SUPER ATMOSPHERIC O2 PACKAGING MAINTAINS POSTHARVEST QUALITY OF CHERRY (PRUNUS AVIUM L.) FRUIT

The effect of super atmospheric O-2 packaging on the quality and physiological character of cherry fruits in Wenchuan County in Sichuan province was investigated at 4C and at a relative humidity of 70 +/- 1%. The results showed that, compared with control (air packaging), super atmospheric O-2 packaging effectively delayed the respiration peak of cherry fruits, markedly inhibited (P < 0.05) ethylene production for the first 4 days of storage, effectively maintained firmness and soluble protein and sugar contents, and significantly delayed (P < 0.05) the increase of polyphenol oxidase and peroxidase activities except for days 2 and 8 of storage. However, the vitamin C contents of cherry fruits packaged by super atmospheric O-2 declined much more than control. Therefore, combined with the technique of vitamin C protection, super atmospheric O-2 packaging will be a prospective way to extend the postharvest quality of cherry fruits.