Modified Atmosphere Packaging Bags Research Articles

The Effect of Harvest Date and Storage Conditions on the Quality of Remontant Strawberry Cultivars Grown in a Gutter System under Covers

The storage characteristics of three remontant strawberry cultivars San Andreas®, Albion® and Murano® were studied in 2018–2020. The short-term storage conditions (7 days) of strawberries used in the study significantly affected fruit quality indicators. The highest quality of stored strawberries was provided by controlled atmosphere (CA) conditions, as evidenced by the typically highest fruit firmness and the lowest natural loss of strawberry weight. The modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) conditions obtained in the Xtend® bags provided a similar good storage effect for strawberries. Strawberries stored in MAP bags had the lowest respiratory intensity, and their firmness and the percentage of rotten fruit were the same as those stored in a controlled atmosphere. In addition, MAP bags were effective in reducing the weight loss of stored strawberries. The quality of strawberries stored in a conventional air storage (AA) was slightly lower compared to the fruit stored in a controlled and modified atmosphere. This was due to their lower firmness and significantly higher respiration intensity and higher weight loss. In addition, the percentage of rotten fruit, although low, has always been the highest among AA strawberries. The quality of the strawberries also depended on the date of fruit harvest. Strawberries harvested later, compared to those collected earlier, were generally characterized by higher firmness, lower acidity and lower respiration intensity.

Quality variables of “Hass” avocado stored in modified atmosphere packaging

Modified atmosphere packaging and refrigeration of fruits and vegetables are used to extend their shelf life. The objective of this research was to evaluate quality variables in avocado (Persea americana Mill.) cv. "Hass" during storage in modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) at 8 °C and contrast them to those obtained during storage at room temperature (RT) and refrigeration (REF). Fruits at physiological maturity were stored in MAP bags with a thickness of 0.20 mm. A completely randomized design was used; factors were: type of storage (RT 21 °C, REF 8 °C, and MAP 8 °C), storage time (8, 16, 24, and 32 days), and ripening time after storage (2, 4, and 6 days). Quality variables were firmness (penetration force), total color difference (ΔE) in exocarp and mesocarp (colorimeter), pH (potentiometry), and total soluble solids (TSS, refractometry). Avocados stored in MAP maintained (p > 0.05) firmness, which was higher compared to REF and RT during the storage period. Firmness retention for avocados at RT, REF, and MAP, at day 16, was 5.7, 32.6, and 87.2%, and at day 32, it was 0 (no reading), 9.5, and 78.2%, respectively. Total color difference in exocarp and mesocarp, pH, and TSS ranged from 3.8 to 25.6, 3.2 to 20.3, 6.7 to 7.1, and 5.3 to 7.7 °Brix, respectively. During the storage period, fruits stored at MAP showed a firmness, ΔEexocarp, and ΔEmesocarp similar to those of fresh fruit. Type of storage showed no effect on pH and TSS during the storage period. The package for modified atmosphere at 8 °C allows to prolong the shelf life of “Hass” avocado for a period twice as long as that at room temperature, based on the fact that changes in firmness and color are reduced, properties that are important quality benchmarks.

Evaluation of integrated ultrasound and CaCl2 in hydrocooling water on the quality of ‘Bing’, ‘Lapins’, and ‘Sweetheart’ cherries stored in modified atmosphere packaging

