The post-harvest quality of orange fruits as affected by pre-storage treatments with acetaldehyde vapour or anaerobic conditions
- 1 January 1989
- journal article
- research article
- Published by Taylor & Francis in The Journal of Horticultural Science and Biotechnology
- Vol. 64 (1) , 107-113
- https://doi.org/10.1080/14620316.1989.11515934
Abstract
Summary Acetaldehyde (AA) vapour or anaerobic conditions (99% CO2 or 98% N2) were applied for 24 h to fruits of orange cvs Shamouti and Valencia, prior to storage. In ‘Shamouti’ oranges early in the harvesting season, AA vapour caused yellowing of the peel. AA-treated orange respired faster than non-treated fruit during the treatment period and thereafter. Some concentrations of AA reduced fruit acidity, probably because of higher respiration rates during treatment. Application of AA or anaerobic conditions for 24 h to ‘Valencia’ oranges increased the production of endogenous AA, ethanol and limonene. Application of CO2 to ‘Valencia’ oranges prior to storage reduced their acidity, resulting in increased sugar/acid ratio. The lower level of acid was maintained during a storage period of 16 weeks at 6°C. The CO2-pretreated fruit produced more ethanol during storage than the N2-pretreated fruits or control ones.This publication has 1 reference indexed in Scilit: