Influence of Different Factors on Firmness and Color Evolution During the Storage of Persimmon cv. 'Rojo Brillante'

‘Rojo Brillante’ persimmons were harvested in 2 different dates, early and late, and then submitted to 1‐methylcyclopropene (1‐MCP) treatment (500 nL/L) before stored at 1 or 15 °C up to 50 or 30 d, respectively. The influence of harvest date, 1‐MCP treatment, orchard, storage time, and temperature on firmness loss and color evolution during storage of ‘Rojo Brillante’ persimmon was studied. Statistical models that allowed the prediction of these 2 quality parameters during the storage, as well as the modeling of the behavior of both of them, were also evaluated. The softening, as a consequence of chilling sensitiveness when stored at 1 °C, was more accentuated in the early harvested fruit. In storage at 15 °C, also, the firmness loss was faster in fruit harvested earlier. 1‐MCP treatment drastically reduced chilling injury (CI) symptoms at 1 °C and retarded firmness loss at 15 °C, both of these effects being dependent on harvest date. The model presented to study the firmness and color relationship offers an important tool to predict firmness from fruit color measurements.     

A simple pretreatment with low O2 to alleviate superficial scald in Granny Smith apples

Sealing Granny Smith apples in a low‐O₂ atmosphere for 7 days at 20 °C (LO₂‐20C) prior to cold storage reduced superficial scald development after 6 and 8 months at 0 °C plus 10 days at 20 °C. This LO₂‐20C treatment reduced the O₂ levels that induce endogenous production of significant amounts of CO₂, acetaldehyde and ethanol, and thereby reduced ethylene production in cold storage, which in turn reduced scald development. Treatment with ethanol vapour (20 mL L^?1) for 1 day at 20 °C plus 6 days at 1 °C or with low O₂ for 1 day at 20 °C plus 6 days at 1 °C (LO₂‐1C) did not reduce scald effectively. 1‐Methylcyclopropene (1‐MCP) treatment at 0.5 µL L^?1 was the most efficient at reducing scald development. In all treatments, superficial scald development proceeded from the distal blossom end towards the proximal stem end of fruits. After 6 months of cold storage at 0 °C, peel browning and membrane leakage, measured as electrical conductivity in situ, were greater at the blossom end than at the stem end of control, ethanol‐ and LO₂‐1C‐pretreated fruits. In LO₂‐20C‐ and 1‐MCP‐pretreated fruits, colour indices (hue angle, lightness and chroma) and electrolyte leakage were similar at both the stem and blossom ends and were associated with less scald development after 6 months at 0 °C. The reduction in scald development was also associated with lower peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase activities in the peel of LO₂‐20C‐ and 1‐MCP‐pretreated fruits. A simple treatment at 20 °C (LO₂‐20C) prior to regular cold storage could also be suitable for organically grown apples that cannot be treated with diphenylamine or 1‐MCP. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry     

Combination of 1-methylcyclopropene treatment and controlled atmosphere storage retains overall fruit quality and bioactive compounds in mango

BACKGROUND: Postharvest application of fungicide prochloraz and hot‐water dip are commercially practiced to control postharvest diseases in mangoes. Owing to the increasing consumer demand for organically produced fruit, the search for natural environmentally friendly alternative products and processes has become important for the fruit industry. This study evaluated the combined effect of 1‐methylcyclopropene (1‐MCP) (500 nL L^?1) and controlled atmosphere storage conditions (CA‐1, 5% O₂ + 5% CO₂ or CA‐2, 3% O₂ + 8% CO₂) on the maintenance of fruit quality and bioactive compounds on hot‐water treated mangoes (cv. Kent) during postharvest storage. RESULTS: In comparison to the 1‐MCP + CA‐1 treatment, 1‐MCP + CA‐2 reduced the incidence of anthracnose, weight and firmness loss; delayed the skin and flesh colour development; prevented the increase of soluble solids concentration/titratable acidity ratio, ethanol and acetaldehyde content; and maintained the ascorbic acid, carotenoid, total phenolic and flavonoid contents, and antioxidant scavenging activity in hot‐water treated mangoes. The untrained panel preferred 1‐MCP + CA‐2 treated fruit to the fruit subjected to other postharvest treatments adopted in this investigation. CONCLUSION: Our investigation suggests that the combined effect of 1‐MCP and CA‐2 storage can be recommended as an alternative treatment to replace prochloraz application for hot‐water treated mangoes and can be adopted commercially for organic export markets. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry     

