Effects of Packaging Materials and Storage Temperature on the Postharvest Quality of Lady's Finger (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) Treated with Aqueous Moringa oleifera Leaf Extract

Fresh lady’s finger (Abelmoschus esculentus L.), commonly known as okra in the Philippines, is highly perishable, typically losing marketability within two to three days due to rapid moisture loss and physiological deterioration. This study evaluated the effectiveness of Moringa oleifera leaf extract (MLE), combined with different packaging materials and storage conditions, in extending okra’s postharvest shelf life. A completely randomized design (CRD) was employed to evaluate six treatments involving MLE application, packaging materials, and storage temperatures under ambient (25°C) and refrigerated (5°C) conditions. Results revealed significant differences in weight loss, shriveling index, visual quality rating, and shelf life from Day 2 to Day 6. The untreated ambient control (T₁) exhibited the highest weight loss (73.22%) and a 100% shriveling index by the end of the storage period. In contrast, MLE-treated okra packaged in plastic film and stored under ambient conditions (T₃) demonstrated the best overall performance, recording the lowest weight loss (6.39%), a shriveling index of 33.33%, and the highest visual quality rating. Furthermore, T₃ extended shelf life to 8.00 days, compared with only 3.00 days for the untreated control. Interestingly, refrigerated treatments showed greater deterioration than their ambient counterparts when combined with MLE, suggesting possible moisture-related physiological stress under the tested conditions. The study concludes that MLE application combined with plastic film packaging under ambient conditions is a promising, environmentally friendly, and potentially cost-effective postharvest management strategy for maintaining okra quality. This approach may help smallholder farmers reduce postharvest losses, extend marketability, and improve the economic value of harvested produce.

Edible coating, Moringa olefiera, CRD, storage temperature, packaging materials

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