Abstract:
Effects of surface coating and calcium chloride (CaCl,) infiltration on the storage quality of guava cv. 'Glom Sali' were investigated. Two coating materials, chitasan and sucrose ester at 0, 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5%, and 4 CaCl, at, 0, 1, 2 and 4% were applied under vacuum for 2 and 4 min, were used. Results showed that sucrose ester was better than chitosan as surface coating, being effective in reducing respiration, ethylene production, weight loss, and rate of color changes mehsured with b and hue values. Most effective concentration of sucrose ester was 1.5%. It also reduced weight loss, maintained higher firmness and total acids, and increased the sucrose and glucose contents of the fnlits. CaC1, infiltration similarly decreased the rate of respiration, ethylene production, color change, and losses in sugars (sucrose, glucose, and fructose). Among the calcium treatments, the 2 min treatment with 1% CaCl, gave the highest overall acceptability score while the 2 min 2% CaCl, gave the lowest weight loss. Combined application of 2 inin 2% CaCl, infiltration and 1.5% sucrose ester coating further reduced respiration, ethylene production, internal oxygen, and weight loss. It was also effective in maintaining fruit firmness and color and gave the highest sucrose, glucose, fructose, total soluble solids, ascorbic acid and total acid contents. Consequently, overall acceptability and storage quality of the fruits were markedly improved.