Suitability of aqueous chlorine dioxide versus sodium hypochlorite as an effective sanitizer for preserving quality of fresh-cut lettuce while avoiding by-product formation

Aqueous chlorine dioxide (ClO₂) has been postulated as an alternative to sodium hypochlorite (NaClO) for fresh-cut produce sanitization with the advantage of avoiding the risks associated with chlorination by-products. However, little is known about its influence on preserving quality and the potential formation of trihalomethanes (THMs) under typical processing conditions. The suitability of aqueous chlorine dioxide (3 mg L⁻¹) as an effective sanitizer of fresh-cut iceberg lettuce stored under active modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) at refrigerated conditions was determined and compared with sodium hypochlorite (100 mg L⁻¹). Fresh-cut lettuce washed with tap water was used as a control. The epiphytic microbiota were characterized by the evaluation of the major relevant microbial groups such as mesophiles, psychrophiles, Pseudomonas spp., Enterobacteriaceae, lactic acid bacteria, yeasts and moulds. Additionally, gas composition, sensory quality, vitamin C and individual and total phenolics were monitored after washing and during storage for 3 d at 4 °C followed by 7 d at 8 °C. In general, the natural microbiota of fresh-cut lettuce after washing and storage was equally affected by the different washing solutions, with the exception of yeasts which showed the highest growth after 10 d storage in samples washed with chlorine dioxide. None of the tested washings negatively affected sensory quality, which was acceptable after 10 d storage. Additionally, the content of bioactive compounds was not significantly affected either by washing solution or by storage time. The potential formation of THMs was evaluated by the analysis of lettuce washed in water with a chemical oxygen demand (COD) of 700 mg L⁻¹ treated for 30 min with sodium hypochlorite (100 mg L⁻¹) or chlorine dioxide (3.7 mg L⁻¹). Trihalomethane formation was only detected in the process water in which sodium hypochlorite was applied (217 ± 38 μg L⁻¹). However, THMs formation in fresh-cut lettuce was negligible despite the sanitation procedure. The formation of THMs was only detected in fresh-cut lettuce when sodium hypochlorite was used under very extreme conditions where lettuce was washed in water with a high level of organic matter (COD = 1800 mg L⁻¹), high sodium hypochlorite concentration (700 mg L⁻¹) and long contact time (60 min). Our data suggest that aqueous chlorine dioxide is as suitable as sodium hypochlorite for fresh-cut lettuce sanitation with the advantage of preventing the formation of THMs.     

Effect of ultraviolet-C light on quality and microbial population of fresh-cut watermelon

The influence of ultraviolet (UV-C) light (1.4–13.7 kJ m⁻² at 254 nm) on the quality and microbial populations of fresh-cut watermelon [Citrulus lanatus (Thunb.) Matsum. and Nakai] was investigated and compared to that of common sanitizing solutions used for fresh-cut produce. Dipping cubes in chlorine (40 μL L⁻¹) and ozone (0.4 μL L⁻¹) was not effective in reducing microbial populations and quality was lower in cubes receiving these aqueous treatments compared to UV-irradiated cubes or control. In commercial trials, exposing packaged watermelons cubes to UV-C light at 4.1 kJ m⁻² produced >1 log reduction in microbial populations by the end of the product's shelf life without affecting juice leakage, color and, overall visual quality. In further experimentation, lower UV-C dose (1.4 kJ m⁻²) reduced microbial populations to a lower degree and only when complete surface exposure was ensured. Higher UV-C doses did not show any difference in microbial populations (6.3 kJ m⁻²) or result in quality deterioration (13.7 kJ m⁻²). Spray applications of hydrogen peroxide (2%) and chlorine (40 μL L⁻¹), without subsequent removal of excess water, failed to further decrease microbial load of cubes exposed to UV-C light at 4.1 kJ m⁻². When properly utilized, UV-C light is the only method tested in this study that could potentially be used for sanitizing fresh-cut watermelon.     

