Extension of the Postharvest Life of Nectarine Using Modified Atmosphere Packaging and Potassium Permanganate Treatment

Abstract

The effects of combinations of modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) with potassiumpermanganate (KMnO4) based ethylene scrubbers on the storage life and fruit quality ofnectarine (Prunus persica cv. Bayramiç Beyazı) were investigated. Three different typesof ethylene sachets (contained 3, 7 and 10 g KMnO4) were used and placed beside fruitsin polypropylene baskets then lined with MAP. Fruits were stored at 0-1°C and 90%relative humidity throughout 40 day. During the cooling storage period, O2 and CO2percentage in MAP, fruit firmness, total soluble solids, titratable acidity, ascorbic acid,total flavonoid content, total phenolic content, total antioxidant content and chilling injury(CI) were determined at 10 day interval. KMnO4 treated fruits had shown delayedripening, reduced respiration and retained of higher firmness. As the dose of KMnO4treatment increased, it was determined more positive effect on fruit quality. 10 g KMnO4treatment was most effective in the retention of higher biochemical compounds andinhibition of CI symptoms. The results indicate that KMnO4 treatment, as well as MAPapplication, should be highly recommended for retaining the fruit quality of cold-stored‘Bayramiç Beyazı’ nectarines and fruits treated with 10 g doses of KMnO4 could bestored for 40 days with good quality.