Processing Peach Research Articles

Fruit quality of processing peach cultivars in the collection of Nikita Botanical Gardens

Fruit quality of processing peach cultivars in the collection of Nikita Botanical Gardens

An Evaluation of On-Farm Food Loss Accounting in Life-Cycle Assessment (LCA) of Four California Specialty Crops

Author(s): Winans, K; Marvinney, E; Gillman, A; Spang, E | Abstract: The majority of the environmental impacts associated with the agri-food supply chain occur at the production phase. Interests in using life-cycle assessment (LCA) for accounting for agri-food supply chains as well as food losses and waste (FLW) has increased in recent years. Here, for the first time, we estimate production-phase embedded resources and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in California specialty crops considering on-farm food losses. We use primary, survey-derived qualitative and quantitative data to consider on-farm food loss prevention and avoided GHG emissions through two different scenarios applied in an illustrative example for processing peach at the production stage. Further, we contribute a mathematical approach for accounting for discrete, unique flows within the net flow of loss in a supply chain, in LCA. Through the detailed LCAs, we identify the hotspots for the four crops as on-farm diesel use, fertilizer application, direct water use, and electricity for irrigation pumping. Impacts from cultivation practices and the additional impacts from on-farm food losses vary significantly by crop. Including the losses in the LCAs resulted in increases in overall resource use and GHG emissions by 4–38% (percent varies depending on the crop type). We used the LCA models and a set of straightforward calculations to evaluate the environmental impacts of a prevention action (a 50% reduction in on-farm food losses) and the secondary use of end-of-life (EOL) biomass from processing peach. The results of this evaluation showed an 11% reduction in GHG emissions compared to the baseline (full harvest). In conclusion, by explicitly including the impacts of on-farm food losses in LCA, we highlight challenges and opportunities to target interventions that simultaneously reduce these losses and the associated environmental impacts in agricultural systems.

A DNA test for routine prediction in breeding of peach blush, Ppe-Rf-SSR

Blush, the proportion of red overcolor on the skin surface of fruit, is highly variable in peach breeding germplasm and is important in the marketing of peach fruit. The fresh market peach industry demands a high level of blush to entice consumers, while the processing peach industry requires minimal blush. Therefore, blush is a major selection criterion in breeding programs. The use of DNA-based information could improve breeding efficiency and accuracy for fruit blush coverage, but a predictive DNA test is required. The objective of this study was to develop a DNA test for the prediction of blush coverage by targeting the major locus, R f , associated with blush variation. Initially, haplotypes were developed based on five SNP markers associated with variation in blush coverage. To convert the 5-SNP haplotype test into a single, simple PCR-based assay, 11 simple sequence repeat markers were designed and used to screen individuals representing all SNP haplotypes. The most informative assay, named Ppe-Rf-SSR, was chosen to screen 200 individuals of the RosBREED peach reference germplasm set that incorporated germplasm from four breeding programs. Ppe-Rf-SSR accurately differentiated individuals with high-, medium-, and low-blush coverage in most lineages. Outcomes highlighted that DNA tests can be quite predictive for some breeding programs or specific germplasm sets, while for others the predictiveness can falter. Therefore, the confirmation of genotype effects for any DNA test is recommended in new germplasm before routine use. The prediction accuracy and breeding utility of Ppe-Rf-SSR in the University of Arkansas breeding program were subsequently confirmed by screening 443 seedlings, independent of the initial DNA test development process, derived from 18 cross-combinations of 28 parents. Ppe-Rf-SSR can be used to efficiently and accurately predict fruit blush coverage, especially in fresh market germplasm, and has been deployed for routine use in the University of Arkansas peach breeding program.

