Changes in the microstructure and location of some bioactive compounds in persimmons treated by high hydrostatic pressure

Persimmon fruit are an important source of phenolic compounds, dietary fibre, and carotenoids. However, the location of these elements in the tissue is directly connected with processing techniques used. The aim of this work was to study the effect of high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) on the microstructure of persimmon fruit cv. ‘Rojo Brillante’ during different ripening stages and the relationship of this treatment with changes in the location of some bioactive compounds. Samples from persimmon fruit cv. ‘Rojo Brillante’ from two ripening stages, with and without deastringency treatment (95–98% CO₂), were treated by HHP at 200 and 400 MPa during 1, 3, and 6 min. A microstructural study using cryo-scanning electron microscopy, light microscopy, and confocal laser scanning microscopy (Cryo-SEM, LM, and CLSM) was carried out. Total soluble solid (TSS) content and some textural properties were also analyzed. The microstructural study showed that application of HHP caused cell wall disruption and intracellular component dispersion throughout the tissue, together with some nutritionally interesting compounds (tannins, fibres, and carotenoids). TSS content diminished in astringent samples when HHP was applied. This was attributed to precipitation of soluble tannins, which are responsible for fruit astringency. Therefore, it might be possible to omit a deastringency treatment with CO₂ before HHP treatments. HHP treatments caused an overall decrease in firmness for both ripening stages and an increase in cohesiveness (TPA analysis) in the more advanced stage.     

Effect of antioxidants in controlling enzymatic browning of minimally processed persimmon ‘Rojo Brillante’

‘Rojo Brillante’ is an important variety of persimmon that after removal of the astringency with high levels of CO₂, maintains firmness and sweetness, making possible its commercialization as a fresh-cut commodity. However, the commercial success of the product is limited mainly by enzymatic browning. This work presents the effect of a wide range of antioxidants on enzymatic browning of ‘Rojo Brillante’ persimmon combining in vitro (extracts and precipitates) and in vivo (cut tissue) studies. Preliminary screening of the antioxidants, determined by absorbance and color measurements of persimmon extracts and pellets, showed that 4-hexylresorcinol (Hexyl), citric acid (CA) and calcium chloride (CaCl₂) were effective at controlling browning at 10 mM; whereas, ascorbic acid (AA) required a higher concentration (25 mM). Peracetic acid, cyclodextrin, cysteine, and hexametaphosphate were not effective at controlling browning, even at a concentration of 50 mM. In in vivo studies, AA (1.12%) and CA (0.21%) were the most effective treatments to control enzymatic browning of fresh-cut material, reaching the limit of marketability in 5–7 days, whereas, Hexyl and CaCl₂ did not reach 1 day of storage. The results showed that optimum concentrations in cut tissue did not always correlate with the in vitro studies, indicating that antioxidants have an effect not only in browning reactions, but also in metabolic activity and cell wall changes during wound-induced reactions. The results provide relevant information for further development of minimally processed ‘Rojo Brillante’ persimmon during storage at 5 °C.     

High carbon dioxide and low oxygen storage effects on reactive oxygen species metabolism in Pleurotus eryngii

This study addressed the influence of high carbon dioxide and low oxygen levels on Pleurotus eryngii samples, stored at 20–25 °C and 90–95% RH for 5 d. Evaluations of sensory characteristics, malondialdehyde (MDA) content, superoxide anion (O₂⁻) production rate and the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT), and cytochrome c oxidase (CCO) were made in the mushrooms in response to high carbon dioxide and low oxygen treatments. The results showed that 2% O₂ + 30% CO₂ significantly prolonged mushroom shelf-life when compared to the control. The 2% O₂ + 30% CO₂ mixture was better suited to maintaining mushroom sensory characteristics and delaying the MDA increase and O₂⁻ production rate during storage. The activities of SOD, POD, and CAT in 2% O₂ + 30% CO₂-treated mushrooms were significantly higher than those of the control. However, the CCO activity was not affected by the atmospheric treatment (2% O₂ + 30% CO₂). These results indicated that the 2% O₂ + 30% CO₂ treatment could alleviate lipid peroxidation and enhance antioxidant enzyme activities, but it exerted little influence on the CCO activity of Pleurotus eryngii.     

