Methyl jasmonate coupled with modified atmosphere packaging to extend shelf life of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) during cold storage

Abstract

SummaryThe effects of methyl jasmonate coupled with modified atmosphere packaging (MJ+MAP) on the quality and shelf life of mature green tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) were investigated during cold storage at 5 °C. Tomatoes were treated with 10−4 m MJ and packaged under 5%O2/5%CO2/90%N2 in a plastic bag. The effects of MJ+MAP were compared with control as well as heat treated (HT) samples. Control samples were tomatoes packaged under atmospheric air. HT samples were prepared by dipping tomatoes in hot water at 50 °C for 3 min and packaged under atmospheric air. The results showed that MJ+MAP and HT could delay ethylene production during tomato ripening and consequently slowed down the softening rate. MJ+MAP tomatoes showed better quality and less chilling injury (CI) symptoms than HT and control samples. Based on a nine‐point score, shelf life criteria assumed that rejection would occur when the sensory attributes declined below 5. Control and HT overall acceptance scores were shown to fall below 5 scores after 3 and 6 weeks storage, while MJ+MAP had overall acceptance scores above 5 for up to 9 weeks. Control and HT samples could be stored for about 4 and 6 weeks, respectively, while MJ+MAP tomatoes could be stored for up to 9 weeks.