Effect of RQ-based dynamic controlled atmosphere on some quality attributes and volatile aroma metabolites (VAMs) of ‘Jonagold’ apple

‘Jonagold’ apple (Malus × domestica Borkh. ‘Jonagold’) were stored either under RQ-DCA or regular CA. Two RQ-DCA protocols were implemented each with a different RQ setpoint of either RQ=1.5 or RQ=2). The CA stored fruit were pre-treated with the ethylene receptor blocker 1-MCP (SmartFresh^SM). Post-storage effects on fruit quality immediately after 5 months of storage and during 14 d of subsequent shelf life at 18°C were investigated and compared for the different storage conditions.
Quality parameters evaluated were Magness-Taylor firmness, incidence of physiological disorders, internal ethanol content, and the volatile aroma metabolites (VAMs) profile.
The firmness and percentage of healthy fruit of fruit stored in RQ-DCA (RQ 1.5) were comparable to the fruit stored under regular CA+1-MCP. The internal ethanol concentration of RQ-DCA stored fruit was significantly higher than the internal ethanol concentration of fruit stored under regular CA+1-MCP. Interestingly, fruit stored under RQ-DCA was more aromatic and exhibited volatile aroma metabolites (VAMs) characteristic for ripe apple aroma, indicating that RQ-DCA storage had a positive effect on the formation of apple VAMs compared to the fruit stored under regular CA+1-MCP.

XXXI International Horticultural Congress (IHC2022): International Symposium on Postharvest Technologies to Reduce Food Losses

K. Solomon, M.L.A.T.M. Hertog, B. Nicolaï

RQ-DCA, VAMs/VOCs, apple

https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2023.1364.6