SHELF-LIFE ENHANCEMENT OF FRESH GINGER RHIZOMES AT AMBIENT TEMPERATURES BY COMBINATION OF GAMMA-IRRADIATION, BIOCONTROL AND CLOSED POLYETHYLENE BAG STORAGE

摘要

The feasibility of a combination process involving gamma-irradiation, packing in closed polyethylene bags and biological control of fungi causing storage rot was evaluated as a means of extending the shelf-life of fresh ginger rhizomes at ambient temperatures (25-30 degrees C). Storage in closed polyethylene bags reduced weight loss but increased sprouting and rooting, which could be prevented by gamma irradiation to 60 Gy. Rotting caused by Sclerotium rolfsii was, however, a major cause of spoilage during extended storage.