Packaging Technology for Export of Jasmine (Jasminum sambac Ait.) Flowers

A study was conducted to standardize packaging technology for export of jasmine flowers. Experiments were laid out in FCRD in three replications, with 12 chemical treatments, and packing with unit packing boxes and thermocol boxes under gel-ice cold condition. Effects of various chemical treatments and their interaction with packaging were studied and observations were recorded on visual quality (freshness index, flower-opening index, colour retention index and fragrance score) of flowers and physiological parameters associated with post harvest quality of flowers. Export suitability of the package was also studied and Cost:Benefit ratio (CBR) worked out. Chemical treatment of flowers with 4% boric acid, packing in aluminum-foil lined boxes and further packaging in thermocol boxes under gel-ice cold condition was found to be significantly superior to Control, and recorded a shelf life of 42.88h. This package also recorded maximum freshness index (70 to 90%), minimum flower-opening index (10.5 to 50%) and maximum colour retention index (77.77 to 88.88%) of flowers. CBR was 1:2.5.