不同保鲜剂处理对切割生菜品质影响的研究

研究了5种保鲜剂（1mmol／L苯甲酸、0．5％氯化钙、1．0％过氧化氢、1．0％维生素C、1．0％柠檬酸）处理对新鲜切割生菜（10～15mm切割度）在3℃贮藏期间品质变化及贮藏效果的影响。结果表明,在3℃贮藏条件下,5种处理中,1mmol／L苯甲酸和0．5％氯化钙显著延缓切割生菜的叶绿素、总酸、VC以及可溶性固形物含量的下降,保持了较好感官品质,贮藏到第12天仍有商品价值;1,0％过氧化氢和1,0％VC处理对保持切割生菜的品质有一定的作用,但处理效果略次于苯甲酸和氯化钙,商品贮藏期仅为8天：1．0％柠檬酸的处理效果不明显,商品贮藏期仅为6天左右。     

Effect of new sanitizing formulations on quality of fresh-cut iceberg lettuce

In the present study, three recently patented decontamination agents: peroxyacetic acid combined with lactic acid, and two different combinations of hydrogen peroxide with citric acid (with and without propylene glycol), were compared with sodium hypochlorite and tap water washing regarding their effect on equilibrium modified atmosphere packaged (EMAP) fresh-cut iceberg lettuce. Effects of these sanitizers on respiration rate, electrolyte leakage, microbial levels, and sensory quality of the product after decontamination and during storage (3 d at 4 °C followed by 4 d at 7 °C) were elucidated. Hydrogen peroxide based sanitizers provoked a significant increase in the respiration rate and the electrolyte leakage of fresh-cut iceberg lettuce compared with tap water washing. Peroxyacetic acid combined with lactic acid resulted in similar results to those of tap water washing for all the parameters analyzed. However, other aspects of the combination of peroxyacetic and lactic acids (e.g. efficacy for cross-contamination avoidance) should be assessed in the future in order to determine its suitability for fresh-cut iceberg lettuce processing.     

Combined effects of 1-methylcyclopropene, calcium chloride dip, and/or atmospheric modification on quality changes in fresh-cut strawberries

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of 1-methylcyclopropene, 1-MCP (1 μL L⁻¹ for 24 h at 5 °C) on quality attributes and shelf life of fresh-cut strawberries. The 1-MCP was applied before (whole product) and/or after cutting (wedges), followed by storage in a continuous flow of air or air +1 μL L⁻¹ C₂H₄. The combined effects of 1-MCP and CaCl₂ dips (1% for 2 min) and/or CA (3 kPa O₂ + 10 kPa CO₂) were also examined. The application of only 1-MCP before and/or after cutting did not have a significant effect on firmness and appearance quality during storage for up to 12 days at 5 °C. The exposure to a continuous flow of 1 μL L⁻¹ C₂H₄ in air during storage did not increase the softening rate. 1-MCP applied before cutting or both before and after cutting of the strawberries increased respiration rates but reduced C₂H₄ production rates. Exposure to 1-MCP had a synergistic effect when combined with CaCl₂ plus CA. The combined treatment of 1-MCP + CaCl₂ + CA slowed down softening, deterioration rates, TA and microbial growth. Compared to the control, which had a 6-day shelf life, the shelf life of fresh-cut strawberries subjected to the combination treatment was extended to 9 days at 5 °C.     

Baby-leaf and multi-leaf of green and red lettuces are suitable raw materials for the fresh-cut industry

Consumer demand for softer leaves with variation in taste, shape and colours has encouraged the development of new lettuce products of baby-sized leaves. The objective of this study was the comparison of whole-head lettuce, as the most common raw material for fresh-cut, with baby-leaf and multi-leaf as the newest baby-sized lettuce leaves. Lettuces (Lactuca sativa L.) of the types Green Leaf, Red Leaf and Lollo Rosso were cultivated in the same field with different plant densities, under commercial conditions. Although baby-leaf was subjected to far less wound damage than the shredded lettuce from the whole-head, leaf age could play an important role in increasing respiration rate and determining postharvest quality. After 9-11 d of storage, minimally processed products from the three types of raw material showed good visual quality without differences among them. However, over the 12-d storage period, quality decreased to the limit of marketability mainly due to browning of the cut edge surface of the fresh-cut product from whole-heads and decay due to the soft tissue in the case of baby-leaves. Additionally, with the processing of whole-heads, the increase in cut-damage surfaces and availability of cell nutrients provided conditions that favoured the growth of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and total coliforms compared to uncut surfaces of baby-sized leaves. The ratio between the oxidized and reduced forms of ascorbate (DHA/AA) increased 2-4 times after 9-11 d of storage. Furthermore, baby-sized leaves had higher phenolic contents than the shredded product from the whole-head which probably contributed to reaching a shelf-life of 11 d. In conclusion, the new green and red baby-sized leaves both at immature and mature stages provided high quality lettuce for the fresh-cut market, meeting specific requirements regarding visual quality, microbial load and high content of phytochemicals.     

