Locally develop Wax for fruits and vegetables

Project Name: Development, optimization and technology dissemination of indigenous based Skin Coating Material (SCM) for fruits and vegetables

Cost: 9.971 million rupees

Duration: 48 months (starting from 01-07-2009)

Project Manager:  Muhammad Azhar Ali, Director Post- Harvest Research Center, Ayub Agricultural Research Institute, Faisalabad

Collaborating Institute: Department of Chemistry, UAF

Objective:

·        To prepare and optimize SCM for fruits and vegetables to improve their shelf life and cosmetics view for domestic and export marketing

·        To develop appropriate application technology for locally developed SCMs

·        To demonstrate, promote and commercialize locally developed SCM

Introduction: Horticulture commodities are highly perishable and about 25-40% produce is wasted before consumption, that’s a major disincentive for horticulture sector. These losses are mainly due to unscientific and traditional handling techniques regarding post-harvest management of fresh produced. Pakistan has started to display significant export volume of fruits and vegetables in the regional and global markets for the last decade. Fresh produce is now moving freely between countries in larger quantities and more rapidly than ever before. The horticulture industry is trying to establish itself with the consumer’s demand of quality produce in order to boost export trade. Many fruits are being waxed or polished in order to enhance its storage quality and appearance as both are necessary for making your good recognition in international markets.

When crop is in field or even during harvesting, transport, washing or grading, it can undergo some scratching or abrasion, which not only removes the natural layer of wax but scars its protective layer of skin. Washing in particular is, essential to remove bird muck, insect marks, chemical residues and general field dirt. It can also remove much of the natural wax layer, especially if used with detergents. Ultimately the natural layer of wax reduces moisture loss from the fruit and vegetable. Application of synthetic wax helps to minimize the moisture during marketing and improve its appearance.

Many fruits and vegetables of Pakistan are not getting a good response from international markets due to deteriorating quality in taste and appearance. Standard with regard to their taste, appearance and nutritional value are of superior end. The numerous research studies revealed that the main factor responsible for low market price in the international trade is improper post- harvest management of the fresh produce.

The natural coating is not adequate to offer protection against water loss and high respiration rate. Thus the approach towards prolonging the life of fruit/vegetable involves restricting the rate of respiration and preventing moisture loss. Edible coating is being used for preserving the quality and safety of fresh fruits and vegetables. But such coating must meet the food additive regulations. Extensive research and development work has shown that approved coatings are safe to eat. Edible coatings are a thin layer of a material that can be eaten up by the consumer as a part of the whole food product. Coatings also provide protection from chilling injuries threat. Waxes are indigestible, means; they go through the body without breaking down or being absorbed.

Natural waxes are preferred, such as sugarcane wax, carnauba wax, shellac and various resins. These may be applied to the fruit through foaming/bathing or spraying. In the WTO scenario, the application rates may be governed by legislation in the country where the coating is being applied or in the country where the fruit and vegetables are to be exported. In Pakistan Citrus processors are importing edible wax coating of worth Rs. 30,000 million annually. So there is need to develop and standardize wax and coating product by the indigenous material available.

Project Success:

During the research, more than 20 edible oils were studied to prepare coating material. At last two Skin Coating Material (SCM) formulations were finalized using two oils along with some other ingredients. The SCM was applied to different fruits and vegetables in lab and the results were very encouraging. Then this SCM was applied to Kinnow Mandarins on commercial scale under the prevailing environment of the Citrus industry during 2011-12. The locally developed SCM is cheaper than the imported wax and no ingredient is hazardous to health besides being environment friendly.

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Application of Wax

Under material produce is wasted with fungicide solution, sorted and dried before applying wax and then wax is applied by a combination of spraying and slab waxing/roller brushing method. After waxing material is again dried with hot air and finally fruit is graded and packed in corrugated cardboard cartons. The cartons are pre-cooled before storing in the cold store

Commercialization Strategy:

·        The material has been demonstrated at following four processing plants :

1.      Citrus Asia Kinnow, 104 NB, Silanwali Road Sargodha

2.      Al-Rafique Enterprises, 5 KM Silanwali Road Sargodha

3.      Zahid Kinnow Grading and Waxing plant , kot Momin Road, Bhalwal Sargodha

4.      Al-Noor Kinnow Industries Lalian Sargodha

·        A manufacturer of the material is being negotiated. 

·        Dissemination of results and application of technology is being demonstrated through seminars/workshops at different localities. Representatives from public and private sectors have taken keen interest in this technology and this activity will remain continue till next year. Besides this, poster and brochures containing all relevant information about the usefulness of skin coating material is being prepared and distributed among the participants.

Regards

Maryam Naseer

Research Publication Officer

PARB