Storage in modified atmosphere to reduce chilling injury in mango fruit.
Pesis E., Aharoni D., Aharon Z., Arie R. B., Aharoni N.
Author Affiliation: Department of Postharvest Science of Fresh Produce, A.R.O., The Volcani Center, P.O. Box 6, Bet Dagan 50250, Israel.
Alon Hanotea 53 : 259-265
Abstract : Storage of mango cultivars Tommy Atkins and Keith at 12°C caused slight chilling injury (CI) symptoms on the fruit peel expressed as red spots around the lenticels. Modified atmospheres were created in 4-kg film-lined cartons using microperforated polyethylene (PE) or Xtend film (XF). With cv. Keith, a controlled atmosphere was tested which had similar levels of gases as the modified atmosphere packages (5% CO2 and 15% O2). After 3 weeks of storage at 12°C plus 1 week at 20°C, both modified and controlled atmospheres were effective in reducing the red spotting on the peel. The most effective reduction in CI symptoms, expressed as red spots, was found in fruits that were packed in the XF film. Another advantage of the XF film was a reduction in the level of fruit sap inside the package as compared to PE film. This was attributed to the lower RH in the XF film, less than 95%, compared to 99% RH which was recorded in the PE film.