Effect of Reduced Ethylene Levels in Storage Atmospheres on Lemon Keeping Quality1

Abstract

Lemons ( Citrus limon (L.) Burm. f.) were stored for up to 27 weeks at 10°C in air and in an atmosphere of 3 to 5% O 2 and 0.1 to 0.2% CO 2 , with and without an ethylene absorbent. Mold incidence was high in controlled atmosphere (CA) storage where ethylene accumulated, but removal of ethylene reduced its development. CA storage improved retention of green color in lemons.