Controlled atmosphere treatment for control of grape mealybug,Pseudococcus maritimus (Ehrhorn) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae), on harvested table grapes

Controlled atmosphere (CA) treatments with ultralow oxygen (ULO) alone and in combinations with 50% carbon dioxide were studied to control grape mealybug, Pseudococcus maritimus (Ehrhorn) on harvested table grapes. Two ultralow oxygen levels, 30 and <0.01 μL L⁻¹, were tested in both ULO and ULO + 50% CO₂ treatments. The ULO treatments with the lower oxygen level were more effective than the ULO treatments at the higher oxygen level. The ULO + 50% CO₂ treatments were more effective than the ULO treatments. Grape mealybug eggs were significantly more tolerant of ULO and ULO + CO₂ treatments than nymphs and adults. A 14 day ULO treatment with 30 μL L⁻¹ O₂ at 2 °C did not achieve 100% mortalities of any life stage. In the presence of 50% CO₂, the 14 d treatment achieved complete mortality of all life stages of the grape mealybug. A 3 d ULO treatment with <0.01 μL L⁻¹ O₂ at 2 °C resulted in 93.3% mortality of nymphs and adults. The 3 d ULO treatment in combination with 50% CO₂ treatments, however, achieved complete control of grape mealybug nymphs and adults and caused 70.5% relative egg mortality. Complete egg mortality was achieved in a 10 d ULO + 50% CO₂ treatment with <0.01 μL L⁻¹ O₂ at 2 °C. Both the 14 d CA treatment with 30 μL L⁻¹ O₂ and 50% CO₂ and the 10 d CA treatment with <0.01 μL L⁻¹ O₂ and 50% CO₂ were tested on table grapes and grape quality was evaluated after two weeks of post-treatment storage. The CA treatments did not have a significant negative impact on grape quality and were safe for table grapes. The study indicated that CA treatments have potential to be developed for postharvest control of grape mealybug on harvested table grapes.     

Control of alternaria black spot in persimmon fruit by a mixture of gibberellin and benzyl adenine,and its mode of action

In Israel, alternaria black spot (ABS) disease, caused by Alternaria alternata, is the main postharvest factor that reduces quality and impairs storability of persimmon fruit Diospyros kaki cv. Triumph. The fungus infects the fruit in the orchard and remains quiescent until harvest, or renews its development just before harvest, following rain or high humidity; it then preferentially colonizes the stem-end of the fruit. Recent findings suggest the importance of ethylene and respiration during early fruit growth as factors influencing maturity, crack development, and occurrence of ABS in the stem end of the fruit. We tested the effects of the growth regulator Superlon, a mixture of gibberellin (GA₄₊₇) and benzyl adenine (BA), applied at 40 μg mL⁻¹ once a month during three consecutive months, on fruit physiological responses during growth and on ABS occurrence during storage at 0 °C. Superlon treatments during the early stages of fruit growth, i.e., starting 40 days after fruit set (daf), applied once monthly during three consecutive months, inhibited ethylene and CO₂ production in the stem end. Treatments applied starting 100 daf enhanced cell proliferation under the fruit cuticle. Regardless of application timing, Superlon delayed chlorophyll degradation, and reduced fruit cuticle cracking and ABS susceptibility during the late stages of fruit growth and during storage. Present results suggest that the phytohormone, acting as a modulator of host physiological responses that result in delayed fruit maturation, is a main factor in enhanced resistance to ABS at harvest and during storage.     

Influence of UV-C treatment on antioxidant capacity,antioxidant enzyme activity and texture of postharvest shiitake (Lentinus edodes) mushrooms during storage

Shiitake (Lentinus edodes) mushrooms were exposed to UV-C light (4 kJ/m²) and stored in modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) prior to 15 days at 1 ± 1 °C and 95% relative humidity plus 3 days at 20 °C. Mushroom firmness, total phenolics, total flavonoids, ascorbic acid and H₂O₂ contents, superoxide anion (O₂⁻) production rate and activities of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and glutathione reductase (GR) were measured. UV-C treatment resulted in maintenance of a high level of firmness during 15 days at low temperature and reduced the decrease in firmness during shelf-life storage. Furthermore, treated samples showed higher total flavonoids, ascorbic acid, and delayed the increases in both O₂⁻ production rate and H₂O₂ contents. However, no clear treatment effects were seen in total phenolics contents. The treatment also increased the antioxidant enzyme activities of CAT, SOD, APX and GR throughout the storage period. These results indicate that postharvest application of UV-C radiation can delay softening and enhance antioxidant capacity in shiitake mushrooms.     