FRUIT SIZE AND CROP LOAD INFLUENCES DIURNAL GROWTH IN PEACH

Peach and other Rosaceae fruits exhibit sigmoidal diurnal fruit growth with shrinkage and rehydration during the day and growth at night. Productivity can be enhanced at harvest by cumulative increase in fruit size by either higher diurnal growth rates or longer periods of diurnal growth or both. We report here results from two diurnal fruit growth studies. The first study (2005-06) compared diurnal growth of 23 medium (36.9 ± 0.39 mm) and 25 large (40.6 ± 0.70 mm) fruits from the processing peach cultivar ‘Tatura 204’. The second study (2006-07) compared diurnal growth of 36 small fruits of one size from ‘Tatura 204’ at each of two crop loads – Non-thinned (21.0 ± 2.9 fruit per trunk cross sectional area (TCSA)) and thinned (5.0 ± 0.002 fruit per TCSA thinned at reference date). The daily phases of growth were determined by assessment of points of inflection on diurnal growth curves generated from 20 minute readings over stage 3 of rapid fruit development. These phases were end of growth/start of shrinkage; end of shrinkage; start of rehydration; and start of growth which were used to determine the daily periods and rates of shrinkage, rehydration and growth. Our simulation results suggested 10 fruits as optimal to reliably determine the differences in the points of inflection due to fruit sizes. The crop load experiment showed a significant increase in growth rate under the thinned treatment but no alteration in the phases of growth. In the fruit size experiment larger fruit had both a significantly higher growth rate and a longer period of growth than medium sized fruit. Whilst the start of diurnal fruit growth in peach has previously been shown to be delayed by water stress, under non-water stressed conditions both the time of fruit growth commencement and cessation were important determinants of fruit size.

Characterization and Multivariate Analysis of Physical Properties of Processing Peaches

Characterization of physical properties of fruits represents the first vital step to ensure optimal performance of fruit processing operations and is also a prerequisite in the development of new processing equipment. In this study, physical properties of engineering significance to processing of three popular cultivars of clingstone peaches were evaluated, including dimensional parameters, mass, dimensional ratios, aspect ratio, elongation index, sphericity, bulk density, texture, color, and flavor. Based on these physical properties, multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA), canonical variate analysis (CVA), principal component analysis (PCA), and partial least squares and linear discriminate analysis (PLS-LDA) were applied to qualitatively and quantitatively discriminate the cultivar difference. Results showed that the studied peach cultivars had significantly different (p < 0.05) geometric characteristics. The peaches can be classified based on the cheek diameter (Dc) into three different size categories, including small- (Dc less than 60 mm), medium- (Dc between 60 mm and 70 mm), and large- (Dc higher than 70 mm) sized peaches. The peach flesh firmness significantly (p < 0.05) decreased with the increase of peach size, while the pit dimensions were independent of peach size. There were no apparent distinctions in color characteristics, bulk density, and sugar content among the three cultivars. The measurements and quantitative discrimination of peach properties in this study would benefit equipment design and process innovation to enhance the processing efficiency and quality of processed peaches.

Effect of Aminoethoxyvinylglycine and Surfactants on Preharvest Drop, Maturity, and Fruit Quality of Two Processing Peach Cultivars

The effect of aminoethoxyvinylglycine (AVG), commercially available as ReTain, and three organo-silicone surfactants were evaluated in a series of four experiments over a 2-year period in two commercial peach orchards. Four rates of AVG (0, 66, 132, and 264 mg·L–1 AVG; all applied with 0.05% Sylgard 309) and three surfactants (0.05% Sylgard 309; 0.05% Regulaid; and 0.50% LI-700; all applied with 132 mg·L–1 AVG) were applied to `Venture' and `Babygold 7' peach trees 10 days before first harvest. Fruit were harvested according to commercial standard maturation criteria of background color, suture filling, and fruit size. Treatments were assessed in relation to fruit maturity, delay in harvest, fruit size and yield, fruit quality (flesh firmness and brix), as well as fruit quality following 2 weeks of cold storage. Based on sequential harvest data, the maturation of the AVG treated trees was delayed by about 3 to 4 days. Fruit from AVG treated trees were firmer at harvest and 2 weeks following cold storage at 2°C. However, no additional increase in fruit size or yield was detected. In addition, the addition of a surfactant was not necessary for AVG to be efficacious for delaying maturity and enhancing firmness when applied at 132 mg·L–1 AVG. However, when the three surfactants were compared, Regulaid and Li 700 advanced color development in one experiment and Li-700 resulted in firmer fruit in another. Aminoethoxyvinylglycine applications to the clingstone cultivars `Venture' and `Babygold 7' can be used successfully to manage harvest activities by delaying the onset of picking and improving fruit firmness.

