MANI SALARIA, RAMESH KUMAR SADAWARTI* AND ANAMIKA VERMA
School of Agriculture, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara-144 411 (Punjab), India
*(e-mail : ramesh.19212@lpu.co.in; Mobile : 98152 02495)
(Received : February 16, 2022; Accepted : March 7, 2022)
ABSTRACT
Edible composite coatings utilizing herbal components recently have triggered interest in the research
field of post-harvest technology. Hence, present research aimed at investigating the formulation of
composite edible herbal coating i. e. chitosan (0.5, 0.75, 1%), aloe vera (1.5, 2.5%) and mint leaves
extract (1%) and its outcome on the shelf-life of sponge gourd fruits with different treatments including
control during 10 days of storage period. The observations on various physical and physiological attributes
were recorded at alternative days of storage period. The results revealed that T4 chitosan (0.75%) + aloe
vera (2.5%) + mint leave extract (1%) were found to be significant and maintained better firmness. It
also reduced the respiration rate than other concentrations of herbal composite coatings. These
treatments also had ability to perform better in maintaining other physico-chemical and sensory
parameters.
Key words : Firmness, herbal composite coating, post-harvest quality, shelf life, sponge gourd