Efficacy of bio-based extracts on shelf life and quality of orange (citrus sinensis) fruits during storage in Makurdi, Nigeria

Experiment was conducted at the Biological Sciences Laboratory of Benue State University, Makurdi, Nigeria to determine the efficacy of bio-based extracts (Aloe vera and Gum arabic) on shelf-life and quality of sweet orange. Healthy orange fruits of two varieties (Valencia and Washington) used in the trial were picked at harvest maturity. The experimental design was a 2 x 4 factorial combination, fitted in a completely randomized design and replicated three times. The treatments consisted of two varieties of sweet orange and four extracts regimes (Aloe vera, Gum arabic, Aloe vera+Gum arabic and Control).  The orange fruits were treated by dipping in extracts the various treatments until they were completely coated while the control fruits were not treated. The treated fruits and control were stored at ambient conditions of light and temperature for four weeks.  Percentage weight loss, total soluble solids, fruit firmness, Vitamin C/Ascorbic acid content, pH, titratable acidity, decay percentage (DP %), marketability and shelf life of the fruits were recorded. The data were subjected to Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) using GENSTAT statistical package, and mean separation was done using Fisher’s Least Significant Difference (F-LSD) at 5% level of probability. Percent weight loss, fruit firmness, % decay and fruit marketability were significantly higher (P≤0.05) in Valencia compared with Washington. Fruits treated with Gum Arabic had significantly lower % weight loss and % decay compared with the control (P≤0.05). Fruit firmness was significantly higher (P≤0.05) in fruits treated with Gum Arabic + Aloe Vera while marketability was significantly higher in Aloe Vera treated fruits. All the treated fruits had significantly higher (P≤0.05) shelf life compared with the control. With respect to nutritional values, TSS was significantly higher (P≤0.05) in Valencia compared with Washington while Vitamin C and pH were significantly higher (P≤0.05) in Washington compared with Valencia.  The TSS was significantly higher (P≤0.05) in Aloe Vera and Aloe Vera + Gum Arabic treated fruits compared with the control. The Vitamin C content of fruits treated with Gum Arabic was significantly (P≤0.05) higher followed by Aloe Vera + Gum Arabic compared with the control. All the treated fruits had significantly higher pH while TA was significantly lower (P≤0.05) compared with the control. Percent weight loss was positively and significantly correlated with % decay while marketability, shelf life, TSS, and TA were negatively and significantly correlated.   The botanicals tested are environmentally friendly, cost-effective, easy to produce and also safe for consumers. The bio-based extracts of Aloe vera and Gum Arabic are recommended in the storage of flesh sweet orange fruits.