Dr. Brunda N B: PhD scholar at ICAR—Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Bengaluru, Karna6

1. Article Details

Hot Water Treatment Enhances Quality and Storage Life of Sapota Fruit (Cv. ‘Cricket Ball’) During Cold Storage. This study investigated the influence of hot water treatment (HWT) on the postharvest quality and storage life of sapota cv. “Cricket Ball” during cold storage at 15 ± 1°C. Four temperature-time combinations (52°C for 5 min, 52°C for 10 min, 55°C for 5 min, and 55°C for 10 min) were evaluated and compared with untreated fruits. The researchers assessed physical, physiological, biochemical, and antioxidant-related parameters throughout storage. The results showed that HWT at 52°C for 5 minutes was the most effective treatment, reducing weight loss, decay incidence, respiration rate, ethylene production, and firmness loss while enhancing antioxidant compounds and extending shelf life up to 18 days.

2. Novelty

The novelty of this research lies in its comprehensive evaluation of hot water treatment effects on sapota fruit, particularly the “Cricket Ball” cultivar, which has received limited attention in postharvest studies. Unlike earlier studies that mainly focused on physical quality changes, this work simultaneously examined physiological responses, biochemical characteristics, antioxidant compounds, and consumer acceptability. The study also identified a specific optimum treatment (52°C for 5 minutes) and demonstrated its effects on delaying ripening and maintaining fruit quality. Additionally, the inclusion of regression analysis to explain quality variations adds a modern analytical dimension to the research.

3. Impact

The study has significant scientific, economic, and practical impact. Scientifically, it improves understanding of how thermal treatments influence fruit metabolism, ripening behavior, and antioxidant retention. Economically, extending the shelf life of sapota to 18 days can reduce postharvest losses, improve market distribution, and increase profitability for farmers, traders, and retailers. The findings also benefit consumers by preserving nutritional quality and maintaining desirable sensory characteristics during storage. Overall, the research provides valuable information for improving the postharvest management of highly perishable tropical fruits.

4. Originality

The originality of the study stems from its integrated approach to evaluating fruit quality, storage behavior, and functional compounds under different hot water treatment regimes. The research combines conventional postharvest measurements with antioxidant profiling and predictive statistical modeling, offering a more complete understanding of treatment effects. The focus on a commercially important sapota cultivar and the identification of a precise, non-chemical treatment strategy further enhance the originality of the work. The study moves beyond simple shelf-life evaluation by establishing relationships between physiological processes and fruit quality maintenance during storage.

5. Experimental Rigor

The study demonstrates strong experimental rigor through the evaluation of multiple hot water treatment combinations and comparison with untreated control fruits. A wide range of parameters, including physical, physiological, biochemical, and antioxidant attributes, were monitored during storage. Measurements such as weight loss, firmness, respiration rate, ethylene production, decay incidence, total soluble solids, sugars, phenols, flavonoids, ascorbic acid, and antioxidant capacity provided a comprehensive assessment of fruit quality. Furthermore, the application of multiple linear regression analysis strengthened the reliability of the findings by quantitatively explaining the relationships among storage quality variables.

6. Sustainability Impact

The research has notable sustainability implications because it proposes a non-chemical and environmentally friendly method for extending fruit shelf life. Hot water treatment reduces dependence on synthetic postharvest chemicals and fungicides, thereby minimizing chemical residues and environmental contamination. By reducing postharvest losses and decay, the technology contributes to improved food security and more efficient utilization of agricultural resources. The treatment also requires relatively simple equipment and low energy inputs, making it a sustainable option for fruit handling and storage systems.

7. Applicability

The findings have high practical applicability for farmers, packing houses, fruit processors, exporters, and cold storage operators. Hot water treatment at 52°C for 5 minutes is easy to implement, cost-effective, and compatible with existing postharvest operations. Since the treatment successfully maintained fruit quality and extended shelf life to 18 days, it can facilitate long-distance transportation and marketing of sapota fruits. The technology is particularly useful in tropical and subtropical regions where postharvest losses of sapota are a major challenge.

8. Significance and Future Scope

The study is significant because it provides a scientifically validated solution to one of the major constraints in sapota production—its short storage life. The results establish hot water treatment as an effective technology for maintaining quality, reducing spoilage, and enhancing nutritional value during storage. Future research can explore the underlying molecular and biochemical mechanisms responsible for the observed responses, evaluate the technology under commercial-scale conditions, and investigate its combination with other postharvest treatments such as edible coatings, modified atmosphere packaging, or controlled atmosphere storage. Such studies could further improve the storage potential and market value of sapota and other tropical fruits.

Research Portfolio

Dr. Brunda N. B. is an emerging scientist in the field of Post Harvest Management and Horticultural Sciences with a strong academic and research background in improving the quality, shelf life, and marketability of fresh fruits and vegetables. She completed her doctoral research at ICAR–Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (IIHR), Bengaluru, one of India’s premier horticultural research institutes. Her work integrates postharvest physiology, storage technologies, ripening regulation, natural preservatives, and value addition to reduce postharvest losses and enhance food security. Through her research, publications, and scientific outreach activities, she has contributed to developing sustainable and innovative solutions for the horticulture sector. Her multidisciplinary expertise spans fresh produce management, food processing, nutraceutical products, and commercialization of value-added horticultural products.

Online Profile

Scopus Profile

Dr. Brunda N. B. is associated with the Post Harvest Management Division of ICAR–Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Bengaluru. She actively participates in national and international scientific forums and has established a strong academic presence through research publications, book chapters, conference presentations, edited books, and popular scientific articles. Her scholarly contributions reflect her dedication to bridging fundamental research with practical applications in horticulture and food processing. She has collaborated with researchers across diverse agricultural disciplines and continues to engage in professional development activities, workshops, training programs, and scientific networking initiatives aimed at advancing postharvest science and technology.

