Effect of chitin nanofiber on postharvest quality and shelf life of papaya (Carica papaya L.)

Papaya is a nutrient-dense fruit, but due of its climacteric nature, its shelf life is short. The effect of chitin nanofiber (CNF) on the physico-chemical changes, microbial characteristics, and shelf life of papaya cv. Shahi was examined in an experiment conducted from 29th January to 14th February 2024 at the Germplasm Centre, Molecular Horticulture Laboratory, and Plant Pathology Laboratory of Agrotechnology Discipline, Khulna University, Khulna. The experiment was replicated three times and included five treatments: control, 0.1% chitin nanofiber (CNF), 0.2% CNF, 0.3% CNF, and 0.4% CNF. Total soluble solids (TSS) and weight loss are two physicochemical measures that dramatically rise with storage in both treated and untreated fruits. The incidence and severity of the disease showed a discernible rising trend. The amount of vitamin C, however, dramatically dropped. The lowest amount of total soluble solids (8.30%) was found in the 0.1% chitin nanofiber treatment. The least amount of weight was lost (11.56%) with the 0.2% chitin nanofiber treatment. The 0.3% chitin nanofiber treatment had the lowest disease severity (45.77%) on the ninth day of storage, while the control had the highest disease severity (53.96%). Papaya's shelf life varies greatly depending on the CNF concentrations. The 0.4% CNF had the highest shelf life (10.17 days), whereas the control had the lowest duration (6.31 days). In general, papaya's shelf life and other postharvest quality attributes are better preserved at 0.4% CNF. 

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