Sweet cherry is a highly perishable fruit with a short storage life. Although CaCl2 dips positively affect the quality of sweet cherries, traditional sanitizer (i.e. NaClO) in the cleaning step contributes to fruit oxidation. The primary purpose of this study was to evaluate whether integrated applications of a chemical-free sanitizing technology (ultrasound) and CaCl2 in hydrocooling water (0 °C) had the potential in improving the quality of ‘Bing’, ‘Lapins’, and ‘Sweetheart’ cherries either packing in polyethylene (PE) or modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) bags. Regardless of cultivar and packaging type, ultrasound showed a similar effect as NaClO on quality attributes, decay, and antioxidant compounds (i.e. DPPH free radicals scavenging capacity, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), total phenolics (TP), and total flavonoids (TF)). However, NaClO induced high rates of stem browning (SB) and pitting in ‘Bing’ and ‘Lapins’ cherries packed with PE and MAP bags. Fortunately, Ultrasound + MAP provided a greater benefit in reducing SB in ‘Bing’ cherries. Adding 22.5–90 mM CaCl2 to hydrocooling water effectively enhanced calcium (Ca) and chloride (Cl) uptake in ‘Bing’ and ‘Lapins’, but not in ‘Sweetheart’. The cubic model showed high correlations between applied CaCl2 concentrations and postharvest disorders. Furthermore, CaCl2 concentration at 22.5–45 mM had stronger effects on reducing pitting and retaining TP in all three cultivars, irrespective of packaging type. However, increasing the application of CaCl2 concentration to 90 mM caused salt injury. Ultrasound did not provide an additional effect in increasing Ca and Cl uptake when it was combined with 22.5 mM CaCl2. However, this combination treatment retained high FF and SPF in all three cultivars packed with PE or MAP bags. Additionally, CaCl2 + ultrasound + MAP further reduced decay incidence in ‘Bing’ and ‘Lapins’ cherries and maintained high TP in ‘Lapins’ and ‘Sweetheart’ cherries, compared to the CaCl2 + ultrasound + PE treatment. Overall, the ultrasound with 22.5 mM CaCl2 in hydrocooling water slowed down quality deterioration, delayed disorders development, and improved antioxidant metabolism in MAP cherries.

Impact of Hot Water and Modified Atmosphere Packaging Treatments on the Postharvest Quality of Pomegranate Fruit cv. Hicaznar

Hot water (HW) and modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) treatments were evaluated to maintain postharvest quality of pomegranate fruit (Punica granatum cv. ‘Hicaznar’). Pomegranates were subjected to hot water (HW) treatment (at 50 °C for 3 min) and packaged with or without MAP bags. Fruit was then kept at 6 °C for 6 months and at 20 °C for 7 days after cold storage period. The untreated and unpackaged fruit was served as a control treatment (C). MAP and HW+MAP treatments was more effective in reducing weight loss, fungal decay and husk scald, compared to HW and C treatments. The lightness and red color intensity of husk and aril (higher values of L* and C* and lower values of h°) were maintained better in the packaged fruit with MAP (MAP + HW+MAP treatments). The unpackaged fruit from HW and C treatments became unmarketable while those from MAP and HW+MAP treatments were still marketable after 6 months of cold storage and shelf life period. Although fungal decay incidence was low in HW-treated fruit, relatively high scald incidence and weight loss had adverse effect on overall visual acceptability of HW-treated fruit. Hot water dipped pomegranate fruit cv. ‘Hicaznar’ (50 °C for 3 min) could be kept in MAP bags for 6 months at 6 °C and for 7 days 20 °C without adverse effect on quality.

Reducing Postharvest Losses of Spinach Stored at Nonoptimum Temperatures with the Implementation of Passive Modified Atmosphere Packaging

Postharvest losses of fresh produce constitute the biggest portion of the total food losses occurring in food chains globally. The main driver behind the postharvest losses of fresh fruits and vegetables is temperature abuse occurring mainly during transportation and storage. This is a particular problem for small-acreage producers, who frequently have limited access to postharvest handling resources like optimum refrigeration conditions. Passive modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) is a relatively inexpensive intervention that does not require specialized equipment and has demonstrated some potential for maintaining the quality and extending the shelf life of fresh produce stored in nonoptimum temperatures. Our objective was to determine the effect of passive MAP on the quality and storage life of spinach (Spinacia oleracea cv. Corvair) when stored in nonoptimum temperatures. Mature spinach leaves (≈320 g) were packaged in passive MAP bags, developed using the BreatheWay technology, and non-MAP produce bags and subsequently stored at 13 or 21 °C. Spinach physical and nutritional quality was evaluated throughout its storage life in terms of overall quality, water loss, leaf tenderness, surface color, chlorophyll content, electrolyte leakage, chlorophyll fluorescence, antioxidant capacity, total phenolic content, and vitamin C content. Spinach that was stored in MAP bags reached headspace equilibrium at ≈6% Ο2 and 11% CΟ2 at 13 °C and ≈4% Ο2 and 8% CΟ2 at 21 °C after 2 days of storage for both temperatures. The spinach stored in passive MAP at 13 or 21 °C demonstrated significantly higher overall quality during storage and 2 and 1 day longer storage life, respectively, when compared with the control. The spinach in passive MAP demonstrated a slower rate of yellowing and water loss during storage. The limiting factor for the spinach stored in MAP was decay due to condensation at 13 °C and yellowing at 21 °C. There were no statistical differences in the examined nutritional quality parameters between the spinach stored in MAP and produce bags. This study shows that passive MAP can be a valuable tool for reducing the food losses occurring in small-acreage fruit and vegetable operations that have limited access to cooling and refrigerated storage.

