Good intentions, bad outcomes: Impact of mixed-fruit loading on banana fruit protein expression, physiological responses and quality

Abstract

Mixed-fruit storage and/or transport could have detrimental impact on quality, due to varying ethylene sensitivities. This study evaluated the effects of mixed-fruit loading on physicochemical and physiological changes as well as protein expression of bananas during storage. Bananas, apples (Smartfresh™-treated), and pears were stored together (simulating mixed-fruit loading) and individually (control) at 15 °C for 9 days. Post-storage ethylene production rates were significantly higher (p ≤ 0.05) for fruit under mixed-fruit loading. Bananas from mixed-fruit had higher respiration rate (44.4 ± 8.83 mL/kg h) compared to control on day 9. Chroma values increased, while hue angle declined significantly for bananas across all treatments during storage (p ≤ 0.05). One-dimensional sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide (SDS-PAGE) gel electrophoresis for protein extracted from banana peels confirmed overexpression of proteins within 25−37 kDa on day 9. Results obtained emphasize the need for correct management of fruit based on ethylene sensitivity in order to extend shelf life.