author(s)
L Harithraadevi and A Eswari

abstract
Bitter gourd (Momordica charantia L.), a highly perishable Cucurbitaceae vegetable, undergoes rapid quality deterioration after harvest. The current study evaluated the effects of packaging methods such as low-density polyethylene (T1), cling film (T2), shrink wrap (T3), and no packaging (T4), under ambient (S1) and cold storage (S2) conditions using a factorial completely randomised design. Observations on physiological loss in weight (PLW), firmness, colour, spoilage, and shelf life were recorded over ten days. ANOVA revealed significant effects (p<0.05) of packaging, storage, and their interaction on all parameters. Shrink wrapping with cold storage (T3S2) was most effective, minimising PLW, maintaining firmness, reducing spoilage, and extending shelf life, followed by cling film under cold storage (T2S2). Regression modelling showed strong predictive accuracy with high R² values, confirming the robustness of the results. Overall, shrink wrapping in cold storage is recommended to optimise postharvest quality, enhance shelf life, and promote sustainable food security practices.