Shelf-life and quality of apple fruits in response to postharvest application of UV-C radiation
Jahad-e-Daneshgahi, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran; Department of Horticulture, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran; Department of Horticulture, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2006.v08i02.26
Key words: UV-C irradiation, apple, 'Golden Delicious', 'Red Delicious', fruit quality.
Abstract: In this study, UV-C irradiation (1.435><10-4 w cm-2) was used to maintain fruit quality of 'Red Delicious' and 'Golden Delicious' apple cultivars during storage. Apple fruits were irradiated in three different treatments (0, 5 and 15 min), and were stored in a cold storage at 1?1?C with 85-95% RH for 6 months. At the end of storage, irradiated fruits for 15 min had lower pH and total soluble solids/titratable acids ratio and higher titratable acids and firmness than irradiated fruits for 5 min and control fruits. A significant difference was observed among total soluble solids of irradiated 'Red Delicious' fruits for 15 min, irradiated fruits for 5 min and control fruits at the end of storage. 'Red Delicious' apples had lower total soluble solids and total soluble solids/titratable acids ratio and higher firmness than 'Golden Delicious' apples after 6 months. Our results showed that UV-C irradiation can be used to reduce loss of fruit quality during long period storage of apples.
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