Impact of Different Modified Atmosphere Packaging on Physiological and Phytochemical Traits of Jujube Fruit During Cold Storage

Abstract

This study was conducted to determine the effects of different modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) treatments on post-harvest fruit quality and biochemical content in 'Li' jujube (Ziziphus jujuba Mill.) cultivar. In the study, five different MAP treatments (X-tend [MAP1], Fresh [MAP2], Fresh Plus [MAP3], Refresh [MAP4] and Wait Fresh [MAP5]) were applied to fruits. Analyses were conducted at 15-day intervals on fruits stored for 60 days at 0 +/- 0.5 degrees C and 90 +/- 5% RH conditions. The lowest weight loss during storage was obtained with MAP2 treatment. At the end of storage, the highest respiration rate was observed in MAP4 treatment. Fruit firmness was highest with MAP1 treatment. The lowest soluble solids content (SSC) value at the end of storage was obtained with MAP5 treatment. At the end of storage, the lowest titratable acidity values were measured in the fruits treated with MAP2, MAP3 and MAP5. Vitamin C content decreased during the storage period and MAP treatments were effective in maintaining fruit quality by delaying these losses. In addition, MAP2 application was the most effective in maintaining total phenolics, total flavonoids, and antioxidant activities. MAP treatments are effective in extending the storage life and maintaining the quality of jujube fruit. In particular, Fresh MAP treatment is recommended as the most suitable method in terms of both preservation of quality parameters and sustainability of antioxidant capacity. It is recommended to prefer Fresh MAP treatment in the storage and marketing processes of jujube fruit on a commercial scale.