Mechanical parameters to assess quality changes in cherimoya fruit

 Several mechanical parameters obtained by means of compression and penetration tests, and changes in cherimoya (Annona cherimola Mill.) fruit quality during storage in air and two controlled atmospheres (CA), (3% O₂+0% CO₂ and 3% O₂+3% CO₂) were analysed. A gradient of softening was found among the equatorial and the apical areas of the flesh during CA storage, as assessed by localized penetration tests. The combination of low O₂/elevated CO₂ (3% O₂+3% CO₂) increased this gradient and had a greater inhibiting effect on skin softening than low O₂. It appeared that the prevention of softening by CA was stronger in the less mature tissues (equatorial and outer areas) than in the more mature tissues (apical and inner areas around the longitudinal axis). CA delayed or inhibited changes in fruit quality observed during air storage: increases in total soluble solids (TSS), titratable acidity (TA), and yellowness of the flesh (b), and diminution in flesh lightness of colour (L). A good relationship between an objective quality index (QI, where QI=TSS+TA+L/b) and the compression slope (CS) was found during storage under all the conditions tested. It is suggested that the relationship, QI=29.25+0.04×CS–0.0023×CS² could be useful when assessing stages of cherimoya fruit quality during storage under different conditions by performing a nondestructive, compression test. Received: 23 April 1998     

Controlled and modified atmospheres influence chilling injury,fruit quality and antioxidative system of Japanese plums (Prunus salicina Lindell)

Our objective was to compare the effects of controlled atmosphere (CA) and modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) on fruit quality, chilling injury (CI) and pro‐ and antioxidative systems in ‘Blackamber’ Japanese plums. Matured fruit were stored for 5 and 8 weeks at 0–1 °C in normal air, CA‐1 (1% O₂ + 3% CO₂), CA‐2 (2.5% O₂ + 3% CO₂) and MAP (~10% O₂ and 3.8% CO₂). CA was more effective than MAP in retention of flesh firmness and titratable acidity during cold storage. Fruit stored in CA‐1 showed reduced CI and membrane lipid peroxidation after 5 and 8 weeks of cold storage. Low O₂ atmospheres appeared to limit the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and their efficient scavenging through the concerted action of superoxide dismutase and peroxidase. The role of ascorbate–glutathione (AsA–GSH) cycle in the regulation of oxidative stress was also studied during and after storage in different atmospheres. In conclusion, optimum CA conditions delayed fruit ripening and CI through augmentation of antioxidative metabolism and suppression of oxidative processes.     

Enzymatic activities related to cherimoya fruit softening and sugar metabolism during short-term controlled-atmosphere treatments

 The effects of short controlled-atmosphere (CA) treatments, involving exposure to 10% O₂ combined with 10%, 15% and 20% CO₂, on a selection of biochemical parameters and related enzymatic activities of cherimoya fruit were studied. A marked increase in the activity of soluble and cell-wall invertases was found in cherimoyas stored in air, but this was inhibited by CA treatment, which also reduced the accumulation of soluble sugar and malic acid. CA had no effect on the citric acid content and enhanced the rise in fumaric acid concentration, which was directly related to the CO₂ level. Differences in the softening of fruit stored in air and in CA were found after 9 days of storage, but the role of the cell-wall hydrolases polygalacturonase and carboxymethyl-cellulase in this behaviour was not elucidated. Received: 25 January 1998 / Revised version: 3 March 1998     

Enzymatic activities related to cherimoya fruit softening and sugar metabolism during short-term controlled-atmosphere treatments

 The effects of short controlled-atmosphere (CA) treatments, involving exposure to 10% O₂ combined with 10%, 15% and 20% CO₂, on a selection of biochemical parameters and related enzymatic activities of cherimoya fruit were studied. A marked increase in the activity of soluble and cell-wall invertases was found in cherimoyas stored in air, but this was inhibited by CA treatment, which also reduced the accumulation of soluble sugar and malic acid. CA had no effect on the citric acid content and enhanced the rise in fumaric acid concentration, which was directly related to the CO₂ level. Differences in the softening of fruit stored in air and in CA were found after 9 days of storage, but the role of the cell-wall hydrolases polygalacturonase and carboxymethyl-cellulase in this behaviour was not elucidated. Received: 25 January 1998 / Revised version: 3 March 1998     

Physiological responses and quality attributes of ‘Kyoho’ grapes to controlled atmosphere storage

