Evaluation of postharvest quality attributes of cabbage and cauliflower grown in plains and higher altitude

Abstract

The studies on “Evaluation of postharvest quality attributes of cabbage and cauliflower grown in plains and higher altitude” was carried out in the Department of Processing Technology, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara during 2009 - 2011. The study was undertaken with the objective of evaluating the postharvest quality attributes and shelf life of cabbage and cauliflower grown in plains and higher altitude. The study was conducted at ARS, Mannuthy (plains) and Orange and Vegetable farm, Nelliyampathy (hill station). Four genotypes each in cabbage (NS183, NS160, NS 35 and Tropical Sun Plus) and cauliflower (NS 60 N, NS133, Pusa Meghna and Basant) were evaluated both in plains and higher altitude. Significant differences were observed in yield of cabbage which ranged from 22.6 – 29.3 kg /16m2 in hills and 1.27 – 22.06 kg /16m2 in plains. Among the cabbage genotypes, NS 183 was found to be the best for hilly region in earliness, yield and yield attributes. The cabbage genotype Tropical Sun Plus exhibited better performance in plains in terms of high head yield (22.06 Kg /162m), head weight (729.6 g) and head height (11.1 cm). Harvest maturity was delayed by 39 – 45 days in the plains as compared to higher altitudes. The cauliflower genotypes NS 60N took lesser days to attain harvest maturity in hills (83.88 days) and Pusa Meghna in the plains (128.16 days). Significant variation was observed in curd yield of cauliflower which ranged from 21 – 26.4 kg /16 m2 in hills and 0.78 – 1.43 kg /16 m2 in plains. NS 133 was found to be the best among the cauliflower genotypes in high altitude region as it recorded high curd yield (26.4 Kg /162m), curd weight (800g), curd height (13.93 cm), curd solidity, early maturity and better adaptability. Cauliflower genotypes NS 60 N, NS133, Pusa Meghna and Basant produced firm and uniform curds in hilly region, but in plains, curds were thicker and non uniform. In the case of cabbage, no significant difference was noticed in terms of head solidity for both the regions. The cabbage and cauliflower genotypes which exhibited superior performance in hills and plains were selected for further sensory, biochemical and storage studies. The cabbage genotype Tropical Sun Plus recorded superior organoleptic qualities (colour, taste, flavour, texture and overall acceptability) when grown in plains than hilly region. However in the case of genotype NS 183, the differences in sensory qualities between produce from hills and plains were not significant. The biochemical constituents (moisture, acidity, ascorbic acid, protein and minerals) of the best performing genotypes identified from hills and plains both in cabbage and cauliflower were analysed. The cabbage genotype NS 183 recorded comparatively higher values for biochemical constituents like acidity (0.144%), ascorbic acid (51.8 mg/100g), protein (0.73 g/100g), phosphorus (26 mg/100g) and potassium (200 mg/100g). Significant variation was noticed in biochemical constituents between the cauliflower genotypes and higher values were recorded in NS 133 for acidity (0.119%), ascorbic acid (38.85 mg/100g), protein (0.89 g/100g) and potassium (320 mg/100g). The whole cabbage and cauliflower were wrapped with cling film and stored under three different temperature regimes (0 to -1oC, 4 to 6oC and ambient condition). Longest shelf life in cabbage genotypes Tropical Sun Plus (21 days) and cauliflower genotype NS 60N (22.5 days) was obtained in cling film pack stored at 0 to -1o C. PLW% was highest and shelf life the shortest under ambient condition in unpackaged produce of cabbage and cauliflower. The influence of packaging material (high density polyethylene, semi rigid metallised aluminum tray over wrapped with cling film and polypropylene) and storage conditions (0 to -1oC, 4 to 6oC and ambient condition) on minimally processed produce of cabbage and cauliflower were evaluated. The shelf life was significantly extended in HDPE packaged produce stored at 0 to -1oC in cabbage genotype Tropical Sun Plus (20.75 days) and cauliflower genotype NS 60N (22.5 days).