Abstract

• This research deals with the study on the effect of y-irradiation on shelf-life extension and quality of banana by using Co-60 source. A bunch of mature green banana sample (Thi-hmwe-nget-pyaw) was harvested from Yay Thoe Kone Village (Hlapa Garden),Kangyi Daunt Township, Ayeyarwady Region. This sample was divided into three groups; control (non-irradiated) and irradiated with two doses of gamma radiation (0.25 kGy and 0.35 kGy). Induced radio activities of two types of the y-irradiated banana were monitored by using NaI (Tl) Scintillation Detector. The shelf-life of each y-irradiated banana sample was studied by assessing postharvest changes such as colour, ripening at room temperature. Effect of y-irradiation on nutritional qualities (moisture, ash, protein, fiber, fat, carbohydrates contents and energy value) and trace elements (K, Mg, Ca, Mn and Fe) was studied by AOAC methods and AAS method respectively. Effect of y-irradiation on some important physicochemical parameters of banana such as vitamin C, total acidity and pH was studied by using iodometric and acid-base titration method and pH meter respectively. From these studies, it was observed that the two types of y-irradiated samples (0.25 and 0.35 kGy) have no induced activity. The shelf-life of y-irradiated banana samples (0.25 and 0.35 kGy) ripened within 13 and 15 days at room temperature, respectively. Therefore, the shelf-life of banana was extended 6 to 8 days by y-irradiation. It was also found that nutritional qualities of banana are not effected by y-irradiation except a minor decrease in vitamin C content. The results suggest that y-irradiation can be extended the shelf life of banana without harmful for consumption.