This research studied the physiological responses and quality attributes of Kyoho grapes (Vitis vinifera X V. labrusca) to controlled atmosphere storage. The grapes were stored for up to 60 days in 95% relative humidity with four different conditions, 4% O₂+9% CO₂, 4% O₂+30% CO₂, 80% O_2, and air, as control. The examined physiological responses and quality attributes included polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity, ethanol concentration, fruit detachment force (FDF), firmness, color, soluble solid content (SSC), titratable acidity (TA), ascorbic acid concentration (Vc), and sensory quality. PPO activity, FDF drop and decay incidence when stored in 4% O₂+30% CO₂ were more effectively controlled, but unacceptable alcoholic flavor and browning were detected after 45 days, compared with those stored in 4% O₂+9% CO₂ or 80% O₂. The fruits kept in 4% O₂+9% CO₂ or 80% O₂ had good quality during 60 days of storage. The results suggested that high O₂ atmosphere exhibited a potential for maintaining the quality of ‘Kyoho’ grapes during long-term storage.     

Antioxidant phytochemical and fruit quality changes in mango (Mangifera indica L.) following hot water immersion and controlled atmosphere storage

Tropical fruits such as mangoes destined for import into the United States are commonly required to have a thermal treatment against invasive pests, which could be combined with controlled atmosphere (CA) storage to prolong shelf life and preserve fruit quality. Changes in antioxidant phytochemicals and resultant quality during storage and ripening were investigated in fresh mangoes, as influenced by application of CA in combination with a hot water immersion quarantine treatment (46 °C for 75 min). Mature-green mangoes with or without a hot water treatment, were held in air, 3% O₂ + 97% N₂, or 3% O₂ + 10% CO₂ + 87% N₂ and evaluated for external quality and phytochemical differences after storage for 2 weeks at 10 °C and after subsequent ripening in air at 25 °C. Visible appearance of anthracnose during ripening was effectively inhibited by the hot water treatments combined with CA. Concentrations of gallic acid and numerous hydrolysable tannins and their resultant antioxidant capacity were unaffected by the hot water treatment, while total polyphenolics naturally decreased throughout fruit ripening, regardless of hot water treatment or storage atmosphere. However, the overall decline in polyphenolic concentration was inhibited by the CA treatments, as a result of delayed ripening. Quality parameters such as flesh colour and titratable acidity provided supporting evidence that the CA conditions helped to delay fruit ripening.     

Effects of O2 and CO2 concentrations on physiology and quality of litchi fruit in storage

Litchi (Litchi chinensis Sonn. cv Heiye) fruit were stored in air, modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) and controlled atmospheres (CA) at 3 °C to determine the effects of different O₂ and CO₂ atmospheres on physiology, quality and decay during the storage periods. The results indicated that CA conditions were more effective in reducing total phenol content, delaying anthocyanidin decomposition, preventing pericarp browning, and decreasing fruit decay in comparison with MAP treatment. Polyphenol oxidase (PPO), peroxidase (POD), anthocyanin and total phenols were involved in cellular browning. High O₂ treatment significantly limited ethanol production of litchi flesh in the early period of storage. The fruit stored in CA conditions for 42 days maintained good quality without any off-flavour.     

Controlled Atmosphere and Ethylene Effects on Quality of California Canning Apricots and Clingstone Peaches

Storage at 2% O₂ plus 5% CO₂ at 1.1°C maintained higher flesh firmness and lower pH and retarded decay more effectively than air storage of immature (M1) and over-mature (M3) Patterson and Tilton apricot fruits. CA storage of fruits picked at the optimum maturity stage (M2) produced little benefit over air storage, however. -Treatment with 100 ppm ethylene for 48 hours accelerated softening and color change at 20°C compared to ripening in air and may potentially be used to prepare immature apricot fruits for canning in the shortest possible time. Large differences in storageability and canned quality following storage were found among the five clingstone peach cultivars tested. Loadel and Carolyn: peaches, if in sound condition at harvest, can be stored for up to 4 wk under 2% O₂+ 5% CO₂ at 1.1°C. Andross, Klamt and Halford peaches should be stored for shorter storage periods only. Fruits ripened at 20°C with ethylene (100 ppm for 48 hr) were similar to those ripened without it in appearance, texture, and flavor.     

QUALITY OF ‘GALA’ APPLES AS INFLUENCED BY HARVEST MATURITY,STORAGE ATMOSPHERE AND CONCOMITANT STORAGE WITH ‘BARTLETT’ PEARS1

Controlled atmosphere (CA) storage for 45 or 90 days following harvest reduced quality losses for both ‘Gala’apples and ‘Bartlett’pears compared with fruit from regular atmosphere (RA) storage. Fruit stored in CA were firmer, had higher acidity and less color change than fruit from RA storage. Apples and pears stored together in CA maintained good quality and compared favorably with apples or pears stored separately. There was no difference in fruit quality between fruit stored at 1% O₂ and 1% CO₂ compared with fruit stored in 2% O₂ and 3% CO₂. Fruit harvested at a more advanced stage of maturity deteriorated more quickly in storage than earlier harvested fruit. A combination of 45 days in CA followed by 30 days RA resulted in apples that were superior in quality to apples stored for 75 days in RA alone.     

