Effect of pre-harvest fruit bagging on biotic stresses and postharvest quality of banana

Abstract: A study was conducted to determine the impact of pre-harvest fruit bagging on banana maturity, pest and disease management, and postharvest quality. The bunch was wrapped in a variety of bags, including white polythene bag, blue polythene bag, muslin cloth bag, gunny bag, brown paper bag and non-bagging (control). The study was designed as a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replicates. The results showed that banana bunch covered with brown paper bags were ready to harvest 16 days earlier than those in the control. In addition, bagging increased fruit length, diameter, weight, and pulp weight in comparison to non-bagged fruit. Moreover, the brown paper bag treatment significantly reduced pest infestation (15-fold), disease infection (12-fold) and physiological disorder (6.5-fold) compared to control. The firmness, total soluble solids, and total sugar content were found maximum with brown paper bagged fruit, while Vitamin C content was higher in control fruits. Brown paper bagged fruit exhibited the longest shelf life (12 days) as compared to the control (09 days). Bagging presented a significant effect on the color and overall expression of the fruit, although it did not influence the flavour of the fruit. In conclusion, brown paper bags can help to prevent diseases and insect infestation and improve the fruit quality of bananas.