The Open Conference Proceedings Journal
2018, 9 : 8-15Published online 2018 April 30. DOI: 10.2174/2210289201809010008
Publisher ID: TOPROCJ-9-8
RESEARCH ARTICLE
Effect of Gamma Irradiation on Nutrients and Shelf Life of Peach () Stored at Ambient Temperature
* Address correspondence to this author at the Institute of Chemical Sciences, University of Peshawar, Peshawar -25120, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan; Tel: +98 9121193366; E-mail: waseem_anw@yahoo.com
ABSTRACT
Introduction:
In the present study, the effects of gamma irradiation and packaging on storage quality of partially matured peach was studied. The fruit was irradiated in the dose range of 2.5 and 5.0 kGy and was stored in paper and wooden boxes at ambient temperature (25±2 OC).
Methods and Materials:
The samples were evaluated at regular intervals (weekly) for moisture, ash, ascorbic acid, crude carbohydrate, crude protein, crude fibre and crude fat. Maximum increase (0.23%) of ash content was recorded for sample irradiated with 5.0 kGy stored in wooden box during the second week. The decrease in moisture contents, crude protein, fat, fibre and ascorbic acid was observed in all packed and irradiated (5.0 kGy) samples.
Results:
The results clearly indicate the effect of paper packaging and radiation doses on fruit (peach) quality. The shelf life of peach was increased up to 17 days.
Conclusion:
Radiated Pakistani China peach grown in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was studied for the first time. No significant difference was observed between controlled and irradiated peach samples. However, storage for more than two weeks is not advisable because of the loss of firmness of fruit.No adverse effect of gamma irradiation was observed in the current study. However, further studies are needed to explore the exact biochemical mechanism of actions.