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     

Control of internal browning and quality improvement of ‘Fuji’ apples by stepwise increase of CO2 level during controlled atmosphere storage

To control internal browning injury and to reduce quality loss in ‘Fuji’ apples during storage, a stepwise controlled atmosphere (CA) method was applied in this study. Both non‐bagged and bagged apples during maturation were stored at 0 °C under 1% O₂ + 1% CO₂, 1% O₂ + 3% CO₂ or air for 10 months, and 1% O₂ + 1% CO₂ for 2 months followed by 1% O₂ + 3% CO₂ for 8 months (stepwise CA). The concentrations of internal ethylene and carbon dioxide in apples kept for 24 h at 20 °C after storage under CA conditions were maintained at low level, but there was no effect of stepwise CO₂ increase on internal gas concentrations. The non‐bagged and bagged apples stored under stepwise CA were not significantly different from those stored under 1% O₂ + 3% CO₂ continuously for 10 months in term of flesh firmness, titratable acidity and yellowing index. However, the apples stored under stepwise CA were firmer, more acid and greener than those stored under 1% O₂ + 1% CO₂ continuously for 10 months. Internal browning injury occurred in apples stored under 1% O₂ + 3% CO₂ continuously for 10 months, but it was suppressed completely by stepwise CA storage. The stepwise CA, increasing of CO₂ level after holding at 1% CO₂ for the first 2 months of storage, was effective in maintaining the quality and controlling the internal browning injury in non‐bagged and bagged ‘Fuji’ apples. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry     

Assessment of Relationships between Sensory and Instrumental Quality of Controlled-atmosphere-stored 'Fuji' Apples by Multivariate Analysis

ABSTRACT: Physicochemical parameters, sensory attributes, and total aroma emission of ‘Fuji’ apples (Malus×domestica Borkh.) were studied in relation to storage conditions, storage duration, and shelf life period. Commercially ripe fruit were analyzed after 3, 5, and 7 mo of cold storage in normal atmosphere (AIR) (210 L/m³ O₂+ 0.3 L/m³ CO₂) or under 3 different controlled atmosphere (CA) treatments (10 L/m³ O₂+ 10 L/m³ CO₂, 20 L/m³ O₂+ 20 L/m³ CO₂, or 10 L/m³ O₂+ 30 L/m³ CO₂), after which apples were kept at 20 °C for 1, 5, and 10 d. Data were subjected to partial least square regression (PLSR) analysis. Physicochemical parameters were well preserved throughout storage, especially in CA‐stored apples; however, these apples showed lower total aroma emission. Sensory acceptability was also higher for CA‐stored fruit after 7 mo of storage, whereas no significant differences were found for shorter storage periods. Accordingly, greater scores in sensory firmness, sensory flavor, sensory acidity, and appearance were observed for fruit stored in 10 L/m³ O₂+ 10 L/m³ CO₂ after long storage. Two PLSR models were established, 1 for relating physicochemical parameters to overall acceptability, and another for assessing the correlation between sensory acidity and instrumentally measured titratable acidity. The 1st PLSR model indicated that soluble solids concentration, titratable acidity, flesh firmness, and background color of the shaded side have a positive influence on acceptability. The 2nd model indicated that sensory acidity also showed an excellent correlation to instrumentally measured titratable acidity.     

CONTROLLED ATMOSPHERE STORAGE AFFECTS QUALITY AND CHILLING SUSCEPTIBILITY OF CUCUMBERS

Controlled atmospheres (CA) maintained the quality of cucumbers better than conventional refrigerated storage at 5C. Elevated levels of CO₂ (3%) and decreased concentrations of O₂ (1 and 15%) also increased the tolerance of cucumbers to chilling exposure. The content of sugars, including fructose and glucose; and organic acids, particularly malic acid, were maintained at higher levels in CA-stored cucumbers than in air-stored samples. The respiration rates (measured as CO₂ production) of cucumber fruit during storage at 5C were markedly suppressed under CA conditions. Contrary to reports in the literature, CA storage was found to be beneficial in reducing chilling injury and maintaining cucumber quality.     