Education

Dr. Brunda obtained her Ph.D. in Horticulture (Post Harvest Management) from ICAR–Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Bengaluru, where she conducted advanced research on ripening modulation and shelf-life enhancement of sapota fruits using physical and chemical interventions. Prior to her doctoral studies, she completed her M.Sc. in Horticulture from Navsari Agricultural University, Gujarat. Her master’s research focused on the development and standardization of blended squash using banana pseudostem sap, mango, papaya, and Aloe vera, demonstrating innovative utilization of agricultural by-products for nutritional enhancement and value addition. Her academic training has provided a strong foundation in horticultural sciences, food processing, postharvest technology, quality assessment, and experimental research methodologies.

Research Focus

Dr. Brunda’s research primarily focuses on postharvest management and quality preservation of horticultural crops. Her areas of interest include ripening regulation, ethylene management, shelf-life extension technologies, storage physiology, natural preservatives, edible coatings, essential oils, and postharvest disease management. She is particularly interested in exploring eco-friendly and sustainable approaches to maintain freshness, nutritional quality, and consumer acceptability of fruits and vegetables during storage and transportation. Her work also extends to value addition, processing technologies, development of functional foods, and utilization of underexploited agricultural resources for creating innovative food products with enhanced nutritional and commercial value.

Experience

Dr. Brunda possesses extensive research experience in both fresh produce management and processed horticultural products. During her M.Sc. research, she successfully developed a nutritionally enriched blended squash formulation using banana pseudostem sap, a value-added product that demonstrated excellent sensory quality, nutritional stability, and commercial feasibility. During her Ph.D., she investigated various physical, chemical, and natural treatments for extending the storage life of sapota fruits. Her studies involved hot water treatments, salicylic acid applications, ethylene inhibitors, essential oils, and integrated treatment approaches. The outcomes provided practical solutions for improving fruit quality, reducing spoilage, and increasing marketable shelf life under ambient and cold storage conditions. Her experience also includes scientific writing, laboratory experimentation, sensory evaluation, biochemical analysis, and dissemination of research findings.

Research Timeline & Activities

Dr. Brunda’s research journey reflects a progressive advancement from value-added product development to sophisticated postharvest management strategies. Her M.Sc. research concentrated on developing innovative fruit beverages utilizing banana pseudostem sap, while her doctoral research focused on ripening modulation and storage technologies for sapota fruits. Throughout her academic career, she has authored four peer-reviewed research papers, edited one scientific book, contributed eight book chapters, and published ten popular science articles. She has presented research findings at national and international conferences, including seminars on exotic and underutilized horticultural crops. In addition, she has actively participated in numerous workshops, webinars, winter schools, and professional training programs covering food processing, automation, sustainable agriculture, postharvest technologies, and emerging trends in horticultural sciences.

Awards & Honors

Dr. Brunda has gained recognition within the scientific community through her research achievements, scholarly publications, and active participation in prestigious academic events. Her work has been featured in reputed journals and international publications, demonstrating the scientific relevance and practical significance of her research. She has presented award-worthy research posters at international seminars organized by ICAR-IIHR and has been selected to participate in advanced training programs such as the SAGE Winter School on Sustainable Intensification of Food Production Systems. Her editorial contribution to a scientific book and authorship of multiple high-impact book chapters further reflect her academic excellence and growing reputation as a young researcher in postharvest horticulture.

For an Innovative Researcher Award nomination, the following five strengths can be highlighted:

1. Innovation in Sustainable Postharvest Technologies

Dr. Brunda N. B. has demonstrated exceptional innovation in developing eco-friendly postharvest technologies for horticultural crops. Her research on hot water treatment, natural preservatives, essential oils, and ripening regulation provides practical alternatives to chemical-based preservation methods. These innovations contribute to reducing postharvest losses while maintaining fruit quality, nutritional value, and consumer safety.

2. Strong Scientific Research and Experimental Excellence

Her research exhibits a high level of scientific rigor through comprehensive evaluation of physiological, biochemical, and quality parameters. By integrating advanced statistical analyses, storage physiology, and multidisciplinary approaches, she has generated scientifically robust findings that contribute significantly to postharvest horticulture and food science. Her publications in reputed journals reflect the quality and originality of her research.

3. Translational Research with Direct Farmer and Industry Benefits

A major strength of Dr. Brunda’s work is its practical applicability. Her technologies are designed for adoption by farmers, pack houses, storage facilities, and horticultural industries. The shelf-life extension strategies developed through her research help reduce economic losses, improve market access, and enhance profitability across the horticultural value chain, bridging the gap between laboratory research and field-level implementation.

4. Commitment to Food Security and Sustainability

Dr. Brunda’s research directly addresses critical challenges related to food wastage, resource efficiency, and sustainable agriculture. By extending the storage life of fruits and promoting non-chemical preservation methods, her work supports food security, environmental sustainability, and responsible utilization of agricultural produce. Her contributions align closely with national and global goals for sustainable food systems.

5. Emerging Leadership and Scholarly Contributions

Despite being an early-career researcher, Dr. Brunda has established a strong academic profile through peer-reviewed publications, book chapters, edited books, conference presentations, and popular science articles. Her active participation in scientific forums, training programs, and collaborative research initiatives demonstrates leadership potential and a commitment to advancing postharvest science.

 

Brunda N B, Agriculture, Innovative Researcher Award