Changes in Enzymatic Activity and Quality Attributes of Late-mature Peaches in Response to Controlled Atmosphere Conditions

Late-mature peaches (Prunus persica L. Batsch, cv. Dongxuemi ) were stored in air,modification atmosphere (MA) and controlled atmospheres (CA) at 1℃ to investigate enzymatic activities,flesh browning, quality attributes and fruit storability during storage periods. Peaches stored in CA conditions showed significant lower activities of polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and peroxidase (POD) compared to that kept in MA and in air during the early period of storage. CA treatments indicated a better result in maintaining fruit firmness, color and titratable acidity than MA and control treatments. But there was no significant difference in vitamin C and total soluble solids of peaches stored in CA, MA and air. Increasing PPO activity obviously stimulated flesh browning. Peach fruits stored in CA conditions showed a lower activity of POD and higher firmness in the early period of storage. The peaches stored in 5%CO2 + 5%O2 and 10%CO2 + 5%O2 for 92 days had a good quality without any off-flavor. The results indicated CA conditions obviously inhibited the enzymatic browning, delayed senescence and maintained quality of late-mature peaches.