Superoxide anion and hydrogen peroxide in the yeast antagonist–fruit interaction: A new role for reactive oxygen species in postharvest biocontrol?

The importance of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in plant defense responses against certain pathogens is well documented. There is some evidence that microbial biocontrol agents also induce a transient production of ROS in a host plant which triggers local and systemic defense responses to pathogens. The ability of biocontrol agents used to control postharvest diseases to induce defense-related oxidative responses in fruits, however, has not been explored. Here we show that the yeast antagonists, Metschnikowia fructicola (strain 277) and Candida oleophila (strain 182) generate greater levels of super oxide anion (O₂⁻) on intact fruit surfaces (poor in nutrients) then those applied on a nutrient-poor agar medium. Even though yeast antagonists show a high level of O₂⁻ on nutrient-rich media, when applied on fruits around wounds (areas abundant in nutrients) accumulation of O₂⁻, as detected by nitro blue tetrazolium staining, occurred much more rapidly on the latter. Using laser scanning confocal microscopy we observed that the application of M. fructicola and C. oleophila into citrus and apple fruit wounds correlated with an increase in H₂O₂ accumulation in host tissue. In citrus fruit, the level of H₂O₂ around inoculated wounds increased by 4-fold compared to controls (wounds inoculated with water) as early as 18 h after inoculation. Yeast continued to stimulate H₂O₂ production in citrus fruit up to 66 h after inoculation and H₂O₂ levels were still 3-fold above the control. Living yeast cells were detected in fruit wounds at this time point indicating the ability of M. fructicola to tolerate host ROS, which has been reported to be an intrinsic characteristic of efficient yeast antagonists. Similar increase in H₂O₂ accumulation around yeast-inoculated wounds was observed in apple fruit exocarp. The present data, together with our earlier discovery of the importance of H₂O₂ production in the defense response of citrus flavedo to postharvest pathogens, indicate that the yeast-induced oxidative response in fruit exocarp may be associated with the ability of specific yeast species to serve as biocontrol agents for the management of postharvest diseases.     

Responses of 1-MCP application in plums stored under air and controlled atmospheres

The potential of 1-MCP for controlling ripening in ‘Angeleno’ plum fruit under air and controlled atmosphere (CA) storage was explored, and the possibility that 1-MCP can inhibit development of brown rot caused by Monilinia laxa and internal breakdown in ‘Fortune’ and ‘Angeleno’ plums tested. After harvest, fruit were exposed to 300 and 500 nl l⁻¹ (in 2003) and 500 nl l⁻¹ 1-MCP (in 2004) at low temperatures (0–3 °C) for 24 h. After treatment the plums were stored in air at 0 °C and ‘Angeleno’ fruit were also stored in CA storage (1.8% O₂ + 2.5% CO₂). Following storage, fruit were kept at 20 °C. In ‘Angeleno’ fruit, 1-MCP was effective in delaying the loss of firmness and colour changes during holding at 20 °C. 1-MCP reduced brown rot in fruit stored in CA but no significant reduction was found in air storage. Internal breakdown, a major physiological storage disorder in plums, was inhibited by 1-MCP treatment. Furthermore, since 1-MCP applied in air storage showed better results than the control in CA conditions, an application of 1-MCP before air storage could be the best way to reduce the ripening process for short or medium storage periods (40 and 60 days). CA storage plus 1-MCP treatment could be used for long periods (80 days).     

Impact of atmospheric ozone-enrichment on quality-related attributes of tomato fruit

Tomato fruit (Lycopersicon esculentum L. cv. Carousel) were exposed to ozone concentrations ranging between 0.005 (controls) and 1.0 μmol mol⁻¹ at 13 °C and 95% RH. Quality-related attributes and organoleptic characteristics were examined during and following ozone treatment. Levels of soluble sugars (glucose, fructose) were maintained in ozone-treated fruit following transfer to ‘clean air’, and a transient increase in β-carotene, lutein and lycopene content was observed in ozone-treated fruit, though the effect was not sustained. Ozone-enrichment also maintained fruit firmness in comparison with fruit stored in ‘clean air’. Ozone-treatment did not affect fruit weight loss, antioxidant status, CO₂/H₂O exchange, ethylene production or organic acid, vitamin C (pulp and seed) and total phenolic content. Panel trials (employing choice tests, based on both appearance and sensory evaluation) revealed an overwhelming preference for fruit subject to low-level ozone-enrichment (0.15 μmol mol⁻¹), with the effect persisting following packaging.     

