Bio-deterioration of kokum seeds as influenced by different packaging materials during storage

A lab experiment was carried out to study that seed physiological and biochemical parameters of kokum seed (Garcinia indica) as Influence by different packaging materials. Kokum is found all over the world, mostly in Asia and Africa. It is a fruit bearing tree. Seeds of kokum are used in extracting oil, which has many food and non food applications. Kokum seeds were stored in different packaging materials viz., cloth bag, polyethylene bag, jute bag, one in open pan under ambient conditions for a period of 270 days. The results of the study revealed that the least fluctuations in all seed physiological parameters such as moisture content and seed biochemical parameters viz., oil content, total mould count, free fatty acid and saponification values were recorded in polyethylene packed seeds than seeds in open pan, jute bag and cloth bag for kokum seeds throughout the storage period. Among the packaging materials, the seeds stored in polyethylene bags maintained the seed biochemical and seed physiological parameters with least deterioration compared to seeds stored in jute bag, cloth bag and open pan.