Modified atmosphere packaging of ‘Kolikuttu’ bananas at low temperature

Summary

Mature `Kolikuttu' bananas were packed under modified atmosphere (M.A.) conditions using low density polyethylene (LDPE) bags and stored at 14°C and 94% r.h. The effect of ethylene scavengers on storage life of banana was examined. The in-package concentrations of oxygen, carbon dioxide and ethylene were measured during storage. Percentage weight loss, changes in firmness, total soluble solids (TSS), pH and sugar: acid during storage were also determined. Based on the in-package gaseous composition, the optimum storage period was defined. After termination of storage, bananas were allowed to ripen naturally, and the physico-chemical properties of ripened banana were analysed. `Kolikuttu' bananas could be packed in LDPE (0.075 mm) and stored at 14°C and 94% r.h. for 24.d. Storage life could be further extended up to 30.d by using ethylene scavengers. Physico-chemical properties of M.A. stored banana after ripening were similar to those held under ambient conditions. Therefore, packaging of `Kolikuttu' banana as individual hands in LDPE (0.075.mm) bags of 1:1 surface to weight ratio (cm² g^-1) with 50 ml of saturated potassium permanganate absorbed onto suitable porous matrices could be recommended to increase storage lifeat 14°C.     

Effects of Cover Crops on Soil Quality: Selected Chemical and Biological Parameters

Cover crops improve soil quality properties and thus land productivity. We compared soil chemical and biological changes influenced by hairy vetch (Vicia villosa Roth.) and cereal rye (Secale cereal) cover crops grown in Menfro silt loam (fine-silty, mixed, superactive, mesic Typic Hapludalfs), Mexico silt loam (fine, smectitic, mesic Vertic Epiaqualfs), or sand in the greenhouse. Cover crop biomass, soil β-glucosidase, β-glucosaminidase, and fluorescein diacetate (FDA) hydrolase activities, and soil chemical properties were measured at six, nine, and twelve weeks after planting. Cover crop biomass increased with highest (p < 0.0001) yields for hairy vetch and cereal rye in Menfro and Mexico soils, respectively. β-glucosaminidase, FDA, organic carbon (C), total nitrogen (N), and total phosphorus (P) contents significantly decreased in all soils for both cover crops. However, β-glucosidase activity significantly increased (p < 0.0001). Long-term field studies are needed to evaluate soil quality improvement under cover crops, especially for soils with marginal organic matter and fertility.