FROM THE PACKING SHED TO THE SUPERMARKET SHELF: THE USE OF ATMOSPHERE MODIFICATION LINERS IN ‘JONAGOLD’ APPLES

This study examined the effect of
modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) liners on apple post harvest life, for the
commercial transport of ‘Jonagold’ apples from Tasmania to Asia.
The treatments
were: no liner, an unsealed polyethylene liner (industry standard practice),
two mineral-based MAP liners and a micro perforated MAP liner (LifeSpan^®).
Ethylene absorbing pouches were also included in half the boxes.
After removal
from controlled atmosphere storage the treatments were applied and the fruit
stored for 7 days at 0.5°C followed by 14 days at 5°C to simulate consolidation
and transport.
After removal from the shipping container the liners were
removed, fruit quality measured on half the fruit and the other half were
stored for 5 days at 20°C and 60% humidity to simulate retail conditions.
Variables
measured were: CO₂, O₂, ethylene, greasiness, firmness,
internal browning, sugars and acidity.
The industry standard practice, caused an
increase in CO₂ and a slight decrease in O_2, resulting in
reduced greasiness, but a minimal effect on other fruit quality and flavour
parameters.
The mineral-based modified atmosphere liners reduced O₂
to about half the atmospheric levels; however, they had only a marginally
greater affect on fruit quality and flavour than polyethylene liners.
The
LifeSpan^® liner established the highest CO₂ (4.2%) and
lowest O₂ (7.1%) levels, resulting in a significant reduction in
greasiness, improved firmness and a reduction in the rate of loss of fruit
acidity over the industry standard.
These liners produced fruit that had a
superior out turn and are therefore recommended to industry.

VIII International Controlled Atmosphere Research Conference

G. Brown, L. Schimanski, D. Jennings

Malus domestica, apple, postharvest, modified atmosphere, packaging, transport, fruit quality

https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2003.600.48