Effect of Bagging and Fungicide Application on Post-Harvest Quality of Mango (Mangifera Indica L.)

Abstract

Thesis topic: "EFFECT OF BAGGING AND FUNGICIDE APPLICATION ON POST-HARVEST QUALITY OF MANGO (Mangifera indica L.)" The pre-harvest study was conducted in an experimental orchard and post-harvest laboratory of the department of Horticulture during 2014-15 with a view to investigate the effect of bagging and fungicide application on post-harvest quality of mango under ambient condition. The maximum delay in ripening was observed with bagging of fruits by brown paper+ foliar application of0.05% carbendazim (3.04days) followed by bagging of fruits by brown paper+ no foliar application of 0.05% carbendazim (2.76 days). The maximum levels of total sugars, total soluble solids, organoleptic quality, no skin shriveling, minimum decay loss, minimum acidity were recorded in fruits treated with bagging of fruits by brown paper + foliar application of 0.05%carbendazim. Poorest organoleptic quality, fruit skin colour with maximum shriveling and highest decay loss were observed in fruits with bagging (transparent polythene) with or without foliar application of 0.05%carbendazim. Based on the results obtained from the present study, it may be concluded that pre-harvest bagging of fruits by brown paper + foliar application of 0.05 % carbendazim was found to be most significant in enhancing the fruit quality of mango. The pre-harvest application of this treatment improved the fruit quality in terms of external appearance, pulp colour, skin shrivelling, organoleptic quality, decay loss, shelflife and chemical compositions. The findings of the present study also reflected maximum enhancement in ripening with pre-harvest bagging (transparent polythene) with or without foliar application of 0.05 % carbendazim. Therefore, the combination of pre-harvest treatment with bagging (brown paper) + 0.05 % carbendazim application is suggested to the mango growers and traders for quality production and prolonged shelf-life in oi'der to obtain a profitable price ~ ango fruits in domestic and global markets as well.