Identifying and Characterizing Summer Diseases on ‘Babygold’ Peach in South Carolina

Summer diseases can cause significant yield losses in processing peach varieties, such as the ‘Babygold’ lines. In this study we identified and characterized the pathogens responsible for disease outbreaks in two orchards (PH and JC) located in the northern ‘Piedmont’ area of South Carolina. Three pathogens, Geotrichum candidum, Colletotrichum acutatum, and Botryosphaeria dothidea, the causal agents of sour rot, anthracnose, and Botryosphaeria fruit rot disease respectively, were identified on fruit from orchard PH using symptomology, culture and spore morphology, and ribosomal DNA analysis. G. candidum and C. acutatum were also isolated from symptomatic fruit from orchard JC. The QoI fungicide azoxystrobin and a mixture of pyraclostrobin and boscalid were evaluated for their in vitro efficacy against five isolates of each of the three pathogens to investigate their possible usefulness in designing management strategies. Azoxystrobin inhibited mycelial growth of C. acutatum isolates (EC50 values of 0.01 to 0.55 mg/liter) but was ineffective against mycelium of G. candidum and B. dothidea isolates (EC50 values &gt;300 mg/liter). The pyraclostrobin-boscalid mixture was highly effective against mycelium of C. acutatum (EC50 values of 0.01 to 0.05 mg/liter) and B. dothidea isolates (EC50 values of 0.02 to 0.03 mg/liter), but only marginally effective against mycelium of G. candidum (EC50 values 15.79 to 39.03 mg/liter). This study provides a diagnostic guide of pathogens that can cause summer diseases on ‘Babygold’ peaches and reports their in vitro sensitivity to registered respiration inhibitor fungicides. Accepted for publication 23 December 2005. Published 1 March 2006.

Resistance to Plum Pox Virus (Dideron Isolate RB3.30) in a Group of California Almonds and Transfer of Resistance to Peach

Sharka [(plum pox virus (PPV)] mainly affects Prunus species, including apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.), peach (Prunus persica L.), plum (Prunus salicina Lindl., Prunus domestica L.), and, to a lesser degree, sweet (Prunus avium L.) and sour cherry (Prunus cerasus L.). Level of resistance to a Dideron isolate of PPV in seven California almond [P. dulcis (Miller) D.A. Webb], five processing peach cultivars, and two peach rootstocks was evaluated. In addition, almond and peach selections resulting from interspecific almond × peach hybridization and subsequent gene introgression were tested. Evaluations were conducted in controlled facilities after grafting the test genotypes onto inoculated GF305 peach rootstocks. Leaves were evaluated for PPV symptoms during three consecutive cycles of growth. ELISA-DASI and RT-PCR analysis were also employed to verify the presence or absence of PPV. Peach cultivars and rootstocks showed sharka symptoms and were ELISA-DASI or RT-PCR positive for some growth cycles, indicating their susceptibility to PPV. Almond cultivars and almond × peach hybrids did not show symptoms and were ELISA-DASI and RT-PCR negative, demonstrating resistance to PPV. Two (almond × peach) F2 selections as well as two of three backcrossed peach selections also showed a resistant behavior against the PPV-D isolate. Results demonstrate a high level of resistance in almond and indicate potential for PPV resistance transfer to commercial peach cultivars.

PEACH GERMPLASM AND BREEDING PROGRAMS AT ZHENGZHOU IN CHINA

Peach germplasm collection was initiated at Zhengzhou Fruit Research Institute in the 1960s. The National Peach Repository was established at Zhengzhou in 1986 and now contains over 600 peach germplasm accessions. This collection was evaluated for horticultural characters, chilling requirement, and resistance to root knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita), aphids (Myzus persica) and crown gall (Agrobacterium tumefaciens) and a database was built. The breeding program began in the 1970s and has released 4 yellow processing peaches and 3 nectarines. The most widely planted of these releases is the ‘Shuguang’ nectarine. The present breeding objectives focus on early-ripening and mid-season nectarines, flat peaches and nectarines, and low chill ornamental peach varieties.

DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION OF A PEACH INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT PROGRAM IN THE SOUTHERN USA

Peach producers in the Southern USA generally follow a calendar spray program. Peach growers and county extension agents in AR, AL, FL and OK learned how to implement an integrated pest management program (IPM). Degree-days (DD, base 10°C) for plum curculio (PC) were accumulated daily after the PC biofix (second day when air temperature exceeded 21.1°C) and first trap catch of oriental fruit moth (OFM) (base 10°C). After bloom, weekly estimates were made of the density of PC, stink bug (SB), OFM and percent new pest damaged fruit. Economic thresholds were 0.1 PC per day or 1 SB or 1 PC jarred from peach limbs or 1% new fruit damage between 56 to 222 DD and from 611 DD to harvest. Participating growers and county agents received scouting recommendations and localized recommendations were updated on the Internet. Overwintered adult PC and SB moved to orchards in late February to early March in AL and FL and late March to early April in AR and OK. All states recorded low population levels of PC and OFM and less than 1% fruit damage whereas SBs caused from 3 to 6% damage. In Alabama, no PC or OFM adults were caught in traps in the demonstration orchards. Initially, participating growers applied between 7 to 12 insecticide sprays per season. The IPM program was implemented in 2000 and 2001 resulting in <=8 sprays and <=4 sprays per season, respectively. The OK research IPM block required only 3 sprays per season in 1999, 1 in 2000 and 1 in 2001. Isomate-M dispensers depressed mating of OFM from May to harvest in 1997 and 1998 in 200 acres of processing peaches and in 2000 and 2001 in 30 acres of fresh market peaches resulting in <1% damage.

Partial Flower Thinning Increases Shoot Growth, Fruit Size, and Subsequent Flower Formation of Peach

Partial thinning of peach (Prunus persica L. Batsch) during bloom to 50% of the necessary level by hand, and followed by adjustment hand thinning at 42 days after full bloom (DAFB) was compared to a similar degree of thinning accomplished entirely at 42 DAFB by hand. Partial flower thinning altered the distribution of fruit by diameter, increasing the percentage of large diameter (≥62.0 mm) fruit harvested compared to unthinned trees or trees thinned entirely at 42 DAFB. Although shoot number per limb was not altered by thinning time, the distribution of shoots by length was affected, increasing the percentage of long shoots (≥20.0 cm). Compared to unthinned trees and trees thinned at 42 DAFB, partial flower thinning increased the subsequent development of flower buds per shoot and the number of flower buds per node. Number of flower buds on the proximal five nodes of shoots 15.0-30.0 cm in length was increased, although not on shoots 5.0-7.0 cm in length. Additional trials established that airblast spray application of AMADS was effective in achieving a similar level of thinning as that accomplished by partial flower thinning by hand in previous experiments. The degree of flower removal exhibited a linear response to chemical concentration. Fruit diameter on chemically flower-thinned trees was greater at adjustment thinning time, when compared to trees thinned by hand at 42 DAFB only. Distribution of fruit at harvest indicated a larger percentage of fruit &gt;65.0 mm in trees which received partial flower thinning in comparison to trees thinned at 42 DAFB only. As a result, overall crop value was increased, based on the commercial processing peach price structure at the time of harvest. Chemical name used: 1-aminomethanamide dihydrogen tetraoxosulfate (AMADS)

Performance of Early Ripening Clingstone Peach Selections in South Carolina

The processing peach industry in South Carolina is largely based on `Babygold' varieties, which are late-season clingstone peaches. New varieties of high-quality peaches and nectarines with non-melting flesh that ripen earlier would allow more flexibility in seasonal processing schedules and avoid overlap with pome fruits. Twenty-four numbered selections from the Univ. of Arkansas and Rutgers Univ. breeding programs that ripen before `Babygold 5' were planted in 1995 near Clemson, S.C. Trees were budded on both Lovell and Guardian rootstocks. Bloom dates, fruit maturity dates, fruit yield, weight, soluble solids, firmness, flesh color, and tree growth were taken in 1997. No differences were observed among rootstocks for variety bloom and harvest dates, fruit yields, fruit quality or tree growth. Differences were found among varieties in all traits measured or scored. `NJC126', `A378', `A485', and `A82-8' ripened the earliest. `A429', `A473', and `A219' ripened the latest, about a week before `Babygold 5'. `A378' and `NJC126' had small fruit (&lt;90 g); whereas `A473', `A43-143', `A9', `NJC130', and `NJC142' had large fruit (&gt;170 g). `A429', `A473', `A43-143', and `NJC142' had the highest yields (31–39 kg/tree). An interaction between variety and rootstock was evident for fruit yield in some scion/rootstock combinations.