Sensory quality,bioactive constituents and microbiological quality of green and red fresh-cut lettuces (Lactuca sativa L.) are influenced by soil and soilless agricultural production systems

Quality characteristics and shelf-life of fresh-cut lettuce cultivated in soil, as the traditional production system, and soilless, as an innovative production system, were investigated. Three lettuce genotypes, lollo rosso and red oak leaf as red-leafed genotypes, and butterhead as a green-leafed genotype, were studied. Lettuces from both production systems were grown in the same open field and at the same time in the winter season. A longer growing period was needed, to obtain the same maturity stage, in the soil than in the soilless (102 and 63 d after planting, respectively). After harvest, the visual quality of the fresh-cut produce from red-leafed lettuce cultivated in soilless was better than those in soil. In the case of green-leafed genotype, the soilless system gave a lower visual quality of the fresh-cut product. Lollo rosso cultivated in the soilless system had a higher content of phytochemicals, including vitamin C and individual and total phenolics, than that cultivated in soil. At the end of storage, fresh-cut lollo rosso and red oak leaf grown in the soilless system showed significantly higher content of vitamin C than those in soil. This high content of antioxidants was linked to a better maintenance of visual quality and the control of browning when compared with the fresh-cut product from lettuces cultivated in soil. The soilless system was more effective in controlling microbial contamination as lettuce cultivated in the soilless system had a lower initial microbial load and slower microbial growth during storage. At the end of shelf-life, differences in microbial counts between soil and soilless lettuce were 3 and 1.5 log units higher for lactic acid bacteria and total coliforms, respectively, in soil. This study shows that higher quality and microbiologically safer raw product can be provided by the soilless system as a new growing system although it depends on the genotype and the season.     

Neutral and acidic electrolyzed water as emergent sanitizers for fresh-cut mizuna baby leaves

The effects of 40, 70 or 100 mg L^?1 free chlorine neutral and acidic electrolyzed water (NEW and AEW) during the washing and disinfection step, on quality attribute changes during shelf life of fresh-cut mizuna baby leaves, were studied. Physiological, nutritional, enzymatic, sensory, and microbial changes throughout 11 days at 5 °C were monitored. Results were compared to those reached with a conventional industrial treatment of 100 mg L^?1 NaClO at pH 6.5 and with a control washing with deionised water. Both NEW and AEW showed an inhibitory effect on natural microflora growth and retained the main quality attributes. Total chlorophyll content was preserved after shelf life. Initial total phenolic contents ranged between 1868 and 2518 mg CAE kg^?1 fw for AEW 40 and AEW 100 treatments respectively and slightly increased throughout shelf life. In contrast, after shelf life the total antioxidant activity recorded on the processing day decreased around 35%. Throughout shelf life EW induced an increase in catalase activity while superoxide dismutase activity decreased. Scanning electron microscopy of the leaves showed that neither NEW nor AEW affected their surface structure. To the best of our knowledge, the effects of NEW and AEW on bioactive quality parameters, as well as on antioxidant enzyme activities for fresh-cut baby leaves are first reported here. EW provides an alternative sanitizing technique to NaClO for maintaining the quality of fresh-cut mizuna baby leaves up to 11 days at 5 °C.     

Storage of intact heads prior to processing limits the shelf-life of fresh-cut Lactuca sativa L.

Harvested lettuce heads are usually transported and stored for some period of time under a variety of conditions prior to processing. During storage, especially under suboptimal conditions, nutritional composition of the harvested produce continues to change. The possible impact of prior storage of the heads on the performance of the fresh-cut product has not been quantified, and was the aim of this study. The experiments were performed with three related genotypes of Lactuca sativa L. (butterhead lettuce): two green varieties and one red variety. The effect of prior storage on quality parameters in the stored whole heads and on subsequent fresh-cut quality performance was investigated. In addition, the effect of prior storage of heads with and without their root system and the application of light during storage were investigated. The changes in visual quality, the levels of energy reserves, and some selected senescence markers, i.e. chlorophyll content and electrolyte leakage were evaluated. Despite the relatively high storage temperature of 12 °C, the intact heads still looked fresh even after 17 days of storage. However, a decline in the soluble sugars, a decrease in chlorophyll, and an increase in electrolyte leakage were observed with advancing storage duration. Prior storage of intact heads greatly decreased the shelf-life of the fresh-cut product prepared from these heads. Storage of rooted heads and the continuous application of light (above the light compensation point) did not alter the effect of prior storage of the heads on the quality of the fresh-cut product.     

