Effect of mulching and chemical treatments on shelf life of mango cv. keshar

In the present investigation, mulching was done with black polythene in the first week of October, 2009. The chemicals viz CaCl₂ (2, 4 and 6%), Ca(NO₃)₂ (4%), K₂SO₄ (1%) and borax (1%) were sprayed one month prior to harvesting i.e. in 1st week of April, 2010. Significant differences in Physiological loss in weight (PLW) up to 8 days of storage were recorded. Minimum PLW (25.85%) throughout the storage period was recorded in T₅ (mulching + 4% Ca₃(NO₂), and the maximum (30.92%) was recorded in control. The application of calcium salts showed beneficial effect on postharvest life of fruits. The general appearance of fruits was better in T₃ (mulching + CaCl₂, 4%) and T₅ (mulching +, 4% Ca(NO₃)₂ Mulching and Pre harvest application of 4% Ca(NO₃)₂, was effective in maintaining the edible quality and marketability of fruits up to 12 days and minimizing physiological loss in weight.