MICROSTRUCTURAL CHANGES OF 'ROCHA' PEAR FOLLOWING STORAGE UNDER CONTROLLED ATMOSPHERE

S.C. Fonseca, F.X. Malcata, A.C. Galvis-Sánchez
2008 Acta Horticulturae  
This research effort was aimed at evaluating the influence of storage (for 4 mo at 2°C), under various controlled atmospheres (viz. 1.9 kPa O2 + 4.9 kPa CO2, 1.9 kPa O2 + 0.5 kPa C02 and 1.9 kPa O2 + 0 kPa C02), on the microstructure of 'Rocha' pear. Toward this goal, the morphology of cellular disassembly, as well as the quantity of granules and intercellular space using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), were tentatively correlated with sensory and instrumental firmness, by 1, 6 and 8 d of
more » ... posure to air, at room temperature, after storage. A specific methodology, based on panel evaluation of SEM images, was developed and statistically validated. The degree of cellular disassembly increased throughout exposure time to air at room temperature. Pears stored under 1.9 kPa O2 + 0.5 kPa CO2 yielded a degree of cellular disassembly similar to that of the control. Plant Material and Handling 'Rocha' pears were grown at Alcoba<;a, Portugal, under controlled cultural practices. Immediately following harvest, fruits were transported to Escola Superior de Proc. x th IS an Pear
doi:10.17660/actahortic.2008.800.134 fatcat:cggmpxg3dnbndeubedb5epld3m