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A respiration-diffusion model for 'Conference' pears. 2. Simulations and relation to core breakdown.

Author(s) : LAMMERTYN J., SCHEERLINCK N., JANCSÓK P., et al.

Type of article: Article

Summary

A respiration-diffusion model for `Conference' pears was used to simulate three-dimensional internal O2 and CO2 concentration profiles for intact pears as a function of the storage conditions. Although the skin was the major barrier to gas transport, the internal gas gradients could not be neglected. At high temperatures, when the respiration rate is high, the internal gradients increased considerably. A sensitivity analysis was carried out to assess the effect of biological variability present on the respiration and diffusion parameters, and on the gas concentration profiles. It was found that at room temperature, the O2 concentration underneath the fruit skin is mainly determined by the O2 transfer coefficient and consumption rate, but for typical storage temperatures this dependency is less pronounced. A comparison of simulated gas concentration contours of pears stored with delayed controlled atmosphere and those immediately stored under controlled atmosphere (CA), illustrated the importance of an appropriate storage management. When CA storage was applied immediately after harvest, the O2 and CO2 concentrations reached very low and very high values, respectively, possibly causing irreversible membrane damage and inducing core breakdown. Controlled atmosphere had no such effects.

Details

  • Original title: A respiration-diffusion model for 'Conference' pears. 2. Simulations and relation to core breakdown.
  • Record ID : 2004-1809
  • Languages: English
  • Source: Postharvest Biol. Technol. - vol. 30 - n. 1
  • Publication date: 2003/10

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