CHLOROPHYLL FLUORESCENCE AND FRUIT QUALITY DURING STORAGE OF MANGO FRUIT IN MODIFIED ATMOSPHERE PACKAGING

Abstract

Chlorophyll fluorescence was investigated as a possible nondestructive tool to detect quality changes in mangoes stored in modified atmosphere packaging. Mangoes were packed in MTEC breathable film and stored at 15 or 25°C. The chlorophyll fluorescence parameters of minimal fluorescence (Fo), maximal fluorescence (Fm) and potential quantum yield (Fv/Fm) as well as fruit firmness, skin colour and soluble solids content were evaluated every 3 d during storage. CO 2 and O 2 concentrations in the package headspace were determined daily. Chlorophyll fluorescence parameters (Fv/Fm, Fv and Fm) declined over storage time whereas the firmness changed immediately at 25°C and after 3 d at 15°C. The fluorescence parameters did not change until about 12 d of storage, thus fluorescence did not follow the changes in firmness. However, fruit firmness also declined during the storage period. Chlorophyll fluorescence parameters (Fv/Fm, Fv and Fm) and fruit firmness of mangoes stored at 15°C were higher than those of mangoes stored at 25°C and these differences increased with storage time until 15 d of storage after that firmness of the fruit from 15°C was the same as that from 25°C. These results suggest that chlorophyll fluorescence may be useful to determine changes in mango fruit quality nondestructively.