Elevated CO 2 in dynamic controlled atmosphere storage: Impact on anaerobic metabolism and overall quality of 'Maxi Gala' apples

• Published in: Journal of the science of food and agriculture 2024-12
• Main Authors: Schultz, Erani Eliseu, Soldateli, Francis Júnior, Both, Vanderlei, Brackmann, Auri, Batista, Carine Borges, Thewes, Fabio Rodrigo, Mallmann Wendt, Lucas, Berghetti, Magno Roberto Pasquetti, Ludwig, Vagner, Thewes, Flavio Roberto
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0022-5142; 1097-0010
• DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.14091

The present study investigated the effects of high CO partial pressures (pCO ) in dynamic controlled atmosphere monitored by respiratory quotient (DCA-RQ 1.3) on the anaerobic metabolism compounds, physiological disorders and overall quality of 'Maxi Gala' apples after 9 months of storage (2.0 °C), plus 7 days of shelf life (20 °C). Two experiments were conducted over 2 years. In the first year, 'Maxi Gala' apples were stored under controlled atmosphere (CA - 1.2 kPa O  + 2.0 kPa CO ), CA + 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP), DCA by chlorophyll fluorescence (DCA-CF + 1.2 kPa CO ) and DCA-RQ 1.3 with different pCO (0.4, 1.2, and 1.6). The same treatments were evaluated in the second year, with addition of DCA-RQ 1.3 + 2.0 kPa CO . 'Maxi Gala' apple stored under DCA-RQ 1.3 + 0.4 kPa CO and DCA-CF maintained healthy fruit amount similar to DCA-RQ 1.3 + 1.2 and 1.6 kPa CO , but with lower flesh firmness. DCA-RQ 1.3 with higher pCO (1.6 or 2.0) increases the production of ethyl acetate, but did not impact physiological disorders compared to DCA-CF. CA + 1-MCP maintained high flesh firmness, but reduced healthy fruit amount. The present study has demonstrated that DCA-RQ 1.3 with 1.6 or 2.0 pCO can be adopted for 'Maxi Gala' apples storage, resulting in similar or better fruit quality than DCA-RQ 1.3 + 1.2 kPa CO . Additionally, the adoption of high pCO in the DCA-RQ storage system can result in cost reductions related to CO adsorption. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.