Ripening behavior and quality of modified atmosphere packed ‘Doyenne du Comice’ pears during cold storage and simulated transit

The effect of MAP on extending storage life and maintaining fruit quality was studied in ‘Doyenne du Comice’ (Pyrus communis L.) pears at Hood River and Medford, Oregon. Control fruit packed in standard perforated polyethylene liners started to show senescent core breakdown and lost the capacity to ripen at 20 °C after 4–5 months of cold storage in Hood River and after 5.25–6 months in Medford. LifeSpan^® L257 MAP achieved steady-state atmospheres of 15.8% O₂ + 3.7% CO₂ in Hood River and 15.7–17.5% O₂ + 3.8–5.7% CO₂ in Medford. MAP inhibited ethylene production, ascorbic acid degradation and malondialdehyde accumulation, and extended storage life for up to 6 months with maintenance of fruit flesh firmness (FF) and skin color without commercially unacceptable level of physiological disorders. After 4, 5 and 6 months at −1 °C, MAP fruit exhibited climacteric-like patterns of ethylene production and softened to proper texture with desirable eating quality on day 5 during ripening at 20 °C. After 6 months at −1 °C plus 2 weeks of simulated transit conditions, MAP fruit maintained FF and skin color and had good eating quality at transit temperatures of 2 and 4.5 °C (10.1–11.5% O₂ + 4.8–5.2% CO₂), but reduced FF substantially and developed internal browning disorder at 7.5 and 20 °C (3.2–7.2% O₂ + 7.9–9.5% CO₂). The storage life of ‘Doyenne du Comice’ pears with high eating quality could be increased by up to 2 months when packed in MAP as compared with fruit packed in standard perforated polyethylene liners.     

Effects of composite chemical pretreatment on maintaining quality in button mushrooms (Agaricus bisporus) during postharvest storage

This study evaluated the effects of composite chemical pretreatment on the quality of postharvest button mushrooms. Three different treatments, including (T1) control (water), (T2) 1 mmol L⁻¹ Na₂EDTA + 10 mmol L⁻¹ CaCl₂ and (T3) 1 mmol L⁻¹ Na₂EDTA + 2.5% CaCl₂ + 0.5% citric acid + 2.5% sorbitol were used for pretreatments. The results showed that T3-treated samples maintained good firmness and color and had less weight loss during the postharvest storage. Lower levels of H₂O₂, ⁻OH and low malondialdehyde content (MDA) were observed in T3 compared with T1 and T2 samples. Significantly higher soluble protein contents and higher activities in the antioxidant enzymes, i.e., superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), peroxidase (POD) were observed in T3 compared with T1 and T2 at the end of the storage period (P < 0.05). These results suggest that the T3 treatment could be useful in preserving button mushrooms.     

Physicochemical measurements in ‘Mondial Gala®’ apples stored at different atmospheres: Influence on consumer acceptability

Standard quality parameters, consumer acceptability, emission of volatile compounds and ethylene production of ‘Mondial Gala^®’ apples (Malus × domestica Borkh.) were determined in relation to storage atmosphere, storage period and shelf-life period. Fruit were harvested at the commercial date and stored in AIR (21 kPa O₂:0.03 kPa CO₂) or under three different controlled atmospheres (CAs): LO (2 kPa O₂:2 kPa CO₂), ULO1 (1 kPa O₂:1 kPa CO₂), or ULO2 (1 kPa O₂:2 kPa CO₂). Fruit samples were analysed after 12 and 26 weeks of storage plus 1 or 7 d at 20 °C.Apples stored in CA maintained better standard quality parameters than AIR-stored fruit. The volatile compounds that contributed most to the characteristic aroma of ‘Mondial Gala^®’ apples after storage were butyl, hexyl and 2-methylbutyl acetate, hexyl propanoate, ethyl butanoate, ethyl hexanoate, ethyl, butyl and hexyl 2-methylbutanoate. Data obtained from fruit analysis were subjected to principal component analysis (PCA). The apples most accepted by consumers showed the highest emission of ethyl 2-methylbutanoate, ethyl hexanoate, tert-butyl propanoate and ethyl acetate, in addition to the highest titratable acidity and firmness values.     

