Loquats have a short period of commercialization because of the quick loss of quality after harvest. The goal of this work was to evaluate the use of modified atmosphere on postharvest conservation of 'Fukuhara' loquat stored under refrigeration (1 °C / 90% RH). Fruits (≈450 g) were packed in polystyrene trays covered with low density polyethylene (50 µm-LDPE) or polypropylene (PP, 30 µm) and stored under refrigeration (1 °C / 90% RH). Fruits were compared to a control that was not involved with film. Physico-chemical parameters (weight loss, firmness, total soluble solids, pH, and titratable acidity) were carried out after 15, 30, and 45-days under refrigeration, followed by three more days at room condition (25 °C / 80% RH). Headspace gas composition (O2/CO2), incidence of decay and spots on epidermis were also evaluated. The results showed that LDPE and PP films were effective in reducing weight loss and did not cause changes in titratable acidity, pH and firmness. However, these films were not effective for the postharvest conservation of loquat due to the development of anaerobic conditions and the increase of the disease incidence, being both harmful for the fruit quality.
Eriobotrya japonica; packaging; storage
