ISHS Acta Horticulturae 464: International Postharvest Science Conference Postharvest 96
EFFECT OF FRUIT MATURITY ON THE SUCCESS OF CONTROLLED ATMOSPHERE STORAGE OF ‘FANTASIA’ NECTARINES |
| Authors: | D.M. Burmeister, J.E. Harman |
| Abstract:
A range of controlled atmosphere (CA) conditions were applied to ‘Fantasia’ nectarines harvested at local and export market maturity standards. Ethylene (C2H4) production at harvest showed that both grades of fruit were starting the climacteric, but that the local market fruit were further advanced. These fruit were coolstored at 0°C under air or CA conditions for 4 or 6 weeks. After 4 weeks, fruit of both maturities stored in air lacked flavour, were softer and developed a mealy texture during shelf life compared to fruit stored under 2% oxygen (O2) plus either 5 or 10% carbon dioxide (CO2), or under air plus 10, 15 or 20% CO2. The CA-stored fruit were juicy, and developed a good flavour. C2H4 production of air-stored fruit during a shelf life period suggest that the fruit were ripening abnormally. Fruit stored under CA retained the capability to produce C2H4 after coolstorage, although the more mature local market fruit were showing signs of senescence after 4 and 6 weeks storage. Previously unpublished work is presented showing that these disorders were accompanied by a reduction in activity of the enzymes endo and exo-polygalacturonase. Results suggest that for optimum storage life, nectarines should be placed into CA storage near the onset of the C2H4 climacteric. | |
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