Effects of electron beam irradiation on quality and shelf life in winter in Shanghai.
Wu Qing, Yue Ling, Kong QiuLian, Qi WenYuan, Chen ZhiJun, Chen Yu, Bao YingZi, Ma Jun
Author Affiliation: Institute of Crops and Nuclear Technology Utilization, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou 310021, China.
Acta Agriculturae Shanghai 29 : 40-43
Abstract : The imported mango ('Thai Honey') and carambola ('Taiwan Erlinzhong') fruits were irradiated by electron accelerator to investigate the effects of radiation dose on the fruit quality and shelf life. The results showed that there was not significant difference in appearance between the irradiated fruits and the control ones. However, a week later the irradiated fruits browned, and the higher the radiation dose, the heavier the browning. The irradiation made both fruits' respiratory intensity heighten. A week later the fruits irradiated at 400 Gy had no significant variation in fruit quality, but those irradiated at above 800 Gy varied greatly in vitamin C and titratable acid contents, and so the radiation dose of more than 800 Gy was not suitable for both fruits.