บทคัดย่องานวิจัย

หมวดหมู่ : ฐานข้อมูลงานวิจัย

Extension of the postharvest life of Pollock avocado using modified atmosphere packaging.

Chamara Kumari Illeperuma and Chamilani Nikapitiya

Fruits 57 (2002) 287-295.

2002

บทคัดย่อ

Extension of the postharvest life of 'Pollock' avocado using modified atmosphere packaging.

Introduction: The postharvest life of avocado cv. Pollock, a popular cultivar grown in Sri Lanka, is 7 to 10 days at room temperature. A short postharvest life limits its export volume by sea freight. Materials and methods: Pollock avocado fruits were packaged in 0.05-mm-thick low-density polyethylene (LDPE) bags to create a modified atmosphere (MA), and they were stored at 12 deg C and 94% relative humidity. The effect of the potassium permanganate, an ethylene absorber, and of the granular charcoal, a carbon dioxide absorber, on modifying the in-package atmosphere was tested. During storage, carbon dioxide, oxygen and ethylene contents were measured. The packages were opened after MA storage, and the fruits ripened naturally under ambient conditions. The weight loss, changes in firmness, total soluble solids (TSS), pulp colour, visual quality rating (VQR), chilling injury index (CI) and disease index (DI) during or after storage were determined. Results: Compared with the samples packaged with out absorbers, those packaged with absorbers had significantly lower carbon dioxide and ethylene contents. MA packaging was effective in extending the postharvest life of Pollock avocado up to 17 days. Inclusion of absorbers further extended the postharvest life up to 29 days. Firmness, TSS, pulp colour, VQR, CI and DI of the ripened fruits were not significantly affected by the MA conditions. Discussion: The MA conditions did not alter the ripening process and were successful in preventing chilling injury and diseases. Packaging of Pollock avocado in 0.05-mm LDPE bags at 1:1 surface to weight ratio (cm2/g) with ethylene and carbon dioxide absorbers and storing at 12 deg C and 94% relative humidity are recommended to extend their storage life up to 29 days.