A research on controlled atmosphere storage of kiwifruit

Abstract

In order to determine the possibility of controlled atmosphere storage of kiwifruit two trials were carried out with the fruits of cv. Hayward taken from the same place during the successive two years. Following the harvest, kiwifruit were transported to the cold storage unit and placed into plastic trays, then they were stored in plastic cells of 120 1 volume in which the inner atmosphere could be controlled. Having completed the precooling treatment kiwifruit were stored at 0+/-0.5 degrees C and 90-95% RH storage conditions under different CA combinations for 180 days. After the storage period, they were kept at 20+/-3 degrees C and 60+/-5% RH for 30 days so as to determine their shelf life. Physical and biochemical analyses were conducted on samples, which were taken at certain intervals during storage and shelf life periods. As a result of the study, it was determined that kiwifruit could be stored for 6 months especially under 5:5 and 5:2 CA combinations. However, this period should be limited to 15 days for optimum shelf life.