Piriformospora indica-root colonization Improved the Shelf Life and Quality Parameters of Ripe and unripe Fruits of Banana var. Nendran

Author: Sinijadas K., Joy Michal Johnson, Radhika N.S. and Manju R.V.

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Abstract

Piriformospora indica is an axenically cultivable fungal root endophyte that contributes multifaceted benefits to plants. The role of P. indica in improving quality parameters of ripe and unripe stages of banana (Musa acuminata) var. Nendran was investigated. The physical, biochemical and organoleptic status were quantified during the green (unripe) and ripe stages. Both shelf life and beta carotene content were enhanced in the fruits of P. indica-colonized plants compared to control. All physical parameters like, bunch weight, fruits per hand, fruit length, fruit weight and fruit diameter were significantly enhanced in bunches obtained from P. indica-colonized banana plants. Biochemical parameters viz., total sugars, pH, total reducing sugars, beta carotene, protein and carbohydrate contents were also substantially increased in fruits obtained from the fungus colonized plants. In contrast, crude fibre and moisture content were reduced in ripe fruits obtained from the colonized plants compared to their respective control plants. Beta carotene was increased by 93.9 per cent; and pH, total reducing sugars and acidity were increased progressively during ripening of the fruits obtained from the colonized plants. These fruits recorded 34 per cent more total sugars, which indicate the degree of sweetness of the fruit. The carbohydrate, fibre and moisture content were high in unripe banana fruits obtained from the colonized plants compared to control plants. The unripe fruits had 13.2 and 52.15 per cent high carbohydrate and protein contents respectively compared to the respective unripe control fruit. The present study also revealed that P. indica could enhance the shelf life of banana fruits by slowing down the ripening process, thereby increasing its marketability. Furthermore, sensory evaluation confirmed the overall acceptability of banana fruits from the endophyte colonized plants compared to fruits from the control plants. Thus P. indica-colonized banana plants render fruit quality improvement with enhanced shelf-life of fruits to a reasonable extent.

Keywords

Banana fruit, Piriformospora indica, Physical Parameters, Biochemical parameters, organoleptic characters

Conclusion

P. indica-colonization exhibited significant growth promoting effects in banana plants. P. indica significantly enhanced the number of roots, facilitated nutrient uptake and increased banana yield. The present work concluded that the one-time application of P. indica inoculum in the rhizosphere under agricultural conditions is sufficient to enhance the growth and development of banana plants during the entire crop period which results in higher yield and better fruit quality. Both ripe and unripe banana fruits of P. indica-colonized plants recorded significantly enhanced total sugars, protein and carbohydrate contents, while experiencing decreased moisture and fibre contents. The increased total sugars and decreased moisture content in fruits are attributed to its enhanced sweetness. Along with the physical and quality parameters, P. indica improved the overall acceptability of banana fruits by promoting early maturity and delayed ripening.

References

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How to cite this article

Sinijadas K., Joy Michal Johnson, Radhika N.S. and Manju R.V. (2023). Piriformospora indica-root colonization Improved the Shelf Life and Quality Parameters of Ripe and unripe Fruits of Banana var. Nendran. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 15(8a): 62-70.