Articles
Optimum storage conditions for Abate Fetel pears
Article number
1386_14
Pages
101 – 106
Language
English
Abstract
Abate Fetel plantings in the South African pear production areas have increased significantly over recent years and subsequently the export volumes to approximately 1.7 million cartons in 2019. The aim of this study is to identify the optimum storage conditions for Abate Fetel pears in order to maintain fruit quality.
Fruit were harvested at two maturities (optimum and post-optimum). The treatments included combinations of controlled atmosphere (CA), 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP), dynamic controlled atmosphere-chlorophyll fluorescence (DCA-CF) and regular atmosphere (RA). Fruit were stored for 4 and 6 months, followed by a simulated shipment and handling period (6 weeks in RA at -0.5°C) and 7 days at 20°C. 1-MCP in combination with CA or RA was effective to prevent the development of superficial scald and soft scald for 6 months on Abate Fetel pears.
The CA fruit was however not at a ready-to-eat stage even if it was stored at higher temperatures, while optimum RA fruit was ready-to-eat.
The DCA and DCA with pre-shipment 1-MCP was only effective in one area and one maturity.
If Abate Fetel pears are to be stored for 4 or 6 months; 1-MCP+RA at -0.5°C or 1°C is the most cost-effective option.
Fruit were harvested at two maturities (optimum and post-optimum). The treatments included combinations of controlled atmosphere (CA), 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP), dynamic controlled atmosphere-chlorophyll fluorescence (DCA-CF) and regular atmosphere (RA). Fruit were stored for 4 and 6 months, followed by a simulated shipment and handling period (6 weeks in RA at -0.5°C) and 7 days at 20°C. 1-MCP in combination with CA or RA was effective to prevent the development of superficial scald and soft scald for 6 months on Abate Fetel pears.
The CA fruit was however not at a ready-to-eat stage even if it was stored at higher temperatures, while optimum RA fruit was ready-to-eat.
The DCA and DCA with pre-shipment 1-MCP was only effective in one area and one maturity.
If Abate Fetel pears are to be stored for 4 or 6 months; 1-MCP+RA at -0.5°C or 1°C is the most cost-effective option.
Authors
W.J. Botes, O.J. Caleb
Keywords
superficial scald, soft scald, dynamic controlled atmosphere – chlorophyll fluorescence, controlled atmosphere, 1-MCP
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