Improving Postharvest Storage Quality of Cucumber Fruit by Modified Atmosphere Packaging and Biomaterials

The present study was conducted with the aim of increasing storage duration of cucumber fruits by using eco-friendly edible biomaterials and nanotechnology. Hence, the effects of postharvest-applied lemongrass oil (LO) and propolis extract (PEx), alone or in combination with modified atmosphere packaging (MAP), on the weight loss, fruit firmness, sensory index, chilling injury (CI), decay incidence (DI), and soluble solid concentration (SSC) of cucumber fruits were tested. Two different doses (0.2% and 0.5%) of both LO and PEx were tested in present study. Application of LO and PEx was performed by dipping the fruits into the solutions at 21 ± 1 °C for 3 minutes; after drying for 30 minutes, fruits were transferred to a cold room and kept at 4.5 ± 0.5 °C and 95% relative humidity (RH). Studies were continued for 24 days, and quality parameters were measured at 4-day intervals. Two-day shelf-life simulation was also applied to fruits after each interval, and the same quality parameters were observed. Results suggest that the combination of MAP bags with LO or PEx treatment provides better conditions for postharvest storage of cucumbers and that storage duration might be extended to 20 days. Fruits treated with LO or PEx and stored in MAP bags maintained weight and SSC, were firmer, showed lower DI, and expressed lower CI (P < 0.05) throughout storage.

Effects of lemongrass oil application and modified atmosphere packaging on the postharvest life and quality of strawberry fruits

Current research aimed to study the influence of lemongrass oil (0.2%) and modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) on the storage quality of strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa Duch.) fruits cv. ‘Florida Fortuna’, ‘Camarosa’, ‘Rubygem’ and ‘Sahara’. Strawberry fruits are highly favoured by consumers because of their peerless flavour and health benefits, but are very sensitive to storage conditions and have only 2–5 days without any preservative or cold storage depending on the cultivar. In present research, fruits of four different cultivars of strawberries were exposed to these treatments: (i) immersing in pure water and storing without MAP (control treatment); (ii) immersing in 0.2% lemongrass oil (LO) and storing without MAP; (iii) immersing in pure water and storing with MAP; and (iv) immersing in 0.2% lemongrass oil and storing with MAP. Each treatment contained 6 replicates and each replication consists of 10 fruits. Fruits were stored at 4.0 ± 1.0 °C for 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18 and 21 days. Results showed that both MAP and lemongrass oil (LO) have significant effect on the weight loss, SSC, TA, fruit firmness, microbial & chemical spoilage and off-odour of strawberry fruits. Evaluation of the all parameters concluded that MAP bags could extend the storage duration of ‘Sahara’ to 18 days with acceptable attributes, ‘Florida Fortuna’ and ‘Rubygem’ to 15 days, and the ‘Camarosa’ to 12 days.

