Effects of modified atmosphere packaging on respiration and quality attributes of loquat fruit during cold storage

The influence of modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) on the sensory and quality attributes in loquats (Eriobotrya japonica Lindl.) cv. Jiefangzhong stored at 2～4℃ was investigated in order to prolong shelf life in this study. The plastic film was used: perforated low density polyethylene (Control) and low density polyethylene. The modified atmosphere reached the steady state was (4.8±0.67)% CO₂ and (11.5±0.85)% O₂. Changes in respiratory rate, total soluble solids (TSS), titratable acidity (TA), pH value, flesh firmness, vitamin C, weight loss and quality were recorded periodically for comparing the effects of the applied conditions. It is showed that the combination of a MAP and low temperature significantly reduced the respiratory rate of loquat. The quality attributes of MAP fruit were good, and MAP induced minimum differences in weight loss, firmness, vitamin C, TSS, TA and TSS/TA ratio during storage compared with control fruit, and also maintained the sensory quality at harvest of loquats at the end of storage and shelf life period. Therefore, it is feasible that MAP with a low density polyethylene (LDPE) film (thickness 20 μm) should be recommended for storing loquats.