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Hassan et al./IFRJ 21(2): 641-648
during the transport and distribution of the fruits over long distances from the production areas to the market is maintaining the quality of the fruits. Low temperature or cold storage is known as one of the most effective method of prolonging the postharvest life of fresh produce and reducing the quality losses of the fruits. Temperature of 5°C was reported to be effective in maintaining the shelf life of mandarin oranges (Citrus reticulata Blanco cv. ’Sai Nam Peung’) compared to those stored at room temperature (Shein et al., 2008). However, due to the lack of cold storage facilities during the transport at farmer level as well as at local trader level as a result of high costs of low temperature or cold storage, most of the produced fresh fruit is distributed in non-refrigerated trucks. These conditions enhance the local traders to find another cheaper method to prolong the self-life of fresh produce. Fruit waxing was considered as a cheaper alternative to cope with this problem.