The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of mulching, on the phenolic compounds and polyphenoloxidase activity during cold storage an ‘Chimarrita’ and ‘Cerrito’ peaches. The fruits were harvested in three stages of maturation and storage refrigerated at 0ºC ± 0,5ºC and RU 90% ± 5%. Phenolic compounds, polyphenoloxidase activity and the physiologic disorders were evaluated at harvest and after 6, 12 and 18 days of storage, 3 more days of shelf life (± 25ºC). Results showed that the ‘Chimarrita’ peaches during cold stored and harvest presented more intense phenolic compounds and polyphenoloxidase activity when harvested in orchards with mulching. ´Cerrito` peaches that presented no difference in the phenolic compounds and on polyphenoloxidase activity in the evaluate periods. Both peaches varieties did not show any physiologic disorders during cold storing.
cold storage; soil management; Prunus persica
