Effect of Postharvest Treatments on the Storage Life of Pak Choy ( Brassica rapa var. chinensis)
Wong, L.S., Able, A.J., Prasad, A., Zheng, S.F., Wang, X.Y., Huang, G.R., Shen, L.Q. and O’Hare, T.J.
Australasian Postharvest Conference, Adelaide, South Australia, 23-28 September 2001 (extended abstract). 2001
2001
บทคัดย่อ
The effect of four postharvest treatments on the storage life of pak choy (Brassicarapa var. chinensis) was examined. Treatments included atmosphere modification, postharvest illumination, fumigation with 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) (an antiethylene agent) and heat shock. Atmosphere modification had the greatest impact on extending storage life. A storage atmosphere of 2% O2/5% CO2 increased storage life by 100 to 120%. Postharvest illumination with normal fluorescent lighting increased storage life by up to 20%, while high-powered sodium (HPS) or halide lighting had no significant effect. Generally, illumination treatments tended to increase respiration (and energy reserve consumption) rather than provide any photosynthetic benefit. 1-MCP fumigation (0.1 ppb - 280 ppm) had little impact on storage life. Storage life increases were generally minor (10-20%) and could be attributed to a reduction in the effects of wound ethylene produced at harvest. Heat shock applied as a hot water dip (34-52°C) for 1 to 3 minutes did not improve shelf-life but rather decreased shelf-life especially at higher temperatures. Heat damage was observed at higher temperatures, with rots and yellowing occurring more quickly in these treatments. Heat shock increased the respiration rate (and therefore possibly the depletion of energy reserves).