Studies on transportation losses and quality parameters in apple packed in different containers

Studies were conducted for assessing the losses occurring during transportation of fresh apples from Kullu (Himachal Pradesh) to Abohar (Punjab) in different containers. Fully mature fruits of Royal Delicious cultivar after sorting and grading were packed in CFB boxes, wooden boxes, plastic crates and gunny bags lined either with polyethylene sheet (P) or newspapers cuttings (NP). The packed fruits were loaded on a truck and then transported to Abohar. Studies revealed that irrespective of containers, 9 g/kg weight was lost while transporting apples from Kullu to Abohar just in 16 hours. Bruising (14.0%) as well as decay loss (5.6%) were very high during transportation, but there was no significant loss in juice recovery and quality parameters. Among different containers, the weight loss was very low in CFB boxes compared to gunny bags. In general, loss in weight was higher and bruising injury and decay loss were lesser in containers lined with newspapers than those lined with polyethylene. In all, CFB boxes were considered best for transporting apples even for shorter distances (@ 600 km) so as to avoid post-harvest losses occurring during transportation.