Effect of ethanol-extracted propolis on fruit quality and storability of balady oranges during cold storage

Abstract EN

This investigation was carried out during 2012 and 2013 seasons to study the effect of ethanol extracted propolis (EEP) at 2, 3 and 5% on fruit quality and storability of Balady Orange fruits during cold storage.

Propolis was applied once or twice pre and post harvest then the fruits were stored at 5-7°C with 905 RH for ten weeks.

Prolonging cold storage significantly increased weight loss %, undesirable fruits %, TSS% and TSS/acid ratio while gradually decreased total acidity and vitamin C content.

All propolis treatments significantly decreased fruit weight loss % and undesirable fruit % compared to untreated fruits.

On the other hand, all treatments failed to show any significant effects on fruit quality parameters.

No significant effects were observed due to using propolis once at post-harvest or twice pre and post-harvest.

The best treatment was using EEP at 5% dipped once at post-harvest which prolong cold storage period without great reduction in fruit quality.

It is recommended to dip 5% (EEP) at post-harvest extend life and keep fruit quality of Balady Oranges during cold storage instead of using fungicides in order to save human health and environment.