Effect of different packaging on shelf-life and quality of tomatoes (<i>Lycopersicon esculentum</i> Mill.)

Journal of Agriculture and TechnologyThe agricultural sector is a cornerstone of economic growth and plays a vital role in agriculture-based countries such as Cambodia. Tomatoes (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.), a highly nutritious fruit cultivated worldwide, are prone to postharvest losses due to their short shelf life. After harvest, tomatoes are highly susceptible to damage from fungi, bacteria, and other microorganisms. Packaging is one of the most effective methods for delaying spoilage and preserving quality during storage. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the impact of different packaging materials on the shelf life and quality of tomatoes. The experiment was conducted over a 16-day storage period using a completely randomized design with four treatments: T0 (control), T1 (fresh wrap package), T2 (polyethylene package), and T3 (aluminum foil package). Results showed that all quality parameters—including color, weight loss, sugar content, pH, titratable acidity, and spoilage rate—were significantly different among treatments (p &lt; 0.01). Among them, tomatoes packaged in polyethylene (T2) performed best, with a color score of 4 ± 0.6, weight loss of 0.10 ± 0.01%, sugar content of 3.92 ± 0.13%, pH of 4.56 ± 0.02, acid concentration of 0.27 ± 0.01%, and a spoilage rate of 3 ± 5.8%. In conclusion, polyethylene packaging (T2) was the most effective in extending the shelf life and maintaining the postharvest quality of tomatoes. These findings suggest that polyethylene is a recommended packaging material for improving tomato preservation and reducing postharvest losses.