Effects of modified atmosphere packaging on the storage and shelf life of Hicaznar pomegranate fruits

This study compared the postharvest quality of Hicaznar pomegranate fruit unpackaged and packaged with 5-kg or 12-kg bags of two different modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) materials (X5, X12, L5, and L12) during 6 months of storage at 6 °C. The fruits were also evaluated during a simulated shelf life period at 20 °C for 7 days after each cold storage period. The MAP bags significantly reduced the loss of titratable acidity and ascorbic acid content and retarded husk discoloration of the fruit during cold storage and the shelf life period. The incidence of fungal decay was lower in fruit packaged with MAP bags than unpackaged fruit. X5 and X12 MAP bags were more effective in reducing weight loss and husk scald than L5 and L12 MAP bags. X5 and X12 MAP bags maintained initial red aril color intensity and antioxidant properties of Hicaznar pomegranates throughout cold storage and the shelf life period. Unpackaged control fruit remained marketable for only 4 months at 6 °C plus shelf life period, while packaged fruit maintained visual quality for up to 6 months at 6 °C plus shelf life period.

Effects of chitosan coating and modified atmosphere packaging on postharvest quality and bioactive compounds of pomegranate fruit cv. ‘Hicaznar’

The objective of this study is to determine effects of chitosan (CH) coating and modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) on postharvest quality and bioactive compounds of ‘Hicaznar’ pomegranate fruit. Pomegranates were subjected to CH treatment (0% or 1%) and packaged with or without MAP bags. Following treatments, pomegranates were kept at 6 ± 0.5 °C and 90 ± 5% relative humidity for 6 months. After 2, 4 or 6 months of storage, fruit were removed from cold storage and kept at 20 °C for 7 days to simulate a shelf life period. The untreated fruit was served as a control treatment. CH, MAP and CH + MAP treatments maintained better husk color, titratable acidity (TA) and ascorbic acid (AsA) content, compared to control treatment. CH + MAP and MAP treatments significantly reduced weight loss and husk scald. CH coating alone was the most effective treatment to control fungal decay during cold storage and its effect continued during the shelf life period. The arils of CH-coated fruit were deep red and had highest antioxidant activity, total monomeric anthocyanin (TMA) and total phenolic (TP) content. After 6 months of storage plus shelf life period, control and CH coated fruit became unmarketable while MAP and CH + MAP treated fruit were still marketable. The best results were obtained from CH + MAP treatment for controlling husk scald, decay and weight loss of ‘Hicaznar’ pomegranate fruits with maintaining visual quality and initial red aril color intensity for 6 months of cold storage plus shelf life.

Low-Dose Irradiation With Modified Atmosphere Packaging for Mango Against the Oriental Fruit Fly (Diptera: Tephritidae).

Irradiation is used to disinfest the oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel) (Diptera: Tephritidae) and other pests on mango fruits before export from Thailand to foreign markets. Modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) used during export of mangoes creates a low-oxygen environment that may reduce the efficacy of quarantine irradiation treatment against B. dorsalis. 'Nam Dok Mai' mangoes infested with third-instar larvae of B. dorsalis, wrapped with three different kinds of MAP bags (CF1, FF5, and H34M) or no MAP, were treated with gamma radiation at 0 (control), 30, 60, 90, 120, and 150 Gy. The average O2 and CO2 concentrations in MAP bags with mangos were 7.2 and 8.7% in the H34M bag, 8.6 and 21.2% in the CF1 bag, and 9.6 and 26.7% in the FF5 bag, respectively. The use of MAP on infested mangoes significantly increased mortality of B. dorsalis under irradiation treatment. The estimated lethal doses to cause 99% mortality (LD99) for no MAP and MAP (CF1, FF5, and H34M bags) treatments were 58.1, 41.6, 43.8, and 47.4 Gy, respectively. Therefore, MAP acted as an additional stressor rather than providing radioprotection in irradiated B. dorsalis. Large-scale confirmatory testing of 35,000 B. dorsalis larvae treated at a radiation dose of 150 Gy in mangoes with H34M MAP bags produced no survivors to the adult stage. Commercial use of MAP producing the O2 levels that we observed for mangos in this study will not reduce the efficacy of the approved 150 Gy quarantine irradiation treatment for B. dorsalis.

