Variação da temperatura, oxigênio e CO2 durante o armazenamento em atmosfera controlada de maçãs 'Royal Gala'

Abstract

The aim of this research was to evaluate the effect of changes of temperature, levels of O2 and CO2 during storage, on the quality of 'Royal Gala' apples stored in controlled atmosphere (CA) for long term. The treatments consisted of storage temperatures of 0.0 °C, 0.5 °C and 1.0 °C, decreasing in temperature during storage of 0.5 °C to 0.0 °C, in CA with 1.0 kPa O2 and 2.0 kPa CO2, besides storage in low O2 (0.8 kPa), decreasing in O2 concentration (from 1.0 kPa to 0.8 kPa) and CO2 increasing (from 2.0 kPa to 8.0 kPa) during storage period, at 0.5 °C. Fruit quality was evaluated after eight months of storage plus seven days at 20 °C. Apples stored at 1.0 °C, in standard CA (1.0 kPa O2 and 2.0 kPa CO 2), showed less ethylene production, respiration, ACC oxidase activity and lower breakdown and mealy pulp incidence. Increasing in CO 2 concentration at the end of the storage period was not more efficient than standard CA in maintenance fruit quality during shelf life, but did not cause damage in the fruits. The decrease in O2 and/or temperature during storage reduces the fruit decay incidence.