The effect of modified atmosphere packaging on postharvest performance of two loquat cultivars

Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica (Thunb.) Lindl.) is the only fruit tree crop in the Mediterranean zone with ripening period during early spring, particularly when specific preharvest practices are applied such as cultivation under plastic cover. Loquat fruit is characterised by its refreshing taste and it is highly appreciated by consumers. However, loquat fruit is characterised by relatively short storage potential partially due to senescence and/or chilling related disorders. The aim of the current study was the evaluation of Xtend^® packaging as a means of modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) on postharvest performance of fruit from the main loquat cultivars grown in Cyprus, namely ‘Karantoki’ and ‘Morphitiki’. Fruit were subjected to cold storage in conventional refrigerator (4°C) for 3 weeks and subsequently allowed at room temperature for 0, 2, 4 and 7 days, respectively. For each treatment, 30 fruits were used to determine weight loss, peel colour differentiations (CIEL*, a*, b*), flesh firmness (Texture analyser, Stable Micro Systems), soluble solids content (SSC) and titratable acidity (TA). ‘Morphitiki’ presented better phenotypic appearance compared to ‘Karantoki’ after extended storage, mainly due to reduced weight loss. Application of MAP significantly reduced weight loss after removal from cold storage. However, extended maintenance at room temperature (4 and 7 days) deteriorated the performance of both cultivars. As a technological perspective of the current study, data suggest that ‘Morphitiki’ fruit subjected to MAP can be refrigerated up to 3 weeks, provided they are consumed within two days after removal from storage.