Storage characteristics and relationships between microbial growth parameters and shelf life of MAP sliced onions

Microbial proliferation and sensory quality aspects of sliced onions were tested at different temperatures (−2, 4 and 10 °C) and atmospheric conditions (with or without 40% CO₂ + 59% N₂ + 1% O₂). The relationships among microorganism growth parameters (the initial cell number (N₀), the maximum cell number (N_max), the maximum specific growth rate (μ_max) and lag-phase (λ)) and the microbial or sensory shelf life were determined. The microorganism growth parameters were obtained by fitting the modified Gompertz equation to the microbial counts. The results showed that color intensity (yellowness), sensory scores and microbial counts increased, and firmness decreased during storage. The total plate counts (TPC) provided the best indication of the spoilage organism growth capacity under tested temperatures and atmospheric conditions. The microbial shelf lives of the tested onions in 40% CO₂ + 59% N₂ + 1% O₂, or at −2, 4 and 10 °C, were 12.5, 9.5, 7, 12, 9 and 6 days, respectively, and their sensory shelf lives were 12, 8, 5, 10.5, 7 and 5 days, respectively. The lag time (λ) of the TPC, coliforms, pseudomonads and yeasts correlated well with the microbial and sensory shelf life results. The correlations between microbial and sensory shelf life, and the μ_max of TPC, lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and coliforms were between (−0.61 and −0.85). The initial microbial counts (N₀) of the five microorganisms showed a slight correlation, and the maximum microbial counts (N_max) of this group showed no obvious correlation with onion shelf life, apart from the LAB and yeasts.     

Effect of high-pressure hot-water washing treatment on fruit quality, insects, and disease in apples and pears: Part I. System description and the effect on fruit quality of ‘d’Anjou’ pears

A manually operated high-pressure hot-water washing system consisting of a boiler, hot-water mixing tank, contact loop, heat exchanger, spray mixing tank, high-pressure hot-water washing manifold, low-pressure fresh water rinse manifold, and pressure pump was constructed and installed in a packingline. The system developed 20–50 °C washing water at pressures up to 980 kPa. ‘d’Anjou’ pears (Pyrus communis L.), shortly after harvest, and after storage for 3 and 4 months in regular air (RA) or for 4, 7 and 8 months in controlled atmosphere (CA) at −1 °C were washed through the packingline with different wetting agents (0.1% Silwet, 0.01 and 0.1% Defoamer, and water), water pressures (regular and high-pressure (210–980 kPa)), water temperatures (control (tap water, 4–22 °C), 40 °C, and 50 °C), and brushes (soft and firm), respectively. The effect of the washing conditions on fruit quality was investigated after 1 month of storage at −1 °C to simulate shipping condition, and then again after 1 week at 20 °C to simulate marketing condition. Hot-water caused severe heat scald. When nozzle temperature was 50 °C, the incidence of heat scald increased to over 50% for the fruit stored in RA for 3 months. Combined with hot-water, 540 kPa high-pressure washing increased the incidence of friction discoloration. There were lower incidences of friction discoloration and heat scald for fruit stored in CA for 7 months, in comparison to that in RA for 3 months. However, those fruit did not ripen properly as indicated by a high extractable juice content. Fruit washed at harvest had minor incidences of friction discoloration regardless of different brushes, water pressures, and wetting agents. Fruit washed after storages in either 4 months RA or 4 or 8 months CA suffered a high incidence of friction discoloration including scuffing symptoms and pressure marking. The firm brushes caused a higher incidence of friction discoloration mainly because of scuffing symptoms. However, no differences were found between different water pressures and wetting agents with respect to friction discoloration. Fruit stored for 4 months RA suffered 26–28% friction discoloration in comparison to 16–18% in CA stored fruit with firm brush washing. Extended CA storage increased friction discoloration even with soft brush washing. The results suggest that a washing system with high-pressure spray, <30 °C warm water, wetting agent Defoamer and rotating soft brushes were significantly effective in removing surface pests and decay control without causing internal or external damage of fruit.     

