ISHS Acta Horticulturae 492: I International Symposium on Cucurbits
EFFECT OF SEMPERFRESH ON POSTHARVEST BEHAVIOR OF CUCUMBER (CUCUMIS SATIVUS L.) AND SUMMER SQUASH (CUCURBITA PEPO L.) FRUITS |
| Authors: | K. KAYNAS, I.S. ÖZELKÖK |
| Keywords: | Cucumber, summer squash, postharvest, semperfresh |
| Abstract:
Cucumber and summer squash fruits were tested to investigate the effect of polymer fruit coating material Semperfresh on postharvest quality. Semperfresh is applied to the already washed fruits by dipping method at 0.8% and 1.0% doses, and allowed to dry at room temperature. Storage experiments carried out at 12°C and 90–95% RH in cold room. Respiration rates and external quality of fruits were also studied during shelf life at 20°C. Results of two cucumber varieties (Niz 760, Hana) and one summer squash variety (Arlica) were nearly similar. Semperfresh did not retard water loss during storage on Arlica variety of summer squash and Niz 760 cucumber variety. However, 1.0% application of Semperfresh is commercially important in reducing the water loss of Hana cucumber variety. Semperfresh applications significantly reduced respiration rates of fruits. Moreover, coated fruits were greener in skin color than non-coated fruits stored at 12°C. Especially reduced rates of respiration and chlorophyll degradation were more evident in the 1.0% dose of Semperfresh. Variations in external quality between coated and non-coated fruits were visually important. Semperfresh coated fruits had increased marketable characteristics. These are observable in slower color change, decreased respiration rate and slow softening. Semperfresh can be beneficial for cucumber and summer squash at 1% dose for limited storage and shelf life. | |
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