Effect of Improved Shelter on the Storage of Plantain (<i>Musa</i><i> </i><i>Paradisiaca</i> AAAB) Cultivar FHIA 21: Green Self-life and Physicochemical Parameters

Plantain (Musa paradisiaca L.), like most tropical fruits, is highly perishable. The aim of this study was to contribute to the reduction of post-harvest losses of plantain through storage under improved shelter to delay ripening. The study determined the effectiveness of improved shelter on the green self-life (GSL) of plantains and on evolution in the biochemical characteristics of FHIA 21 plantain fruits during storage. Plantain cultivar FHIA 21 harvested on days 80, 85, 90, 95, 100 and 105 after flower emergence was stored in the improved shelters and covered or not with dry plantain leaves. Green lifetimes and biochemical characteristics were determined using reference methods. Analysis of the results shows that the GLS of plantains at different stages of maturity varies from 12 to 27 days for plantains not covered with dry leaves and from 13 to 30 days when they are covered and when the ripe fingers are removed from the batches. Similarly, the GSL varies between 10 and 26 days for uncovered bananas and between 12 and 29 days for those covered with dry leaves when the ripe fingers are not removed from the batches. Biochemical analyses show a loss of firmness and a decrease in pH and starch levels during storage. However, there was an increase in the percentage of mass loss, dry matter and total and reducing sugars. Improved shelters made it possible to extend the GSL of plantain bananas.