ISHS Acta Horticulturae 379: International Symposium on Quality of Fruit and Vegetables: Influence of Pre- and Post- Harvest Factors and Technology
USE OF CONTROLLED ATMOSPHERE TO EXTEND STORAGE LIFE OF 'ROCHA' PEARS |
| Authors: | M. Graça Barreiro, M. Laura Cabral, J. Franco |
| Abstract:
In Portugal, the 'Rocha' pear represents 67% of the total production of pears and is obviously the most representative pear, being exported mainly to Canada, Brazil and France. With the use of cold storage it is possible to maintain good quality fruits until January (4 months). The need to dispose of fruits for a longer period of time to satisfy export requests, has led to studies on the physiological behaviour of 'Rocha' pears under different treatments. In this experiment the fruits were harvested (24 August 1992) and kept during 8 months in cold storage (0°C, 85–90% R.H.) in a rich CO2 (2%) and normal oxygen atmosphere and in bags of polyethylene with a diffusion window for the oxygen and CO2 (Marcellin model). After each one of the storage periods, total sugars, starch, acidity, firmness and production of C2H4 and CO2 were quantified, during the complementary maturation period. Also tests of organoleptic evaluation were made. After 23 weeks of storage, the fruits in the polyethylene bags were in less advanced maturity conditions than the control fruits (firmness and total sugars) and the testing panel found the fruits in the bags with better quality. The sanitary condition of these fruits was also superior to the other modalities. The production of CO2 and C2H4 was lower in fruits stored in controlled atmosphere, before the climacteric. After this, the production of CO2 and C2H4 was similar in both modalities, which showed that the controlled atmosphere delayed the senescence of the fruits. | |
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