Cutting Shape and Storage Temperature Affect Overall Quality of Fresh-cut Papaya cv. 'Maradol'

: The effect of cutting shape (cubes or slices) and storage temperature (5 °C, 10 °C, and 20 °C) on overall quality of fresh‐cut papaya were investigated. CO₂ production, color, firmness, total soluble solids (TSS), weight loss, overall quality, ascorbic acid, β‐carotene, and antioxidant capacity were evaluated as a function of shelf life. CO₂ production was high on day 0 for cubes and slices with an average of 150 and 100 mL/ kg/h, respectively. Storage temperature did not affect color changes; however, lower temperatures prevented loss of firmness. Fresh‐cut papaya stored at 20 °C showed the lowest TSS value and the highest weight losses. Shelf life based on visual quality ended before significant losses of total ascorbic acid, b‐carotene, and antioxidant capacity occurred. In general, quality parameters were not affected by shape. However, slices stored at 10 °C and 5 °C had a shelf life of 1 d and 2 d longer than cubes, respectively.     

EFFECTS OF 1‐METHYLCYCLOPROPENE AND MODIFIED ATMOSPHERE PACKING ON POSTHARVEST LIFE AND QUALITY IN TOMATOES

ABSTRACT

The effects of 1‐methylcyclopropene (1‐MCP), modified atmosphere packaging (Xtend, StePac L.A. Ltd., Tefen, Israel) and their combination were investigated on storage and quality maintenance of tomatoes cv. “Perla” harvested at two maturity stages. 1‐MCP treatment was performed in 1,000 nL/L doses for 24 h while untreated fruits were considered as control. Fruits were stored at 12C with 90% relative humidity for 21 days. Weight loss, skin color, elasticity, lycopene, ascorbic acid, soluble solid content (SSC), titratable acidity (TA) and SSC/TA were evaluated with the intervals of 7 days. MAP with and without 1‐MCP reduced weight loss and maintained to elasticity compared with control and 1‐MCP alone. Nevertheless, 1‐MCP or its combination with MAP significantly delayed changes in parameters related to fruit ripening, such as skin color, lycopene, TA and SSC/TA increase in both ripening stages. Overall results indicated that the combination of 1,000 nL/L 1‐MCP and modified atmosphere package was the most effective treatment in both ripening stages.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Tomato is a climacteric fruit and its ripening depends on ethylene production physiology. 1‐Methylcyclopropene (1‐MCP) prevents ethylene action by blocking ethylene receptors and extends the storage life of tomatoes. Modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) of fresh fruits and vegetables refers to the still evolving technique of matching the respiration of the product with the O₂ and CO₂ permeability of packages in order to modify the oxygen and carbon dioxide concentrations of the atmosphere to desired levels within the package. Recent studies revealed that combined applications of 1‐MCP and MAP have significant effects on maintaining storage quality of banana, litchi and plums. This study was conducted on the investigation of the effects of 1‐MCP and MAP combination on storage duration and quality of tomatoes harvested at different maturity stages.     

Removing Astringency by Carbon Dioxide and Nitrogen-Enriched Atmospheres in Persimmon Fruit cv. "Rojo brillante"

Persimmon fruit cv. “Rojo brillante” were harvested at commercial maturity and kept in atmospheres with CO₂ or N₂ at 25°C for 18 or 27 h and evaluated after a simulated retail stage of 3 d at 15 °C, 80% RH. Soluble solids and polyphenol oxidase activity were not affected by CO₂‐ or N₂‐enriched atmospheres or length of treatment. Exposure time affected fruit firmness and color. Carbon dioxide treatment resulted in fruits that were lower in astringency. The greatest levels of ethanol and acetaldehyde were found in the fruits treated with CO₂ for 27 h.     

Influence of edible coating on quality of plum (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Prunus salicina</Emphasis> Lindl. cv. ‘Sapphire’)

