STUDY OF NUTRIENT VALUE IN POST HARVESTED INFECTED ORANGE (CITRUS SINENSIS) FRUIT

Abstract

Orange (Citrus sinensis) is a very nutrient and beneficial fruit all over the world. Study were conducted on changes in the nutrient value like reducing sugar, non reducing sugar, starch, protein, phenol, vitamin C, alpha-amylase and total antioxidant activity of the post harvested infected orange fruit. In this analysis two fungi were isolated from infected orange fruits. The effect of these fungi indicate the reduction in non-reducing sugar, vitamin C, alpha-amylase and antioxidant activity but the amount of reducing sugar, protein and phenol increased in infected fruit. The nutrient value declined or increased due to the infection of penicillium and phytophthora fungus. From the present investigation it can be concluded that the fungus decrease or increase the nutrient value of fruit because they use them for their successful growth and establishment.