Chitin Nanofiber for Growth, Yield and Postharvest Quality of Coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.)

Abstract

Coriander is a popular annual herb particularly for its fresh leaves and dried seeds. A field experiment and a lab experiment evaluated the effect of chitin nanofiber (CNF) on the growth, yield (field experiment) and postharvest quality (lab experiment) of coriander cv. BARI dhania 2 at the Dr. Purnendu Gain Field Laboratory and Horticulture Laboratory of Agrotechnology discipline Khulna University, Khulna from February to April, 2024. The field experiment was planned following a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with seven replications and the lab experiment was designed with completely randomized design (CRD) with three replications. The field experiment consisted of five treatments: control, urea (recommended dose), and three concentrations of CNF (CNF 1 = 13 ml 1% CNF, CNF 2 = 26 ml 1% CNF, and CNF 3 = 39 ml 1% CNF). Top dressing of urea and foliar spraying of CNFs were done twice during the growing period. The harvested coriander plants were also evaluated in the lab for postharvest quality attributes including shelf life. Foliar application of CNF resulted in either similar or higher plant height, leaf number, leaflet number, node number, individual plant fresh weight and plot leaf yield of coriander to urea. CNF treated leaves also maintained more freshness and tenderness with low shrinkage. It also retained better TSS, TA, TSS: TA, and vitamin C content. CNF treatment also increased shelf life of coriander by one and a half days compared to the control. Overall, CNF promoted growth and yield attributes of coriander and maintained postharvest quality along with extended shelf life. Therefore, CNF can be used in combination of urea or instead of urea to grow coriander and to maintain postharvest quality including shelf life.