2024, Vol. 12, Issue 6, Part B

author(s)
Ramesh Chhetri, Suman Thapa and Nira Kumari

abstract
Post-harvest losses in fruits, particularly in Citrus reticulata (mandarin), represent a significant challenge to the agricultural sector. The shelf life of mandarin fruits is particularly vulnerable to physiological and biochemical processes such as ripening, dehydration, and microbial decay, which compromise fruit quality. Effective post-harvest treatments are crucial to mitigating these issues, and calcium chloride (CaCl?) has emerged as a potential solution. Calcium chloride is known to enhance fruit firmness, reduce decay, and extend shelf life by modifying cellular properties and enzymatic activity. This research investigates the effect of calcium chloride on Citrus reticulata during storage. The primary objective is to explore how calcium chloride influences physiological and biochemical changes in mandarin fruits, with a focus on fruit firmness, respiration rate, and the activity of enzymes such as polyphenol oxidase (PPO), peroxidase (POD), and cellulase, which are associated with ripening and decay processes. The hypothesis posits that calcium chloride treatment will delay ripening, preserve fruit firmness, reduce respiration, and inhibit enzymatic activity, thereby extending the shelf life of mandarin fruits. By evaluating different concentrations of calcium chloride, this research aims to optimize storage conditions for Citrus reticulata and reduce post-harvest losses. The results of this research will contribute valuable insights into sustainable post-harvest management practices, providing practical recommendations for enhancing fruit preservation in the agricultural industry.