Measuring Flesh Color Variability among Processing Clingstone Peach Genotypes Differing in Carotenoid Composition

The variability in fresh and processed fruit flesh color of six clingstone processing peach [Prunus persica (L.) Batsch] genotypes was measured using CIELAB color variables. The genotypes were selected based on the relative fruit concentrations of β-carotene and β-cryptoxanthin. Significant (p &lt; 0.0001) differences were found among the genotypes for the L*, a*, and b* color variables of fresh and processed fruit. Mean color change during processing, as measured by ΔELAB, was greatest for `Ross' and least for `Hesse'. A plot of the first two principal components (PCs) obtained from PC analysis of the L*, a*, and b* variables for fresh and processed fruit revealed three clusters of genotypes that match groupings based on the relative concentrations in fresh fruit of carotenoid pigments. Path analysis showed that variation in β-cryptoxanthin concentration was more precisely determined from color data than β-carotene concentration. Chemical names used: β-β-carotene (β-carotene), (3R)-β-β-caroten-3-ol (β-cryptoxanthin).

LOW-CHILL, NON-MELTING FLESH PEACHES WITH FRESH MARKET AND EXPORT POTENTIAL

Current harvesting and shipping practices of fresh market low-chill peaches (Prunus persica [L] Batsch) in Australia generally necessitate the harvest of immature, firm fruit to reduce bruising during picking, grading and packing, to extend shelf life and to enable export by sea to distant markets. Fruit shipped immature will not achieve full tree-ripe flavour for the consumer. The non-melting flesh gene of the processing peaches offers the potential for a major increase in firmness for fresh market peaches. Fresh market peaches with non-melting flesh will allow growers to harvest tree-ripe, full flavoured fruit in a firm state for shipping to the consumer. The incorporation of non-melting flesh germplasm into the University of Florida peach breeding program has led to the production of low-chill, early ripening, non-melting flesh peaches with chilling requirements of 150-450 chill units (cu) that ripen 70-110 days from bloom and produce fruits with an attractive red overcolour and moderate acidity for the fresh market. The first non-melting flesh clone selected from the University of Florida peach breeding program was FIa.9-20C, a late season, yellow fleshed peach. Postharveststorage trials were conducted to gauge the potential for extended storage life and for export shipments for this type of peach. Storage of Fla.9-20C peach fruit at 0°C for 8 weeks resulted in superior long term storage capability and acceptable fruit quality after ripening which would allow export shipments by sea from Australia. While Fla.9-20C peach does not possess the mostdesirable fruit quality traits required for a commercial peach cultivar, its long shelf life and storability indicate great potential for non-melting flesh peaches for fresh market consumption.

Organic Acid Changes During Ripening of Processing Peaches

ABSTRACTOrganic acids and their changes during peach (Prunus persica L. Batsch) fruit ripening were quantified by HPLC for clingstone culti‐vars,‘Babygold 5’and‘Babygold 7′, and a freestone cultivar,‘Cresthaven’. At full maturity,‘Babygold 5’and‘Babygold 7’had about 60% malic, 20% citric and 19% quinic acid; whereas‘Cresthaven’had similar amounts of all three organic acids (37, 3.5 and 28%, respectively). During fruit ripening,‘Babygold 5’and‘Babygold 7’increased in malic acid and decreased in citric and quinic acids, whereas,‘Cresthaven’showed little change in these organic acids.

PEACH ROOTSTOCK PERFORMANCE IN ARKANSAS

Several trials were conducted to compare standard and potential peach rootstocks. The NC-140 trial, with 'Redhaven' as the scion, included 'Halford', 'Siberian-C', 'Bailey', 'GF-677', 'GF-655.2', 'Damas', 'Citation', 'Lovell' and 'GF-43' rootstocks. All trees with 'Citation' as the rootstock died in the first three years. while 'CF-43' and 'Siberian-C' had low survivability and productivity. 'Damas' and 'GF-43' suckered profusely. 'Lovell' trees bloomed an average of one-to-three days later than all other entries. 'Halford'. 'GF-677', 'Bailey' and 'Lovell' had the highest yields. A trial comparing 'Loring' own-root and on 'Tennessee Natural' resulted in similar yields among stocks, but larger fruit and tree size with the own-root trees. 'Redskin' own-root and on 'Lovell' also resulted in similar yields among stocks, and larger tree and fruit size with own-root trees. A trial using the processing peach selection A-219 as the scion on `S-37' 'Chum Li Tao', AR-78118, 'Yarbrough Cling' and 'Lovell' resulted in highest yields and yield efficiency with 'Yarbrough Cling', 'Lovell' and 'S-37' rootstocks.

