The effect of treatment on (O2 and CO2) respiration rates of fruits measured at 21±1°C (Figure 2). In T1, no
significant difference in respiration rate percentage was found, whereas in T2 and T3, a significant difference was observed as compared to uncoated fruits and indicating their effect as a barrier to O2 consumption and CO2 production. Thus, it was observed from our results that coating reduced the rate of aerobic respiration of sapota and,therefore, appreciably increased the storage life of the fruit. The rate of respiration in fresh fruits and vegetables is considered a good index in determining the storage life. Delayed increase in respiration rate of coated sapota (T3) suggested that the coating exerted a barrier to gas exchange