The case of control samples at low temperature storage (8 1 8C). Microporous
film allowed rapid gas exchange than other films. Low water
vapour permeability of the PE-LD film lead to moisture
condensation, which further reduced the shelf-life of chillies.
The chillies packed in anti-fog (RD45) film showed a higher
shelf-life of 28 days and maintained freshness for a longer
duration due to its optimum gas and water vapour permeabilities.
The overall beneficial effects in terms of shelf life
extension of chillies could be attributed to optimum modified
atmosphere conditions generated in the packets causing
decreased tissue respiration and restricted weight loss.
Anti-fog (RD45) film packed chillies showed maximum (95%)
marketability by the end of 28 days of storage period followed
by 84%, 60%, 48% and 45% for polyolefin (PD961), low density
polyethylene (PE-LD), microporous (SM570Y) and control
samples, respectively (Fig. 4). The percentage marketability
of other film packed samples decreased with time due to loss
of firmness, colour deterioration and microbial degradation by
the passage of storage period. Delayed senescence due to
reduced respiration rate and retention of firmness and
chlorophyll pigments have increased the marketability of
anti-fog film packed chillies compared to other film packed
ones.