Edible coating may enhance the boundary layer resistance resulting in enhanced shelf life of fruits. Plums (Prunus salicina Lindl. cv. ‘Sapphire’) were treated with coating material based on carbohydrate (Versasheen) with sorbitol as plasticizer and stored at 20 °C and 85% RH. The influence of coating on the gas transmission rates was estimated using a carrier of 100% cellulose paper. Coating treatment reduced the transmission rate of CO₂, O₂, and H₂O. Changes in fruit weight, fruit flesh firmness, color parameters (L*, a*, and hue angle), soluble solids content, pH, titratable acidity, ethylene, CO₂, malondialdehyde (MDA), and VIS/NIR fruit reflectance spectrum were recorded in 2-day interval. Edible coating was effective in delaying the increase of pH and the loss of firmness, titratable acidity, L*, hue angle, and MDA. The incorporation of sorbitol showed beneficial effects on decreasing the weight loss, CO₂, and ethylene exchange. In the room temperature storage period, not only fruit ripening was measurable in the VIS (350–750 nm) and NIR (750–1,400 nm) wavelength ranges due to the decrease in the fruit chlorophyll absorption but also water loss, respectively. After 5-day room temperature storage the chlorophyll absorption peak in the spectra was already beyond the detection limit in all treatments, while after 3-day storage, the coating effect on the spectral intensities was feasible to separate control from coated plums.     

Efficacy of different chemicals on shelf life extension of parsley stored at two temperatures

Four different chemical treatments, GA₃, 1‐MCP, essential oils and nano‐Cu, were applied immediately after harvest to Petroselinum crispum (Mill) plants. The efficacy of the above chemicals on shelf life extension of parsley stored at 5 °C and 20 °C was determined by analysing physiological and biochemical factors that determine quality standards of storage fresh parsley. Nonsprayed parsley revealed the highest loss of weight, ascorbic acid, pigments and an enhancement of CO₂ production and lipid peroxidation at 5 °C and 20 °C of storage. Nano‐Cu was more effective for delaying weight loss and revealed a better storage capacity. GA₃, 1‐MCP and essential oils sprays were more effective in ascorbic acid retention at 20 °C than at 5 °C, whereas all substances protect samples from lipid peroxidation. Essential oils were more clearly inhibitory towards both total viable counts and yeast infection. Our results suggest that GA₃, 1‐MCP, essential oils and Nano‐Cu exert their function through different mechanisms during ripening and could provide an effective and complementary means for maintaining high‐quality parsley leaves after harvest.     

1‐MCP does not improve the shelf‐life of Chinese cabbage

Chinese cabbages cv ‘Yuki’ (Brassica campestris L ssp pekinensis (Lour) Olsson) were treated with air containing 1‐methylcyclopropene (1‐MCP) at concentrations ranging from 0 to 1 µl l^?1 for 12 h at 22°C before storage for 9 weeks at 3°C. Quality, weight loss and trimming loss were measured before treatment, and before and after storage, but were not influenced by 1‐MCP. 1‐MCP at 0.1 and 1.0 µl l^?1 elicited increased levels of respiration and ethylene production which subsided when the cabbages were placed in cold storage. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry     

EFFECT OF COLD STORAGE ON THE QUALITY CHARACTERISTICS OF ‘AU-RUBRUM’ PLUMS1

The effect of cold storage (0°C) and maturity on the physical, chemical and sensory characteristics of plums (cv. ‘AU-Rubrum’) was determined. The size, weight, soluble solids and total sugar contents of the more mature fruit were significantly higher (P<0.05) and the “L” and hue angle were significantly lower (P<0.05) than plums in the less mature class. ‘AU-Rubrum’ fruit contained glucose, fructose and sorbitol but had no sucrose. Artificially ripening fruit at 20°C had a significant effect (P<0.01) on all color values for both maturity 1 and 2 fruit. The titratable acidity and sugar contents of the fruit ripened at 20°C were lower for ripened than for unripened fruit. Storage of the plums at 0°C for 5 weeks followed by subsequent ripening at 20°C had no significant effect on physical, chemical or sensory characteristics. Data indicate that ‘A U-Rubrum’ plums which have one-half red ground color (maturity 1) will develop full color and complete the normal ripening process. Data also indicate that the plums can be stored for at least 5 weeks at O°C without loss of quality and that the cultivar has potential for shipping to distant markets.     

Influence of ethanol and heat on disease control and quality in stored mango fruits

Pestalotia mangiferae and Curvularia lunata are the main postharvest fungi of mango cv. ‘Tommy Atkins’ causing serious economic losses during storage. Two substitutes of synthetic postharvest fungicides were tested: ethanol and heat, separately and combined at different concentrations and temperatures. Experiments were carried out in vitro to evaluate mycelial growth and spore germination and directly on mango fruits to evaluate the combination of ethanol with heat on disease incidence and on fruit quality. Storage period was of 12-days at 25 °C. Response of P. mangiferae and C. lunata towards the application of ethanol and temperature was very similar. When trials were carried out separately, ethanol at 400 ml/L completely inhibited growth of both fungi while mycelial growth reached approximately only 35 mm or less at concentrations up to 400 ml/L. Germination was severely affected by ethanol application at concentrations up to 100 ml/L. The combination of both factors also influenced fungi development affecting their conidia more than their mycelium. A complete disease control of mango fruits was achieved at 300 ml/L ethanol with 50 °C temperature. The changes in weight loss, firmness, color, acidity, SSC and, pH values of the treated and untreated mango fruits followed the normal ripening evolution.     

