Main Article Content
Abstract
Coating of fruits is an easy and effective method to conserve the moisture loss after harvest and during storage. A study was conducted to evaluate the effect of various coating materials on the shelf life and quality of pear cv. Pathernakh stored under ambient conditions. Petroleum jelly when used as coating on fruits performed better than other coating treatments. Fruits coated with petroleum jelly showed minimum shrinkage (8.93 %) and PLW (8.43 %), it was also helpful to maintain firmness (10.86 lb/sq. cm) of the pear fruit. Similarly, maximum T.S.S. (12.47 ºbrix) and acidity (0.27 %) of the pear fruit was observed in fruits coated with petroleum jelly.