Storage life extension of exported 'Nam Dokmai' mango by refrigerated modified atmosphere packing

Abstract

Storage life extension methods are important for sea transportation of exported Thai mangoes. This research was conducted in order to find the suitable atmosphere in mango package during cold storage. Individual mango fruit was packed in seal polyethylene terephthalate plastic box with 7 levels of perforated holes (0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 2.5 and 3.0 cm2/m2) for modified atmosphere in package at different conditions. The fruit were kept at 5°C for 25, 32 and 39 days and transferred to room temperature (25+ 5°C). Results showed that mango fruit packed in package with perforated holes 1.5 and 2.0 cm2/m2and kept at 5°C for 32 days showed normal fruit without chilling injury symptom and normal ripening after removal to room temperature for 7 days. Mango fruit packed in sealed package without hole or 0.5 cm2/m2showed fermented symptoms. Fruit packed in sealed package with 2.5 and 3.0 cm2/m2showed chilling injury symptoms. The suitable package for mango e.g., equilibrium condition of atmosphere in the package, perforated holes size, fruit size, package size, and design of package will be presented and discussed.