Studies on packaging and transportation of sapota

Abstract

Fully mature sapota (Cv.Cricket Ball) packed in CFB boxes of 3 different sizes 400 X 300 X 250mm (capacity 16 kg), 400 X 300 X 200mm (capacity 12kg) 400 X 300 X 150mm (capacity 8kg) of 5 ply rate each with paper pieces as cushioning material and transported over a distance of 400 km by road. For comparision, fruits were also packed and transported in bamboo basket and polythene bags which is commercial practice. It was found that 65% of boxes had no damage whereas press marks were seen in 35% of boxes after transportation. The fruits packed in CFB boxes of size 400 X 300 X 150mm had lesser spoilage (6.67%) and weight loss (2.97%) and more firmness (0.47kg/cm2 ) compared to those packed in other CFB boxes or bamboo basket or polythene bags. Fruits packed in CFB boxes of size 400 X 300 X 200mm and 400 X 300 X 250mm, bamboo basket and polythene bags had spoilages of 7.85%, 11.11%, 25% and 22.22% respectively. Quality analysis of sapota packed in different packages showed that TSS ranged from 20.8 to 23.8 oBrix, ascorbic acid ranged from 4.20 to 5.2mg/100g and total sugars ranged from 9.41 to 13.21mg/100g.The Cost:Benefit ratio of sapota transported in CFB box was 1:1.18 compared to 1:1.10 and 1:1.11 for bamboo basket and polythene bag respectively. It was concluded that sapota packed in CFB boxes of size 400 X 300 X 150mm of 5 ply rate with paper pieces as cushioning material was found superior for road transportation.