THE EFFECT OF CA STORAGE ON QUALITY PARAMETERS OF SHALLOT (ALLIUM ASCALONICUM L.) BULBS

Shallot (Allium ascalonicum L.), although not as popular as common onion, has received recognition in some countries i.e., in France and new markets. Shallot used to be propagated vegetatively, however recently new cultivars, grown from seeds, have appeared in production. Few publications concerning shallot have been published until now, especially about storage influence on quality of this vegetable. In this study the effect of CA storage on quality of shallot bulbs was examined. Quality parameters of the bulbs were examined directly after harvest and after seven months of storage. Shallot cultivars (‘Conservor’ F₁, ‘Prisma’ F₁, ‘Bonilla’ F₁) were stored under different atmosphere compositions (normal atmosphere, 5% CO₂ + 5% O₂, 5% CO₂+2% O₂, 2% CO₂+5% O₂, 2% CO₂+2% O₂). After harvest and after storage weight loss was determined, as well as dry matter, firmness and soluble solids content.
Examined cultivars showed differences in investigated quality parameters after harvest and after storage. The highest differences were observed in firmness, however, storage conditions did not affect bulb’s firmness significantly. The highest weight loss was observed in normal atmosphere condition. Dry matter increased significantly during storage only in 5% CO₂+5% O₂ atmosphere composition. Soluble solids content decreased, although not significantly during storage, and ‘Bonilla’ always had highest soluble solids content. Colour of dry and fleshy scales changed depending on cultivar and atmosphere composition. Each atmosphere composition examined in this study affected a different parameter.