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Effects of polyethylene bag packaging and low-temperature storage on the physical and chemical characteristics of loquat fruits.

Author(s) : DING C. K., CHACHIN K., UEDA Y.

Summary

Loquat fruits were packaged with different thickness of PE (20, 30 and 50 micrometers; PE-20, PE-30 and PE-50) and perforated PE (PE-pf) bags (as control) stored at 5 °C. Loquats seal-packaged with PE bags had minimal water losses (0.9-1.5%) while the fruits packaged with perforated PE shrivelled (8.9% water loss) after storage for 60 days. Malic acid, a predominant acid, was retained at a higher level in fruits packaged in tight PE bags than in fruits packaged in performatted PE bags. Citric, fumaric and succinic acids were minor in loquats and the content of succinic acid increased 1.9 and 2.9 fold in fruits stored for 60 days in PE-30 and PE-50 bags, respectively. Packaging did not significantly increase the decay of fruits stored at 5 °C. Total sugars did not vary remarkably regardless of the treatments, though sucrose decreased and sorbitol increased steadily during storage. Development of cryptoxanthin and beta-carotene occurred progressively during storage except for those in PE-50 bags. Fruits stored at 5 °C with PE packaging for 2 months developed some physiological disorders, including internal browning, stuck peel and corky pulp. The incidence of these disorders increased with the thicker PE bags. The changes of phenolic compounds and relevant enzymes during the occurrence of postharvest disorders were also investigated. The study indicated that loquat fruits could be stored at 5 °C for 2 months when packaged in 20 micrometer PE bags with better quality and a minimum risk of disorder development.

Details

  • Original title: Effects of polyethylene bag packaging and low-temperature storage on the physical and chemical characteristics of loquat fruits.
  • Record ID : 2001-0277
  • Languages: English
  • Source: CA '97. Proceedings of the 7th international controlled atmosphere research conference.
  • Publication date: 1997/07/13
  • Document available for consultation in the library of the IIR headquarters only.

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