The effects of chitosan treatment and modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) on shelf life of peaches cv. Douradão were evaluated. Chitosan, a natural biodegradable compound, has been proved to control numerous post harvest diseases. It extends the shelf life of treated fruit by reducing water loss. Storage life of peaches has been extended using MAP during cold storage. Fruits were dipped in 1% chitosan solution. One group of fruits was sealed in polyethylene bags. Peaches were stored at 3ºC and 90% RH. Fruits were transferred to room temperature for 3 days to ripen. Quality parameters (soluble solids, acidity, ratio, firmness, pulp and skin color) and losses (weight, wooliness incidence and rots) were determined. MAP reduced fruit weight loss during storage but increased decay incidence at room temperature. Chitosan treatment was effective in brown rot reduction however showed detrimental effect on fruit appearance. Treated and untreated peaches showed woolliness after 21 days of cold storage plus 3 days at room temperature. The desirable quality was retained up to 14 days of storage.
Prunus persica; cold storage; polyethylene; coating; chilling injury
