Articles
Synergy between dynamic controlled atmosphere and application of 1-MCP in preserving the quality of apples stored under conditions of reduced energy costs
Article number
1456_7
Pages
47 – 56
Language
English
Abstract
This study investigates the interactive effects of dynamic controlled atmosphere (DCA-CD, dynamic O2 and ~1.4 kPa CO2), 1-methylcyclopropene treatment (1-MCP, 0.625 µL L‑1), and temperature (1 and 5°C) during the nine-month storage of three apple cultivars (Jonagold, Topaz, and Pinova). Since both DCA and 1-MCP are known to suppress metabolic activity and thereby minimize postharvest ripening, this study assesses the potential to increase storage temperatures in order to reduce energy consumption without compromising fruit quality.
Each storage room was equipped with individual refrigeration systems, recording the energy consumption of compressors and the electrical defrosting system, as well as the operating times of the refrigeration system, ventilation and CO2 scrubbers.
Throughout the storage period, samples were taken to monitor the softening rate, acidity, and ground peel color over time, as affected by storage treatment × cultivar combination.
Additionally, a concept was established to measure the CO2 release rate in-situ between scrubber cycles using the storage facilities gas analyzers to describe the effects of temperature on metabolism intensity.
Although the experiment is still ongoing, preliminary results suggest that the effects of DCA, 1-MCP, and storage temperature on fruit conservation vary depending on the respective cultivar.
For some cultivars, an increase in storage temperature by 4°C appears feasible when DCA and 1-MCP are applied in combination.
The recorded energy consumption indicates that maintaining higher storage temperatures directly reduces operating time of the refrigeration system and energy usage of compressors and the defrosting system.
Higher storage temperatures under DCA + 1-MCP increased the CO2 release rate and accordingly scrubber run times, but interestingly no difference was found in fruit quality to CA 1°C + 1-MCP.
Each storage room was equipped with individual refrigeration systems, recording the energy consumption of compressors and the electrical defrosting system, as well as the operating times of the refrigeration system, ventilation and CO2 scrubbers.
Throughout the storage period, samples were taken to monitor the softening rate, acidity, and ground peel color over time, as affected by storage treatment × cultivar combination.
Additionally, a concept was established to measure the CO2 release rate in-situ between scrubber cycles using the storage facilities gas analyzers to describe the effects of temperature on metabolism intensity.
Although the experiment is still ongoing, preliminary results suggest that the effects of DCA, 1-MCP, and storage temperature on fruit conservation vary depending on the respective cultivar.
For some cultivars, an increase in storage temperature by 4°C appears feasible when DCA and 1-MCP are applied in combination.
The recorded energy consumption indicates that maintaining higher storage temperatures directly reduces operating time of the refrigeration system and energy usage of compressors and the defrosting system.
Higher storage temperatures under DCA + 1-MCP increased the CO2 release rate and accordingly scrubber run times, but interestingly no difference was found in fruit quality to CA 1°C + 1-MCP.
Authors
F. Büchele, A. Lugaresi, D.Q.O. Neuwald, F.R. Thewes, S. Kalantari, J.G. de Oliveira, M.E. Garcia Pastor, A. Brackmann, D.A. Neuwald
Keywords
energy savings, low oxygen, Malus domestica Borkh., metabolism intensity, postharvest
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