Tommy Atkins mangoes under modified atmosphere.
Alves R. M. V., Sigrist J. M. M., Padula M.
Author Affiliation: Caixa Postal 139, 13073-001, Campinas, S.P., Brazil.
Revista Brasileira de Fruticultura 20 : 220-228
Abstract : Tommy Atkins mangoes were stored in corrugated paper boxes (controls) or in a modified atmosphere (MA) obtained by packing the fruits in low density polyethylene bags (LDPE) with permeability rates to O2 and CO2 of 801 and 5853 cm³/m² per day at 1 atm, 25°C and under dry conditions, respectively. Packages holding approximately 4100 g of fruits were stored for up to 27 days at 12°C/90% RH and then transferred to 25°C/85-90% RH and removed from the packs. The headspace gas composition of the MA samples consisted of 2% O2 and >20% CO2 from the second day of storage at 12°C. MA storage delayed ripening. However, MA-stored fruits developed off-flavours, did not develop the characteristic internal and external colour or aroma, did not soften, did not develop sweetness and remained more acid than control fruits when held under ambient conditions. MA-stored fruits also developed peel and pulp discoloration, indicating the development of a physiological disorder. The results suggest that a film with higher rates of permeability to gases than the one used in this experiment is required in order to counterbalance respiration and lead to O2 and CO2 levels within mango tolerance limits.