POSTSTORAGE RESPIRATORY SUPPRESSION AND CHANGES IN CHEMICAL COMPOSITIONS OF MANGO FRUIT AFTER STORAGE IN LOW-OXYGEN ATMOSPHERE

Mango cv. ‘Choke Anan’ fruits were stored in an atmosphere consisting of 2%, 5%, 10% O₂ in N₂ or in air (21% O₂) for 4 weeks at 15°C. Following storage in low-O₂ atmosphere, the fruits were transferred to ambient air at 20°C and allowed to ripe naturally. Fruits stored in 2% O₂ exhibited the greatest suppression in CO₂ production rates after transfer to ambient air compared to higher O₂ levels. The respiratory quotient (RQ) values of fruit after storage in low-O₂ atmospheres for 4 weeks were close to unity, indicating the absence of anaerobic metabolism. Total sugar content of ripe fruit after storage in low-O₂ atmosphere for 4 weeks was significantly higher than the air-stored fruit. This study indicates that the respiratory metabolism and chemical compositions of ripe fruits were not affected as a result of storage in 2% and 5% O₂ atmosphere for up to 4 weeks at 15°C.