Effects of modified atmosphere packaging and putrescine application on postharvest storage and shelf life of ‘Rosy Glow’ apple cultivar

Abstract

The current study evaluated the effects of modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) and Putrescine applications on fruit quality during postharvest storage and shelf life of ‘Rosy Glow’ apple cultivar. Quality parameters, i.e., weight loss, decay rate, total soluble solids content (SSC), titratable acidity (TA), fruit flesh firmness and color changes were investigated during different storage periods. Low levels of weight loss were observed in all applications during the 30th day while losses increased in control treatment after the 60th day (3.58%) and the lowest loss rate (1.27%) was recorded in the MAP + Putrescine application. The MAP + Putrescine group showed the lowest loss rate (2.28%) on the 120th day making it the most effective preservation technique. The decay rate increased during the storage period while MAP and Putrescine applications prevented decay and MAP+Putrescine combination kept the decay rate at the lowest level. The MAP+Putrescine application completely prevented the decay rate on the 120th day. The SSC ratio decreased during the storage period, MAP and Putrescine applications maintained the fruit carbohydrate content better whereas Putrescine application showed the highest SSC value. The TA values generally decreased during the storage, but MAP and Putrescine applications minimized TA loss. The MAP and Putrescine applications better maintained TA during shelf life. The MAP and Putrescine applications better maintained fruit flesh firmness, MAP application provided the highest firmness value on the 120th day. Firmness loss was more pronounced ‘n the control group. In all applications, the changes were observed in L*, a*, b* and hue values over time. L* value remained lower in control on the 120th day, but MAP and MAP+Putrescine applications maintained the brightness level of the fruit peel. MAP treatment initially affected the hue angle more. As a result, MAP and Putrescine applications effectively maintained fruit quality in ‘Rosy Glow’ apple cultivar during storage while MAP+Putrescine combination stood out as the most effective preservation technique.