EFFECT OF Co 60 GAMMA RADIATION ON SHELF LIFE OF PAKISTANI MANGOES EVALUATED THROUGH SENSORY AND MICROBIAL ANALYSIS

Abstract

The study was carried out to investigate the effect of gamma irradiation on storage quality and shelf life of mangoes. Mature green mangoes (local variety, Sindhi) were taken from fruit market and irradiated with Co 60 gamma doses of 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5kGy. Samples were stored in refrigerator (4oC) temperature up to three weeks and microbial analysis of both irradiated and non-radiated mangoes was performed weekly by plate enumeration method. The study revealed the presence of Salmonella sonnie, Eschnichia.coli and Pseudomonas species dominating on the fruit surface. Percentage reduction up to 95% was observed at 1kGy ?-radiation dose whereas maximum fungal reduction up to 40% was observed at 1.5kGy. For shelf life extension, 1kGy dose was optimum as it increased the shelf life of mango up to 2 weeks by delaying ripening without causing any damage to fruit as compared to control.