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 potassium permanganate (KMnO4) based ethylene scrubbers on the storage life and fruit quality of nectarine (Prunus persica cv. Bayramiç Beyazı) were investigated. Three different types of ethylene sachets (contained 3, 7 and 10 g KMnO4) were used and placed beside fruits in 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 CO2 percentage 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 delayed ripening, reduced respiration and retained of higher firmness. As the dose of KMnO4 treatment increased, it was determined more positive effect on fruit quality. 10 g KMnO4 treatment was most effective in the retention of higher biochemical compounds and inhibition of CI symptoms. The results indicate that KMnO4 treatment, as well as MAP application, 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 be stored for 40 days with good quality.