ISHS Acta Horticulturae 275: International Symposium on the Culture of Subtropical and Tropical Fruits and Crops
CONTROLLED AND MODIFIED ATMOSPHERE STORAGE OF BANANAS |
| Authors: | A.B. Truter, J.C. Combrink |
| Abstract:
Fruit of the banana cultivars Dwarf Cavendish and Williams remained in a green condition for 6 weeks under controlled atmosphere (CA) conditions of 2% oxygen and 7% carbon dioxide at 12.5°C. Thereafter the fruit ripened normally within 4 to 5 days at 16°C. The storage life of bananas was also extended when fruit were held in a modified atmosphere containing 10% carbon dioxide for 1 to 3 days, followed by storage under regular atmosphere conditions at 12.5°C. Packing the fruit in polyethylene bags and treatment with different concentrations of 'Semperfresh' also extended the storage life. Under semi-commercial CA storage at 2% oxygen and 5% carbon dioxide the fruit started to ripen after 5 weeks storage due to uneven maturity. Storage of bananas in CA shipping containers or in polyethylene bags in standard shipping containers was also successful and export of bananas by sea can become a viable proposition. | |
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