Pithy brown core in ‘d’Anjou’ pear (Pyrus communis L.) fruit developing during controlled atmosphere storage at pO2 determined by monitoring chlorophyll fluorescence

Physiological responses and fruit quality of ‘d’Anjou’ pear fruit from five orchard lots were evaluated after cold storage in air or controlled atmospheres (CA) with the O₂ concentration based on assessment of fruit chlorophyll fluorescence (CF) or standard conditions (1.5 kPa O₂). The pCO₂ for all CA fruit was 0.5 kPa. Softening, acid loss, and peel degreening of all lots were delayed at one or more evaluation dates (2, 4, 6, 8 months) by previous storage at the CF pO₂ compared with fruit stored in 1.5 kPa O₂ or in air. Superficial scald developed on fruit previously stored in air but not on fruit stored in a CA. Pithy brown core developed on fruit from all lots stored at the CF pO₂ and on fruit stored at 1.5 kPa in 3 of the 5 lots. Pithy brown core incidence decreased with advanced harvest maturity. Post-storage ethylene and CO₂ production were in most instances lowest for fruit stored at the CF pO₂. A significant relationship between fruit ethanol content and pithy brown core incidence was observed. Results indicate low pO₂ storage based on CF monitoring slows fruit ripening relative to fruit stored at 1.5 kPa O₂, prevents superficial scald development compared with fruit stored in air, however, development of pithy brown core in fruit stored at the CF pO₂ was not accompanied by a change in CF.     

Influence of the combination of different atmospheres on diphenylamine,folpet and imazalil content in cold-stored ‘Pink Lady®’ apples

‘Pink Lady^®’ apples were harvested at commercial maturity, treated with three different agrochemical products, and stored at 1 °C under either air or controlled atmosphere conditions (2 kPa O₂ + 2 kPa CO₂ and 1 kPa O₂ + 1 kPa CO₂) for 13 and 27 weeks, followed by 4 weeks storage in air at 1 °C. Diphenylamine, folpet and imazalil contents in both the skin and flesh were simultaneously determined after cold storage plus simulated marketing periods of 1 and 7 d at 20 °C. After 27 weeks plus 7 d, diphenylamine and folpet levels in apple skin were lower for fruit stored in low O₂ (2 kPa) or air than for those kept under ultra-low O₂ (1 kPa). An additional storage period of 4 weeks in air reduced diphenylamine and folpet contents in whole apples stored for 13 weeks in the low O₂ controlled atmosphere. For imazalil, the same result was obtained in apple skins stored for 27 weeks under an ultra-low O₂ controlled atmosphere. Differences in diphenylamine and folpet contents were found for skin and flesh samples throughout the simulated marketing period, but there were observable differences in imazalil contents only for flesh samples.     

Effect of host and Monilinia spp. variables on the efficacy of radio frequency treatment on peaches

Brown rot caused by Monilinia spp. is the most important postharvest disease of stone fruit. Currently, no chemical fungicides are allowed in the European Union to be applied to stone fruit after harvest. In previous work, radio frequency (RF) treatment for 4.5 min applied with fruit immersed in water at 40 °C was very promising for the control brown rot on peaches and nectarines. In the present study, the efficacy of this radio frequency treatment was studied employing different infection times, inoculum concentrations, fruit maturity levels and in naturally infected fruit. Generally, infection time and maturity level of fruit did not have a significant effect on the RF treatment efficacy and brown rot incidence was significantly reduced in fruit inoculated 0, 24 or 48 h before treatment and at all maturity levels evaluated in both peaches and nectarines. RF treatment significantly reduced brown rot incidence at all inoculum concentrations evaluated (10³, 10⁴, 10⁵ and 10⁶ conidia mL⁻¹). However, in peaches, the treatment efficacy was slightly less when the inoculum concentration was increased to 10⁵ or 10⁶ conidia mL⁻¹. In naturally infected fruit, brown rot incidence was significantly reduced from 92% among control fruit to less than 26% in peaches and complete brown rot control was achieved in nectarines. RF treatment did not have an effect on fruit firmness in the varieties tested, and even a delay of fruit softening was observed. Moreover, both external and internal fruit appearance was not affected by the treatment.     