Detection of decay in fresh-cut lettuce using hyperspectral imaging and chlorophyll fluorescence imaging

Fresh-cut lettuce sold in modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) is a desirable, but highly perishable product. Decay of tissue can start a few days after processing and may be difficult to detect by quick visual observation. A system for early detection of decay and gradual evaluation of its progress is important both for lettuce processing industry and for breeding companies and institutions assessing quality of new cultivars and breeding lines. We have developed two lettuce decay indices (LEDI) that can be used to detect decay of leaf tissue. One of the indices (LEDI4) is based on three wavelengths identified from hyperspectral imaging, while the second index (LEDICF) is based on chlorophyll fluorescence imaging. In addition to detecting lettuce decay, the indices identified tissue damaged by freezing temperatures. LEDI4 and LEDICF showed almost 97% accuracy in classifying tissue as being fresh or decayed when tested on red, dark green, green, light green, and yellow leaves. Specificity of the indices decreased when tested on fresh tissue with a very limited amount of chlorophyll that visually appeared to be almost white. Both indices detected lettuce decay without opening plastic MAP bags. The non-destructive nature of the methods thus allows rapid and repeated evaluation of samples over time and presents the opportunity for development of a commercial, high throughput scanner for evaluation of bagged, fresh-cut lettuce quality.

Internal browning disorder and fruit quality in modified atmosphere packaged ‘Bartlett’ pears during storage and transit

Internal browning (IB) can be a serious problem with the use of modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) for ‘Bartlett’ pears (Pyrus communis L.) grown in the Pacific Northwest during storage and transit to distant markets. To investigate this disorder, ‘Bartlett’ pears harvested at commercial maturity were packed in a commercial MAP (MAPc), an experimental MAP (MAPe) and commercial perforated plastic bags (control) and stored in air at −1.1°C. After 1 and 3 months of storage, samples of MAPc and control fruit were transferred to rooms at temperatures of 2, 4.5, 7.5, and 10°C for 3 weeks to simulate transit temperatures and the time required to reach distant markets. MAPc maintained an average internal atmosphere of 12.3% O2+5.6% CO2 and significantly extended ‘Bartlett’ pear storage life with high eating quality and without IB and other disorders for up to 4 months at −1.1°C. The internal gas atmosphere of MAPe equilibrated at 2.2% O2+5.7% CO2, which resulted in fruit with 25.5 and 62.3% IB after 3 and 4 months of storage, respectively. During simulated transit conditions of 2, 4.5, 7.5, and 10°C, the CO2 level in MAPc was maintained at 5.6–7.9%, while O2 was reduced dramatically to 10.5, 5.0, 2.5, and 1.0%, respectively. IB developed at 7.5 and 10°C but not at 2 and 4.5°C, regardless of pre-transit storage duration (1 and 3 months) at −1.1°C. The longer the storage duration and the higher transit temperature, the higher the incidence and severity of IB. The MAP-related IB disorder observed in this study included two types of symptoms: classic pithy brown core and wet brown flesh. The MAPc storage gas atmospheres maintained fruit firmness, color and higher eating quality after ripening, eliminated senescent scald and core breakdown, suppressed the loss of ascorbic acid (AsA) and titratable acidity, and slowed the accumulation of malondialdehyde (MDA) during storage at −1.1°C for up to 4 months or 3 months+3 weeks at simulated transit temperatures of 2 and 4.5°C. In contrast, fruit held in MAP with low O2 levels (1.0–2.5%) developed IB that appeared to be associated with a reduction in AsA, accumulated MDA and exhibited an increase in membrane leakage. MAP inhibited ripening at high CO2+high O2 but lead to IB when the packaging material or elevated temperatures resulted in high CO2+low O2 conditions. The incidence of IB closely correlated with lipid peroxidation and appeared to be related to fruit AsA concentration. The MAPc designed for pears appears to be suitable for ‘Bartlett’ fruit stored at −1.1°C for up to 4 months or storage for 3 months and a transportation duration of up to 3 weeks at 0–4.5°C during the early season and at 0–2°C during the late packing season. These conditions yielded fruit of high eating quality and without IB or over-ripening upon arrival at distant markets.