Effect of Potassium Permanganate Ethylene Absorbent on Shelf Life and Quality of Bitter Gourd Fruits

Abstract

Bitter gourd is a prominent vegetable of the cucurbitaceous family, recognized for its multifaceted nutritional composition and intricate phytochemical profile. The fruit is also integrated into traditional medical systems for its observed capacity to ameliorate a spectrum of ailments. However, fruit demonstrates a limited shelf life of 3-4 days post-harvest under ambient conditions (20°C), primarily due to its rapid ripening, sudden softening, and vulnerability to fungal proliferation. The present research endeavors to examine the influence of potassium permanganate (KMnO4) treatments on shelf life and diverse quality parameters of bitter gourd throughout its postharvest storage period at room temperature conditions. Bitter gourd was packed with potassium permanganate (KMnO4) soaked chalks at different concentrations viz., 3000 ppm, 2000 ppm, and 1000 ppm. The study explored the significant advantage of using 3000ppm KMnO4-soaked chalks, resulting in lowering weight (15.42%) and decay loss (10.37%), preservation of skin chlorophyll levels (10.95%), and a limited rise in lipid peroxidation to 1.46 nmol/g FW compared to control. Furthermore, this treatment also exhibited maximal retention of ascorbic acid (50.13 mg/g FW), phenolics (521.25 µg GAE/g FW), and higher radical scavenging capacity (31.82%).Therefore, the application of postharvest ethylene absorbent treatment presents a scientifically viable strategy for elongating the market shelf life and retarding the progression of quality deterioration in bitter gourd fruits stored under ambient conditions. This research is particularly significant for regions with limited access to refrigeration, contributing to improved postharvest handling, reduced food waste, and enhanced economic returns for farmers and supply chain stakeholders.