Canopy position affects rind biochemical profile of ‘Nules Clementine’ mandarin fruit during postharvest storage

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of preharvest canopy position and bagging treatments on rind physiological and biochemical properties of ‘Nules Clementine’ mandarin (Citrus reticulata Blanco) fruit. Before storage, the respiration rate of unbagged outside fruit was significantly higher (21.6 mL CO₂ kg⁻¹ h⁻¹) than of bagged inside fruit (16.3 mL CO₂ kg⁻¹ h⁻¹). Unbagged fruit outside the canopy had 1.4-fold higher carbohydrates, and 1.1-fold higher dry matter (DM) content than bagged inside fruit. Bagged fruit inside the canopy had higher (24%) weight loss than outside sun-exposed fruit (14%). This corresponded with a higher rind breakdown (RBD) index for bagged inside fruit, compared to sun-exposed fruit which did not develop the disorder. During postharvest storage, rind fructose levels of bagged fruit inside the canopy increased from 62.4 mg/g DM at harvest to 81.3 mg/g DM after 8 weeks, while those of unbagged outside fruit increased from 97.9 to 108.4 mg/g DM. Concomitant with the increase in fructose, sucrose in rind tissue of bagged inside fruit decreased from 42.6 to 27.7 mg/g DM and from 49.3 to 33.4 mg/g DM for unbagged outside fruit. Rind glucose of unbagged inside fruit decreased from 90.6 to 76.2 mg/g DM. Ascorbic acid concentrations remained almost constant during storage, with levels between 3.3 and 6.7 mg/g DM for inside bagged and unbagged outside fruit, respectively. Hesperidin was the major flavanone detected, with concentrations between 35 and 45 mg/g DM followed by narirutin (1.1–2.8 mg/g DM). At harvest, rind of fruit harvested from outside the canopy had lower hesperidin concentration (38.1 mg/g DM) compared to shaded fruit (44.2 mg/g DM). Overall, the results suggest that variations in microclimatic conditions inside the tree canopy during the growing season affect the biochemical profile of the fruit rind, which in turn influences fruit response to postharvest stresses associated with senescence and susceptibility to RBD.     

Effect of cyclic exposure to ozone gas on physicochemical,sensorial and microbial quality of whole and sliced tomatoes

The effect of a humidified flow of ozone-enriched air applied cyclically (4 ± 0.5 μL L⁻¹ of O₃ for 30 min every 3 h) on metabolic behaviour and sensorial and microbial quality of whole and fresh-cut ‘Thomas’ tomatoes stored up to 15 days at 5 °C was examined. The application of O₃ initially stimulated the respiration rate in a way similar to a stress, although after 2 days, the metabolic activity decreased to a rate lower than that of control (air flow). In O₃-treated whole and sliced tomatoes a higher sugar (fructose and glucose) and organic acid (ascorbic and fumaric) content was found. The kind of cut (whole or slices) did not affect the sensitivity of tomato to O₃. In whole tomatoes, O₃ maintained the tissue firmer than in control fruit while no influence was found on slices. The O₃ treated fruit retained a good appearance and overall quality in slices but experienced a reduced aroma. Also, O₃ substantially reduced microbial counts, being more noticeable on bacteria (1.1–1.2 log₁₀ units) than on fungi (0.5 log₁₀ units). This effect was higher when the storage time was longer and when a higher O₃ level (7 μL L⁻¹) was used. O₃ did not cause any damage or off-flavour in slices or whole tomatoes. In conclusion, the assayed O₃ treatment can be useful for maintaining quality and reducing microbial populations in whole and sliced tomato.     

Controlled atmosphere storage of guava (Psidium guajava L.) fruit

The effects of controlled atmospheres (CA) on respiration, ethylene production, firmness, weight loss, quality, chilling injury, and decay incidence of three commercially important cultivars of guava fruit were studied during storage in atmospheres containing 2.5, 5, 8, and 10 kPa O₂ with 2.5, 5, and 10 kPa CO₂ (balance N₂) at 8 °C, a temperature normally inducing chilling injury. Mature light green fruit of cultivars, ‘Lucknow-49’, ‘Allahabad Safeda’ and ‘Apple Colour’, were stored for 30 days either in CA or normal air, and transferred to ambient conditions (25–28 °C and 60–70% R.H.) for ripening. CA storage delayed and suppressed respiratory and ethylene peaks during ripening. A greater suppression of respiration and ethylene production was observed in fruit stored in low O₂ (≤5 kPa) atmospheres compared to those stored in CA containing 8 or 10 kPa O₂ levels. High CO₂ (>5 kPa) was not beneficial, causing a reduction in ascorbic acid levels. CA storage was effective in reducing weight loss, and maintaining firmness of fruit. The changes in soluble solids content (SSC), titratable acidity (TA), ascorbic acid, and total phenols were retarded by CA, the extent of which was dependent upon cultivar and atmosphere composition. Higher amounts of fermentative metabolites, ethanol and acetaldehyde, accumulated in fruit held in atmospheres containing 2.5 kPa O₂. Chilling injury and decay incidence were reduced during ripening of fruit stored in optimal atmospheres compared to air-stored fruit. In conclusion, guava cultivars, ‘Lucknow-49’, ‘Allahabad Safeda’, and ‘Apple Colour’ may be stored for 30 days at low temperature (8 °C) supplemented with 5 kPa O₂ + 2.5 kPa CO₂, 5 kPa O₂ + 5 kPa CO₂, and 8 kPa O₂ + 5 kPa CO₂, respectively.     

