ºC. Also, effects of MAP on post-storage quality of peppers stored at 20ºC were determined. Significant varietal differences in water loss and turgidity were observed in ambient atmosphere at each storage temperature. 'Keystone' (bell pepper) fruits had the lowest weight and turgidity loss followed by 'NuMex R Naky' (long green) and 'Santa Fe Grande' (yellow wax). Storage life for late-season field harvested peppers placed in ambient atmosphere was 10 to 14 days at 8ºC, whereas it was less than 7 days at 20ºC. Late-season field harvested peppers lost their quality at 8ºC primarily due to disease (fungal decay) and at 20ºC due to wilting and disease. Greenhouse grown peppers lost their quality after approximately 10 days at 8ºC and 5 days at 20ºC due to high water loss. MAP reduced postharvest water loss, maintained turgidity of fruits and delayed red colour development and disease. Compared to non-packaged fruits MAP extended postharvest life for another 7 days at 8ºC and 10 days at 20ºC as compared to non- packaged fruits held at these temperatures. Postharvest water loss and turgidity were similar for fruits stored in packages with and without 26-guage holes at 8 and 20ºC. Packaging was successful in extending the postharvest storage life of both mid-season field picked and greenhouse grown peppers. Packaging did not affect post-storage quality of fresh peppers as after removal of packaging fruits started dehydrating like the ones kept in open trays.
 

Horticultural Research Institute, National Agricultural Research Centre, Park Road, Islamabad, Pakistan.
Department of Agronomy and Horticulture, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM 88003, USA.