Cultivar variation in response of strawberry fruit to high carbon dioxide treatments

The influence of cultivar on responses of strawberry fruit to 20 kPa CO₂ or air storage at 2 °C was measured for 7 days. CO₂ storage increased firmness of all cultivars over air storage, but the degree of increase was affected by cultivar and days in storage. CO₂‐treated fruit were lighter colored and less intensely red than air‐treated fruit. Accumulations of acetaldehyde, ethanol and ethyl acetate in CO₂‐treated fruit were strongly affected by cultivar, with those in ‘Annapolis’ having the lowest and those in ‘Governor Simcoe’ having the highest concentrations. Genetic variation in this response provides useful material for investigating the metabolic basis of CO₂ effects in strawberry fruit. © 1999 Society of Chemical Industry     

Effects of 1‐methylcyclopropene and gibberellic acid on ripening of Chinese jujube (Zizyphus jujuba M) in relation to quality

Overripening of Chinese jujube (Zizyphus jujuba M) fruit at the postharvest stage usually results in a dramatic decline in quality. The role of 1‐methylcyclopropene (1‐MCP) and gibberellic acid (GA) in fruit ripening of Chinese jujube during storage in relation to quality was investigated. Fruit ripening of jujube was significantly enhanced by ethylene, whereas rates of respiration and ethylene production of the fruit were reduced by 1‐MCP. Treatment with 1‐MCP or GA delayed the decreases in firmness and vitamin C and reduced the level of ethanol. Furthermore, the effectiveness of 1‐MCP was improved by replicate treatments during storage at 20 or 2 °C. In addition, treatment with GA + 1‐MCP resulted in additive beneficial effects on ripening inhibition of the fruit. Copyright © 2003 Society of Chemical Industry     

Influence of different concentrations of 1-methylcyclopropene on the quality of tomato harvested at different maturity stages

BACKGROUND: A wide range of 1‐methylcyclopropene (1‐MCP) concentrations as well as various treatment durations have been studied in tomatoes by different researchers. However, little is known about interaction of 1‐MCP doses and maturity stages of tomatoes. Therefore the effects of different concentrations of 1‐MCP on storage and postharvest quality of ‘Zorro’ tomatoes harvested at mature green or pink maturity stages were investigated in a 2‐year trial study. RESULTS: Higher concentrations of 1‐MCP delayed and/or inhibited all parameters related to fruit ripening, such as lycopene, chlorophyll, surface color, polygalacturonase (PG) activity and soluble solids content/titratable acidity (SSC/TA), and these effects were greater in tomatoes harvested at the mature green stages. Lower concentrations of 1‐MCP slightly reduced the loss in general quality features compared with untreated tomatoes. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that 1‐MCP, especially at higher doses, is effective for delaying ripening of mature green tomatoes. Mature green fruits treated with 1000 nL L^?1 1‐MCP were stored for 35 days without significant decreases in quality characteristics such as elasticity, surface color and SSC/TA with certain physiological processes (ethylene production, PG activity, lycopene synthesis). Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry     

Extending the shelf‐life of bananas with 1‐methylcyclopropene and a chitosan‐based edible coating

BACKGROUND: The marketability of bananas over long distances has been limited due to their highly perishable nature and sensitivity to ethylene. To increase the shelf‐life several alternatives have been tested in attempts to maintain quality characteristics. We evaluated the effects of 1‐methylcyclopropene (SmartFresh^SM, 1‐MCP) and a chitosan‐based edible coating (FreshSeal^®, EC), applied alone or combined, on bananas at ripeness stage 3. All fruits were stored for 8 days at 22 °C, 85% RH. Color development, weight loss, firmness, physiological, sensory and chemical variables were evaluated. RESULTS: After 3 days, control and EC‐treated fruits were completely yellow (°Hue = 90), while 1‐MCP treated fruits alone and combined with EC were still showing some green colorations on tips and neck of fingers. After 7 days, fruits treated with the combination (EC + 1‐MCP) reached a Hue value of 90. Firmer fruits were observed with 1‐MCP alone or combined with EC. A decrease of 0.15% titratable acidity and an increase of 8°Brix were observed in all treatments during the experiment. The incidence of sugar spots was delayed and diminished on fruits treated with 1‐MCP either alone or combined. Sensory results showed no adverse effects by using the 1‐MCP or the edible coating. CONCLUSION: The combined treatment of EC + 1‐MCP could be used to extend the commercial life of bananas for up to four more days. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry     

