EVALUATION OF PREHARVEST AND POSTHARVEST TREATMENTS FOR EXTENDING SHELF LIFE AND QUALITY OF MANGO FRUITS

Abstract

Mango (Mangifera indica L.), globally recognized as the “king of fruits,” faces significant postharvest challenges due to its climacteric nature, rapid ripening driven by ethylene, and susceptibility to pathogens such as anthracnose (Colletotrichum gloeosporioides) and stem-end rot (Lasiodiplodia theobromae), resulting in 30–50% losses in many supply chains. This review evaluates preharvest and postharvest interventions aimed at extending shelf life while preserving sensory, nutritional, and market quality. Preharvest treatments, including calcium (Ca(NO₃)₂, CaCl₂) and potassium sprays, gibberellic acid (GA₃), and salicylic acid (SA), enhance cell wall integrity, reduce transpiration, delay ethylene evolution, and improve antioxidant capacity, often extending shelf life by several days. Postharvest physical methods hot water treatment (HWT), vapor heat, and low-dose irradiation (0.15–1.0 kGy) provide effective quarantine disinfestation and microbial control with minimal residue concerns. Chemical and hormonal approaches, particularly 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) at 1.0 µL L⁻¹, nitric oxide, and oxalic acid, inhibit ethylene perception, maintain firmness, and mitigate chilling injury during cold storage or marine transport. Advanced packaging solutions, including chitosan-based edible coatings enriched with essential oils or nanoparticles (Ag, ZnO, TiO₂), modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) combined with ethylene scrubbers, and active biodegradable films, create semi-permeable barriers that regulate gas exchange, reduce weight loss, and suppress decay. Emerging technologies such as AI-driven computer vision for non-destructive quality sorting and cold plasma for surface decontamination further enhance precision and sustainability. Integrated strategies combining optimized preharvest nutrition, targeted postharvest treatments, and smart packaging consistently achieve 3–5 weeks of extended marketable life for varieties like ‘Kent’, ‘Ataulfo’, and ‘Amrapali’, while maintaining TSS, acidity balance, bioactive compounds, and consumer appeal. Economic analyses confirm favorable cost-benefit ratios for many interventions. Future directions emphasize residue-free, climate-resilient protocols, circular economy approaches utilizing mango by-products, and scalable Industry 4.0 tools to minimize losses and meet stringent international MRL standards.