Effect of controlled atmospheres with varying O2/CO2 levels on the postharvest senescence and quality of broccoli (Brassica oleracea L. var. italica) florets

Controlled atmosphere (CA) has been widely used to help extend the shelf life and maintain the quality of horticultural products. In the present study, broccoli (Brassica oleracea L. cv. Youxiu) florets were stored under CA with high levels of O₂/CO₂ at 15 °C, including 100 % O₂, 80 % O₂ + 20 % CO₂, 60 % O₂ + 40 % CO₂, 40 % O₂ + 60 % CO₂, and air (control), to determine the effects of CA on storage period and on some physiological properties during storage. The results showed that compared with the control, the treatments combining O₂ and CO₂ effectively extended the storage period and inhibited respiration rate, ethylene production, and reductions in weight loss, chlorophyll, and ascorbic acid levels. Moreover, the CA treatments inhibited the increases in both superoxide radicals (O ₂ ^?· ) production rate and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) level and reduced malondialdehyde accumulation, which could be beneficial in delay of senescence by alleviation of oxidative damage. In addition, broccoli florets exposed to CA conditions maintained lower activities of superoxide dismutase and peroxidase that are responsible for scavenging of O ₂ ^?· and H₂O₂ and alleviating lipid peroxidation. Among the treatments, the maximum efficacy was observed with a CA of 40 % O₂ + 60 % CO₂, which prolonged the storage period of broccoli heads to 17 days (d) compared with 4 d under air treatment. Conversely, 100 % O₂ treatment accelerated senescence and deterioration in the quality of broccoli, resulting in a shorter storage period. These results suggest that the establishment of an appropriate CA condition with high levels of O₂/CO₂ may be an ideal strategy for maintaining the quality of broccoli florets during storage.     

QUALITY OF 'ANJOU' PEARS FROM VARIABLE OXYGEN AND HIGH CARBON DIOXIDE CONTROLLED ATMOSPHERE STORAGE

Loss of ‘Anjou’ pear quality after 90 days of storage (60 days at 1.5% O₂ and <1.0% CO₂ then 30 days at 4% O₂) wasapparent in this study. Distinct color changes from green to yellow in the peel and a more yellow flesh, coupled with a loss of firmness, for ‘Anjou’ pears even afteronly a short period (30 days) in elevated O₂ was evident. Use of elevated CO₂ (3%), in CA storage, resulted in a greener peel and firmer pears with less change in flesh color, and superior stem condition after 150, or 210, days of storage compared with pears from 1.5% O₂ and <1% CO₂. After controlled atmosphere and an addition 30 days of storage in regular atmosphere, quality differences in ‘Anjou’ pears from the different atmospheres (1.5% O₂ and 1.0% CO₂; variable O₂;1.5% O₂ and 3.0% CO₂) was even more manifest. Pears in elevated O₂, displayed reduced firmness, finish and stem condition and enhanced shrivel. Pears in 3.0% CO₂, compared favorably in all quality considerations with pears from a normal (1.5% O₂ and <1.0% CO₂) atmosphere. No pithy brown core was evident in ‘Anjou’ pears regardless of storage atmosphere.     

CHANGES OF SOME ODOR-ACTIVE VOLATILES IN CONTROLLED ATMOSPHERE-STORED APPLES

The effect of controlled atmosphere (CA) storage on the production of 22 odor-active volatiles in ‘McIntosh’ and ‘Cortland’ apples was studied. Volatiles were analyzed periodically during ripening in air after harvest, during refrigerated air and CA storage, and during ripening in air after CA storage. Production of most volatiles at a lower rate during ripening after CA storage than during ripening immediately after harvest cannot be attributed entirely to the action of CA. Under the conditions of this study (3% O₂+ 3% CO₂+ 94% N₂ at 0°C for 19 weeks) CA storage caused a “residual suppression” effect on the production of propyl butanoate, butyl hexanoate, and hexyl hexanoate. Results indicate that CA might have altered the normal metabolism of the fruit by blocking the normal production of some volatiles either temporarily or permanently and either partially or completely.     

Study of the quality changes and myofibrillar proteins of white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) under modified atmosphere packaging with varying CO2 levels

This paper studied the effect of modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) with 40–80 % CO₂, 5 % O₂ and 15–55 % N₂ on the quality of Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) during 10-day storage at (4 ± 1) °C. The effect of CO₂ on the shrimp quality was compared by analyzing the quality indices such as total viable counts (TVC), total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N), pH and polyphenoloxidase (PPO) activity, whiteness and sensory attributes. Changes in myofibril length of shrimp flesh were also studied, which correspond to flesh softening. The findings suggest that the shrimp packaged in modified atmosphere had better quality indices than the control. Compared the MAP-batches, 80 % CO₂/15 % N₂/5 % O₂ led to the lowest level of TVC, TVB-N values, PPO activity and the highest sensory scores. Therefore, high-CO₂ packaging should be recommended to delay quality loss of shrimp during transportation and storage.     

