Influence of packaging material and storage duration on postharvest quality of marigold flowers in different seasons

A study was carried to examine the efficacy of packaging materials (polythene, CFB boxes, ice boxes, bamboo baskets, gunny bags and onion mesh bags) and storage duration (0, 1, 2 and 3 days) on post-harvest quality of loose flowers of marigold var. Jafri during rainy and winter season. The shelf life of marigold flowers was better (6.00 days) in winter season as compared to rainy season (3.66 days), accompanied with lesser loss in physiological weight, no change in colour intensity, higher moisture content, lesser spoilage and more freshness index. Among all the packages, ice boxes, CFB boxes and polythene packages showed better results in comparison to gunny bags and onion mesh bags. In regard to storage duration, one day storage was better in comparison to two and three days in both the seasons. Comparison of two seasons revealed better performance in winter season with slight effect on keeping quality of flowers.