Effects of Different Oxygen Levels with High-Carbon Dioxide Atmosphere on Postharvest Quality of Fresh Fig under Palliflex Storage Systems

Abstract

Regulation of storage atmosphere composition with high carbon dioxide (CO2) is a highly effective and alternative approach to control quantity and quality losses in many horticultural crops. The aim of the study was to determine the effects of different O2 with constant high-level CO2 on the postharvest quality of fig cv. Bursa Siyahi in a new practical approach. For this purpose, 6% O2 + 15% CO2 (PL1), 9% O2 + 15% CO2 (PL2) and 21% O2 + 0.03% CO2 (Control) compositions were tested under a palliflex storage system during the cold storage and shelf-life. PL1 and PL2 were found to be more effective than the control for investigated parameters in general. After 28 days of cold storage and +3 days shelf-life, PL1 was also effective in controlling weight loss, ethylene production, antioxidant activity, decay incidence, decay severity, and total microorganisms. However, there were no significant differences between PL1 and PL2 for total soluble solids, titratable acidity, taste, visual appearance, firmness, respiration rate, and anthocyanin content. PL1 could be an effective composition for controlling decay and maintaining the postharvest quality of fresh figs during cold storage and shelf-life without any side effects on visual appearance and taste.