EXPERIENCES WITH SUMMER PRUNING CLINGSTONE PEACHES

Summer pruning effects on processing peach on fruit quality, light penetration and interception, and % defects was studied in 2 trials. In study A, pillar-trained trees were pruned with the following treatments: a control, summer pruning at stage II fruit growth, summer pruning post-harvest or, pruning twice (all trees dormant pruned). In the first year, pruning prior to harvest significantly increased blush and flesh firmness but reduced soluble solids content (SSC). In the second year, summer pruning reduced yield per tree and fruit drop (weight and % of total) but did not affect fruit size, blush, or SSC. After 2 years, trees pruned post-harvest or twice had significantly smaller height, spread and trunk diameter.1 In study B, 2 cultivars of central leader trained trees were pruned at stage II fruit growth in the following treatments: a control, canopy thinning, and hedging. Thinning pruning improved light penetration and hedging reduced light interception. Thinning pruning reduced % of fungal rotted fruit but did not affect fruit quality.

EARLY THINNING OF PROCESSING PEACHES COSTS MORE BUT IS PROFITABLE

Current recommendations for fruit thinning of processing clingstone peaches in California suggest that growers delay thinning until an assessment of fruit size is made at reference date (10 days after first indications of pit hardening) and then adjust the crop load according to the fruit size attained. Recent research on modelling peach fruit growth indicates that delaying thinning until reference date (usually mid-May) can substantially limit final fruit size potential and crop yield when initial fruit set is heavy. In 1991 we initialed a field study to lest these model predictions and evaluate the yield response and economic feasibility of fruit thinning within 50 days of bloom to a specific crop load. The experiment was conducted in commercial orchards of the extra-early maturing cling peach cultivars Loadel and Carson. Three thinning treatments involved thinning different sets of trees on April 10, April 30, (∼30 and 50 dafb) and May 23 (reference date). Although costs of thinning at the earlier dates were 140-290% of thinning at reference date the increase in yield resulting from early thinning more than compensated for the higher thinning costs. There were no major effects of thinning treatment on the occurrence of split pits or other quality characteristics. This research has stimulated a re-evaluation of commercial fruit thinning practices used for clingstone peaches in California.

Evaluation of an Optical Measurement for Peach Maturity Sorting

Tests were conducted to determine the feasibility of using a commercial color sorter to separate fresh market peaches according to maturity. Based on previous experimental results with processing peaches, the sorter was configured with a narrow pass band filter centered at 670 nm (half-transmission band width = 10 nm) and a high pass filter to pass infrared. Four fresh cultivars were tested with skin colors ranging from mostly ground color to highly blushed. Linear models using the ratio and difference between the two reflectances were developed and tested for predicting fruit firmness. Correlation coefficients (r2) ranged from 0.24 to 0.80 with the cultivar and model determining the actual value. The best model for predicting firmness was the mean ratio, which generally had the best correlation. Errors of misclassification for the different models ranged up to 17%; however, this error could be reduced by adjusting the cutoffs for each maturity category. The ratio of the reflectances at 670 and 800 nm was a maturity indicator that could be easily implemented in an existing on line system.

Quality of Processed Peach Slices Stored in Flexible Pouches

Peach slices with syrup processed in flexible retort pouches were found to be acceptable by a sensory panel, and were preferred to tinplate canned peaches after 4mo storage at 37°C. Peaches that were pouch processed with dry sugar were unacceptable. They lost much of their weight by diffusion of water out of the fruit tissue and were very acidic. Thus, capability of adding dry sugar to the pouch so that a syrup is formed with released juices or in reducing syrup volume does not offer a quality advantage for peaches. Moreover, processing peach slices in flexible pouches did not prevent “pinking.“The canned slices were brown, soft and had poor flavour following 37°C storage, while the pouch product maintained high quality. The flexible pouch was found to provide a significant advantage in terms of storage stability.