Modified atmosphere packaging for extending the storage life of ‘Fuyu’ persimmon

Persimmon production in Brazil is concentrated from February to June. The large amount of this fruit available in the market influences its price during this period. This study was carried out to evaluate the effect of different packaging plastic materials on extending the storage life of ‘Fuyu’ persimmons kept under refrigeration. ‘Fuyu’ persimmon fruits were harvested on the mature-green stage and enclosed in groups of three (750 ± 30 g) in different packaging materials: 58-μm multilayer polyolephynic film (PO); 50-μm low density polyethylene film (LDPE) and 38-μm microperforated PO. Unpacked fruit stored in corrugated cardboard boxes were used as control. Fruit were stored at 1 ± 1 °C/90 ± 5% RH for 90 d. Every 7 d, five replicates of each treatment were evaluated for headspace gas composition (O₂, CO₂) and then transferred to 25 ± 1 °C/70 ± 5% RH for five more days. Then they were evaluated as to headspace gas composition (O₂, CO₂, acetaldehyde and ethanol), firmness, weight loss, skin and flesh color, total soluble solids, titratable acidity, pH, decay, discoloration and sensory attributes. The gas composition in the steady-state established in the 58-μm PO and 50-μm LDPE films extended the storage period up to 84 d at 1 °C plus 5 d at 25 °C differing significantly (P ≤ 0.05) from the control fruit as well as from those in the 38-μm microperforated PO, which were stored for 21 and 28 d, respectively. Off-flavors were not detected by sensory analysis. These results suggest that the 58-μm PO and 50-μm LDPE films are suitable for atmosphere modification and packaging of ‘Fuyu’ persimmon fruit stored under refrigeration with an additional period of time at ambient temperature.     

Modified atmosphere packaging preserves quality of SO2-free ‘Superior seedless’ table grapes

‘Superior seedless’ table grapes were stored for 7 days at 0 °C followed by 4 days at 8 °C + 2 days at 20 °C under modified atmosphere packaging (MAP). Two polypropylene films (PP) were used to generate the MAP, the micro-perforated PP-30 and an oriented PP (OPP). The OPP film was applied with and without fungicide (10 μL of trans-2-hexenal or 0.4 g Na₂S₂O₅ kg⁻¹). As control a macro-perforated PP was used. PP-30 packages reached the lowest O₂ and the highest CO₂ levels. Control clusters showed the highest weight losses and decay while almost no losses occurred under MAP treatments. No changes in softness, skin and/or pulp browning, or cluster shatter were found. After shelf life MAP-treated clusters showed slight to moderate stem browning, except under SO₂ where practically no browning occurred while control clusters showed an extreme stem browning. After shelf life, MAP treatments showed good visual appearance and crunchiness, while control fruits were unmarketable. No off-flavors were detected for MAP treatments except for hexenal-treated berries. No remarkable changes for color, firmness, soluble solids content, pH, titratable acidity and maturity index were detected. Total sugars content at harvest was 200 g L⁻¹ and only slight decreases were found after shelf life for most treatments. Total organic acids content at harvest was 15.4 mg 100 mL⁻¹, which remained quite constant after cold storage and shelf life. The main phenolic compounds were flavan-3-ols (over 85% from the total content), hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives and flavonols, whose total amount at harvest was 140 mg kg⁻¹ in a fresh weight basis. After shelf life only slight decreases in total phenolics occurred in all treatments. As a main conclusion, SO₂-free MAP kept the overall quality of clusters close to that at harvest, with few differences when SO₂ was added.