Fruit quality and physiological responses of litchi cultivar McLean's Red to 1-methylcyclopropene pre-treatment and controlled atmosphere storage conditions

The effect of 1-MCP pre-treatment and two different controlled atmosphere storage conditions (CA-1, 17% O₂ + 6% CO₂; CA-2, 7% O₂ + 3% CO₂) on fruit quality parameters and physiological changes with respect to pericarp browning in ‘McLean's Red’ litchi were investigated. Fruits were pre-treated with 1-MCP (500 nl/l) and held at CA-1 or CA-2 for 21 d at 2 °C and at 90% RH. Stand-alone CA-1 or stand-alone CA-2 and the commercially adopted sulphur dioxide (SO₂) treatment were included in this study for comparison. Of the five treatments 1-MCP + CA-1 was most effective in preventing browning, loss of red colour (colour value a*) of the pericarp, ascorbic acid content; and retaining acceptable SSC/TA and taste. Fruit from 1-MCP + CA-1 showed higher overall acceptance after 21 d storage without any off-flavour according to the sensory panel data.1-MCP + CA-1 reduced the polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and peroxidase (POD) activity, retained membrane integrity and anthocyanin content during storage. Although SO₂ treatment prevents browning it showed negative effects on SSC/TA, taste and membrane integrity. Stand-alone CA-2 condition indicated higher pericarp browning, PPO, POD activity and loss of membrane integrity. Therefore, 1-MCP pre-treatment and CA-1 retains overall fruit quality for up to 21 d.     

催熟对采后菠萝品质的影响与光谱识别

为探究催熟对采后菠萝品质的影响,并寻找一种快速检测品质的方法,本实验探究了催熟与未催熟菠萝采后一定贮藏期内黑心程度变化与果心、果肉和整果的可溶性固形物（total soluble solid,TSS）、可滴定酸（titratable acid,TA）质量分数变化,并探究可见/近红外光谱（visible near/ infrared spectroscopy,VIS/NIR）技术实时识别以及早期预测菠萝品质状态的可行性。菠萝采后品质变化规律表明,TSS质量分数在催熟、未催熟菠萝果肉中均最高,其次是整果,果心最低,但催熟菠萝的TSS质量分数在采摘初期高于未催熟菠萝,在贮藏过程中逐渐降低,未催熟菠萝TSS质量分数在贮藏过程中逐渐升高。催熟和未催熟菠萝的TA质量分数从高到低依次均为果肉＞整果＞果心。催熟菠萝的TA质量分数在采摘初期高于未催熟菠萝,在贮藏过程中无明显变化趋势,未催熟菠萝TA质量分数随贮藏时间延长逐渐上升。催熟与未催熟菠萝TSS/TA均为果心最高,整果和果肉其次。未催熟菠萝TSS/TA在采摘初期（第4天）大于催熟菠萝,但随贮藏时间延长逐渐降低,差异逐渐缩小。在第9天,催熟与未催熟菠萝的TSS质量分数、TA质量分数和TSS/TA均接近。VIS/NIR识别结果表明,VIS/NIR可以有效展现菠萝果实的特征信息,识别菠萝是否经过催熟处理及黑心程度,识别催熟菠萝贮藏时间（第4、5、6、7、8、9天）,识别未催熟菠萝贮藏时间（第4、5～7、8、9天）,并可预测未催熟菠萝采后第6天是否会发生黑心。本研究结果为菠萝种植与采后货架管理提供科学参考,对促进菠萝产业提升具有一定的积极意义。     

Quality and biochemical changes of longan (Dimocarpus longan Lour cv. Daw) fruit under different controlled atmosphere conditions

Sulphur dioxide has been used to control pericarp browning in longan fruit. However, due to health and regulatory concerns, alternative treatments should be tested. The objective of this study was to find the tolerance levels of longan fruit to low O₂ (2%, 5%, 10% and 15%) and elevated CO₂ (5%, 10%, 15% and 20%) at 2 °C. According to the tolerance study, controlled atmospheres (CA) of 5% O₂ + 5% CO₂, 5% O₂ + 10% CO₂ and 5% O₂ + 15% CO₂ were compared with normal air (control) at 2 °C. Pericarp browning and decay incidence of longan were significantly (P ≤ 0.05) higher in control than all the CA treatments. CA storage reduced polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity, maintained L* value and slowed down a decrease in total phenolic contents (TPC). Pericarp browning was highly correlated with PPO, L* and TPC.