Botanical extracts improve postharvest quality and extend the shelf life of papaya ( Carica papaya L. cv. Shahi)

Though papaya is a lucrative fruit regarding nutritional, medicinal, and commercial attributes, its susceptibility to postharvest loss may account for ≥ 40%. An experiment was carried out at Khulna University, Bangladesh from April to May 2013 to investigate the effects of botanical extracts on the postharvest physicochemical attributes, intensity, and severity of diseases and shelf life of papaya cv. Shahi. The experiment comprised botanical extracts from onion bulb, neem leaf, garlic bulb, oriental pepper leaf, datura leaf, and control as six treatments and replicated thrice following a completely randomised design (CRD). Among the physicochemical parameters, total soluble solids (TSS), weight loss, and dry matter of papaya fruit increase, and pulp to peel ratio, moisture content decrease gradually during the storage period disregarding treatments. Garlic bulb extract decreases the incidence and severity of postharvest diseases and extends the shelf life by more than 7 days compared to control. Thus, garlic bulb extract can be used for postharvest papaya storage. However, further experiments should be conducted before the final recommendation.