Equilibrium modified atmosphere packaging of wild strawberries

Wild strawberries (Fragaria vesca L.) are high‐added‐value fruits but their marketing is complex owing to their short postharvest life. In this work, equilibrium modified atmosphere packaging (EMAP) technology was used to maintain their quality and consequently to extend their life. Fresh strawberries were packaged with two continuous and three microperforated films (with different gas permeabilities) with the purpose of obtaining equilibrium atmospheres of diverse compositions. Weight loss, pH and acidity, solid content, colour, firmness, fungal decay and development of off‐flavours were selected to monitor fruit quality during 6 days at 10 °C. Among the five packages tested, microperforated films with one and three perforations provided adequate CO₂ and O₂ equilibrium concentrations in view of the evolution of chemical and physical quality parameters. These results were confirmed by sensory analysis. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry     

Effects of CO2 and O2 shocks at high temperature on postharvest quality of cold‐stored citrus fruit

The effect of CO₂ or O₂ shocks at high temperature on the quality of citrus fruits stored at 5 °C for up to 6 weeks followed by shelf life of 1 week at 20 °C was investigated. ‘Ortanique’ and ‘Nadorcott’ mandarins exposed to 95 kPa CO₂ at 33 °C for 24 h showed apparent rind physiological disorders and a global loss of fruit quality. Exposure to CO₂ concentrations up to 50 kPa at 33 °C for 24 h did not adversely affect mandarin quality. Moreover, the treatment of mandarins and ‘Valencia’ oranges with 15 kPa CO₂ and 30 kPa O₂, respectively, both at 33 °C for 48 h, reduced weight and rind firmness loss and prevented the accumulation of fermentative volatiles on cold‐stored fruit.     

Effects of 1‐Methylcyclopropene and Hot Water Quarantine Treatment on Quality of “Keitt” Mangos

The optimal 1‐methylcyclopropene (1‐MCP) treatment to slow ripening of whole “Keitt” mangos, either alone or in combination with hot water treatment (HWT) (prior to or post 1‐MCP) was identified. USDA‐APHIS mandates that HWT can be used for control of fruit flies, but this may affect fruit response to 1‐MCP. Mangos were evaluated by repeated measurement of nondestructive firmness, peel color, and ethylene production on the same mango fruits during 2 wk of ripening at 20 °C after treatment. The magnitude of ethylene production increased as a result of both 1‐MCP and HWT. With softer mangos (65 N), treatment with 1‐MCP alone delayed fruit softening and extended the number of days to full‐ripeness (25 N) from 5 d in untreated fruit to 11 d. For these riper fruit, application of 1‐MCP prior to HWT extended the days to full‐ripeness to 9 d compared with 7 d when 1‐MCP was applied after HWT. With firmer mangos (80 N), 1‐MCP treatments alone prolonged the days to full‐ripeness to 13 d as compared to 11 d for the untreated fruit. There was no significant concentration effect on firmness retention among 1‐MCP treatments (0.5, 1.0, or 10.0 μL/L). HWT resulted in a faster rate of fruit softening, taking only 7 d to reach full‐ripeness. Combining 1‐MCP with HWT reduced the rate of softening compared to HWT alone, resulting in 9 to 11 d to full‐ripeness. Application of 1‐MCP before HWT showed a greater ability to reduce the rate of fruit softening compared with 1‐MCP treatment after HWT.     

Modified Atmosphere Packaging Maintains Quality of Table Grapes

Table grapes were packed in either nonperforated polypropylene or perforated polypropylene films and stored at 1 °C for 53 d. Nonperforated polypropylene packages had the highest CO₂ and lowest O₂ contents, with reduced weight losses and increased berry and skin firmness. Soluble solids concentration increased in unwrapped control grapes as a consequence of the higher weight losses, whereas no significant differences were found for titratable acidity. Both films were equally effective in maintaining skin color, whereas control grapes showed a reduction of color. The highest scores in sensory analyses for crunchiness, juiciness, sourness, and quality were given to nonperforated polypropylene packages after 18 d of storage, and good visual aspect and no off‐flavor were detected after 53 d of cold storage.