Preharvest and postharvest factors related to off-odours of fresh-cut iceberg lettuce

The influence of different preharvest and postharvest factors affecting off-odour development of fresh-cut iceberg lettuce in low-O₂ modified atmospheres (MA) was investigated. Fresh-cut iceberg lettuce developed undesirable off-odours under low O₂ and elevated CO₂ atmospheres. A strong relationship between CO₂ concentration and off-odour development was observed. Significant differences in off-odour development existed among different cultivars in two harvests in consecutive years. The influence of maturity stage was evaluated, comparing fresh-cut product from immature and over-mature heads with commercial ones. Higher CO₂ concentrations and higher accumulation of ethanol and acetaldehyde were detected in the headspace of MA-packed lettuce from immature heads. Differences in respiration rate of the fresh-cut product from heads cultivated during the winter–spring seasons were around 30%. Respiration rate of fresh-cut iceberg lettuce increased when medium temperature during cultivation increased. Changes in the product weight generated different CO₂ levels which correlated with the production of ethanol and acetaldehyde and other off-odour metabolites related with the lipoxygenase (LOX) pathway such as hexanal, 1-hexanol, and cis-3-hexen-1-ol. Volatile compounds such as cis-3-hexen-1-ol, β-elemene, ethyl acetate and dimethyl sulphide increased their content more than 10 times compared with other volatiles. Moreover, differences in the initial flushed gas-mixture with or without CO₂ showed higher CO₂ concentrations and the development of stronger off-odours when samples were flushed with an enriched CO₂ gas-mixture. In summary, visual quality of fresh-cut iceberg lettuce is important but so are odour and flavour. MAP currently used for fresh-cut lettuce may need some modification to inhibit off-odours and achieve better aroma and flavour qualities for preserving “freshness” of the cut product. Screening for cultivars with low browning potential and fermentation, harvested at optimum maturity stage and with an adequate package design are recommended.     

Combined effect of chemical treatment and/or modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) on quality of fresh-cut papaya

The efficacy of chemical dips and modified atmosphere packaging (MAP), alone and in combinations, on the quality of fresh-cut papaya were studied throughout 25 days at 5 °C. Fresh-cut papaya were dipped in a solution of calcium chloride (1% w/v) and citric acid (2% w/v), packed in an atmosphere of 5% O₂, 10% CO₂, 85% N₂ and stored at 5 °C for 25 days. Physico-chemical analysis (package atmosphere, weight loss, pH, total soluble solids, firmness and color) and microbial quality along with a sensory analysis were measured at regular intervals throughout the storage period. Significant differences were found among the chemically treated and non-treated fresh-cut papaya in all the parameters considered. Chemical treatment followed by MAP, showed the best results among the treatment in terms of retaining sensory and quality characteristics and extending the shelf-life of 25 d for fresh-cut papaya.     

不同清洗剂对鲜切生菜品质及贮藏期间微生物的影响

以鲜切散叶生菜为研究对象,分别研究在4℃贮藏条件下,自来水、次氯酸钠和氧泡泡颗粒3种清洗剂对其生理指标、感官品质和微生物生长情况的影响。结果表明,氧泡泡颗粒处理的鲜切生菜感官评分最高,在贮藏至第8天时,仍可以维持较好的品质,可溶性固形物含量比鲜样降低0.8%,维C含量降低1.09 mg/100 g,还原糖含量降低0.11%,叶绿素含量降低1.443 mg/100 g,在一定程度上延缓了生菜的萎蔫,从而延长其货架期,并且菌落总数小于6 lg(CFU/g),具有食用价值。氧泡泡鲜氧颗粒可用于鲜切散叶生菜的清洗,在抑制微生物生长繁殖的同时可以维持较好的感官品质。     

脱水对鲜切黄瓜贮藏品质的影响

采用两种脱水方式(自然沥干和离心脱水)处理鲜切黄瓜,通过电子鼻技术结合感官和品质分析对鲜切黄瓜贮藏期间的品质变化进行研究。结果表明:鲜切黄瓜在冷藏过程中稍有质量损失,果肉硬度下降,呼吸强度增加,离心脱水组黄瓜的品质整体劣于自然沥干组,菌落总数在贮藏6 d后大幅度增加,结合电子鼻PCA与LDA分析,自然沥干组在贮藏10 d、离心脱水组在贮藏6 d能够与其他贮藏时间有明显区别,可以推测自然沥干组的黄瓜切片货架期为8～9 d;而离心脱水组的切片货架期为4～5 d。     

