Effectiveness Of Gamma Radiation Technology For Abating Postharvest Losses Of Banana (Musa Sapientum) By Targeting The Residential Microflora

Banana (Musa spp.), member of the family Musaceae, is the perennial herb mostly grown in the tropical areas situated at latitude 30° above and below the equator covering the warmer countries of the world. This regional belt has wide seasonal variability with respect to temperature and rainfall. In the international trade, Banana holds 22% share in world fresh fruit production and is ranked as second amongst the most important fruits after citrus. Gamma irradiation of pre climacteric bananas at optimal doses, which vary with the variety of banana, delays the ripening process. For Pakistan, radiation processing technology supports remarkable potential not only for local food securities but also for greater exports earnings in agriculture sector. Farmers could be stimulated for greater production of fragile fruits like banana when putrefaction could be prevented by appropriate preservation practices resulting in increased and balanced consumption.