Postharvest Treatment of Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) Bark Oil and Hexanal Incorporated Bio-Wax Maintains Quality and Extends Marketable Life of Lime (Citrus aurantifolia Swingle)

ABSTRACTLime (Citrus aurantifolia Swingle) has a year round demand because of its utilization in food industry, indigenous medicine and domestic culinary. However, the production is highly seasonal. Hence, a study was conducted to evaluate the effect of cinnamon bark oil and hexanal incorporated bio-wax for extending its postharvest life. Lime cv. Local at optimum maturity was harvested and brought to the laboratory immediately. The bulk sample was divided into four replicated lots each containing 120 fruits. Two lots were dipped in the wax formulation for 45 s while the other two were kept as controls (no wax). Treated and control samples were stored in cold room (13°C ± 2°C; RH 90%) and ambient conditions (32°C ± 2°C; RH 70%) in plastic crates respectively. Evaluation of physicochemical attributes were conducted before treatment (day 0) and at 7-day intervals, until fruit exhibits limit of marketability. Bio-wax treatment decreased the rate of peel color deterioration and retarded the rate of increase i...