不同保鲜剂对鲜切娃娃菜贮藏品质及抗氧化活性的影响

为改善兰州高原夏菜娃娃菜鲜切后的贮藏品质,以兰州高原夏菜娃娃菜为试材,分别使用0.5 mmol/L水杨酸、0.1%溶菌酶和6 mg/L二氧化氯3种保鲜剂和蒸馏水浸泡鲜切娃娃菜,通过测定鲜切娃娃菜的色差值、失重率、叶绿素含量和过氧化物酶(POD)、多酚氧化酶(PPO)活性等指标,研究不同保鲜剂对鲜切娃娃菜贮藏品质及抗氧化活性的影响。结果表明:0.1%溶菌酶、0.5 mmol/L水杨酸和6 mg/L二氧化氯均可有效保持鲜切娃娃菜的感官品质,延缓营养物质的消耗,提高娃娃菜贮藏期间的抗氧化活性。从总体效果来看,0.1%溶菌酶处理效果最好,能够有效抑制贮藏期间鲜切娃娃菜叶绿素、抗坏血酸(VC)、总黄酮、总酚的消耗,使POD活性增加、PPO活性降低。     

Ultralow oxygen treatment for postharvest control of western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis (Thysanoptera: Thripidae), on iceberg lettuce: II. Effects of pre-treatment storage on lettuce quality

Iceberg lettuce stored under normal atmosphere and controlled atmosphere (CA) with about 3% oxygen at low temperature for 1 week was compared with fresh lettuce for their response to 2 d ultralow oxygen (ULO) treatment with 0.003% oxygen at 10 °C for control of western flower thrips. Lettuce which had been stored for 1 week under normal or CA tolerated ULO treatment while over 30% of fresh lettuce sustained minor injury to heartleaves. Therefore, pre-treatment storage at low temperature enhanced tolerance of lettuce to the subsequent insecticidal ULO treatment. A sequential combination of CA storage and ULO treatment was demonstrated to be effective against western flower thrips and lettuce aphid and safe to all seven lettuce cultivars tested. The study indicated that ULO treatment can be made safer to lettuce through pre-treatment storage to increase lettuce tolerance.     

鲜切莲藕微生物模型的建立及货架寿命预测

研究鲜切莲藕在不同贮藏温度下细菌生长趋势和感官质量的变化,建立微生物生长模型,预测鲜切莲藕的货架寿命;将莲藕切片经保鲜处理、包装后,置4、8和20℃贮藏温度下贮藏,测定贮藏期间鲜切莲藕中细菌总数,利用DPS软件,建立Gompertz模型;结果表明,试验中所建立的Gompertz模型能有效地拟合在不同贮藏温度下鲜切莲藕中细菌总数的动态变化;建立的微生物模型能预测不同贮藏温度下、不同贮藏时间内鲜切莲藕中的细菌总数,为快速、有效地评估鲜切莲藕的货架寿命和微生物安全性,提供了一个方便有效的方法。     

Ultralow oxygen treatment for postharvest control of western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis (Thysanoptera: Thripidae), on iceberg lettuce: I. Effects of temperature, time, and oxygen level on insect mortality and lettuce quality

Ultralow oxygen (ULO) treatments with different oxygen levels, treatment times, and temperatures were studied to determine effects on western flower thrips mortality and postharvest quality of iceberg lettuce. Thrips mortality increased with reduced oxygen level and increased treatment time and temperature. At 0.003% oxygen, over 99.6% mortality rates of thrips were achieved in three ULO treatments of 2, 3, and 4 d at 10, 5, and 1 °C, respectively. No treatments caused injury to lettuce surface leaves and there was no reduction in visual quality for treated lettuce. However, about 9–33% of lettuce heads sustained injury to heartleaves. The 2 d ULO treatment with 0.003% oxygen had the lowest injury rate to heartleaves and the injury increased with increased treatment duration. The amount of injured leaves was small (<2 g per head). There were also some variations among the lettuce cultivars in susceptibility to heartleaf injury by ULO treatments. Four out of eight cultivars tested tolerated the 2 d ULO treatment at 10 °C without any injury. Therefore, ULO treatment has potential to be developed as an alternative postharvest treatment for western flower thrips on iceberg lettuce.     

不同处理对鲜切莴苣褐变及贮藏品质的影响

以莴苣为研究材料,以10 g/L L-抗坏血酸、5 g/L柠檬酸、0.2 g/L水杨酸和0.2 g/L阿魏酸处理鲜切莴苣,去离子水浸泡为对照组,通过测定褐变度、总酚、类黄酮、多酚氧化酶(PPO)活性、过氧化物酶(POD)活性及苯丙氨酸解氨酶(PAL)活性,探讨不同抗褐变剂对鲜切莴苣褐变的影响。结果表明,4种抗褐变剂处理均能够有效抑制酶促褐变有关酶活性的升高,减少多酚物质的含量,降低褐变度,有效地保证了鲜切莴苣的贮藏品质,其中0.2 g/L阿魏酸处理的效果最好。