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.
Mulching, calcium salts, pre harvest spray, PLW
