Poststorage respiratory suppression and changes in chemical compositions of mango fruit after storage in low-oxygen atmosphere.
Shukor A. R. A., Razali M., Omar D.
Author Affiliation: Horticulture Research Centre, MARDI, P.O. Box 12301, G P O 50774, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
: 467-470
Abstract : Mango cv. Choke Anan fruits were stored in an atmosphere consisting of 2%, 5%, 10% O2 in N2 or in air (21% O2) for 4 weeks at 15°C. Following storage in low-O2 atmosphere, the fruits were transferred to ambient air at 20°C and allowed to ripen naturally. Fruits stored in 2% O2 exhibited the greatest suppression in CO2 production rates after transfer to ambient air compared to higher O2 levels. The respiratory quotient (RQ) values of fruits after storage in low-O2 atmospheres for 4 weeks were close to unity, indicating the absence of anaerobic metabolism. Total sugar content of ripe fruits after storage in low-O2 atmosphere for 4 weeks was significantly higher than of the air-stored fruits. This study indicates that the respiratory metabolism and chemical composition of ripe fruits were not affected as a result of storage in 2% and 5% O2 atmospheres for up to 4 weeks at 15°C.