Standardization of different packaging materials and storage conditions for enhancing shelf life of loose flowers of African marigold (Tagetes erecta L.)

An experiment was conducted to standardize packaging materials and storage conditions for enhancing shelf life of loose flowers of African marigold variety Pusa Narangi Gainda. The different packaging materials comprising of seven treatments namely gunny bags, nylon bags, muslin cloth bags, 200 gauge polythene bags, 200 gauge polythene bags (perforated), brown paper bags and brown paper bags (perforated). The experiment was performed under ambient and cold storage conditions (6°C). It was revealed from the studies that there was continuous decrease in fresh weight of flowers with the advancement of experimental days in all the treatments and flowers retained more freshness under cold storage conditions as compared to ambient conditions. On 3^rd day of experiment under ambient conditions, the minimum reduction in fresh flower weight was recorded in 200 gauge polythene bags (0.87%) followed by 200 gauge polythene bags-perforated (6.87%). The maximum reduction in fresh flower weight was observed in nylon bags (18.80%). The experiment was concluded on 5^th day in which only three treatments namely nylon bags, muslin cloth bags and gunny bags continued while the remaining treatments were infected with fungal infection. The maximum reduction in fresh flower weight was observed in nylon bags (52.66%) under ambient conditions. However, the best results were observed under cold storage conditions and it was revealed that the on 12^th day of experiment the minimum reduction in fresh flower weight with marketable flowers was recorded in 200 gauge polythene bags (1.98%) and maximum reduction in fresh flower weight in muslin cloth bags (21.77%). It was concluded from the experiment that marigold flowers packed in polythene bags (200 gauge) stored at 6°C temperature was the best treatment for enhancing shelf life of loose flowers of marigold variety Pusa Narangi Gainda.