Surface Coating and Modified Atmosphere Packaging Enhances Storage Life and Quality of ‘Kaghzi lime’

The study was conducted to assess the effect of different wax coating materials and Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) on storage life and quality of ‘Kaghzi lime’ (Citrus aurantifolia Swing.) fruits. The fruits were harvested at light yellow skin color stage and treated with different wax coating materials: T1= Citrus Wax (wood resins18%, Imazalil 0.3%, Thiabendazloe 0.5%), T2= PHRC SCM Wax [9% total solids (castor and shellac based wax)]; T3= Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP), and T0= The fruit without any treatment were used as control. The fruits were stored at 10°C for 45 days and relative humidity was maintained at 90%. Physiochemical, sensory, organoleptic, and quality parameters were measured after 30 and 45 days of harvesting. The coating treatments significantly (P≤ 0.05) reduced physiological weight loss, increased shelf life and maintained the quality of fruits. Among all treatments, Citrus Wax proved best because it maintained relatively higher levels of acidity, flavor, vitamin C content and fruit firmness; prevented disease attack; and improved juice recovery of lime fruits compared with control. Thus this treatment can be used to enhance the shelf life and maintain quality of the lime fruits.