Effect of Packaging Material on Physiological and Biochemical Characterization of Tomatoes during Post-Harvest Storage under Ambient Conditions

Changes in physiological and biochemical parameters were investigated in tomatoes of two varieties i.e. Punjab Upma and Punjab Ratta stored under different packaging material in ambient conditions. Tomatoes harvested at pink stage were placed in open trays, HDPE-, LDPE-and PP bags. A gradual decrease in the moisture content, pH and total chlorophyll content with simultaneous increase in color, total soluble solids, titrable acidity, lycopene and carotenoid content was found in tomatoes with increase in storage period for both the varieties under all packaging conditions. Total sugar and reducing sugar content first increased reaching to its maximum followed by a decline thereafter. Irrespective of the variety, less increase/decrease in the quality parameters was observed in tomato fruits packaged in polythene bags as compared to those held under open trays. Amongst packaging films, LDPE packaging was found to be efficient in maintaining the quality attributes of tomatoes under ambient conditions and extended the shelf life of tomatoes by 3–4 days i.e. from day 17 to day 21 for Punjab Upma tomatoes and from day 21 to 24 for Punjab Ratta tomatoes.