This research was aimed at evaluating the effect of controlled atmosphere on the internal breakdown, alcoholic taste and flavor in ‘Bruno’ kiwifruits and the relationship between these parameters and the rate and respiratory quotient. The treatments were 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5kPa O2 combined with 8, 12 and 16kPa CO2. The internal breakdown and occurrence of fruits with flavor was lower at 8kPa of CO2 independent of O2 level. Respiration rate of fruits was lower at treatments with 16kPa of CO2 and the respiratory quotient showed highest values at treatment with 16kPa of CO2. The respiration rate was negatively correlated with internal breakdown and flavor incidence. The respiratory quotient showed a positive correlation with internal breakdown and alcoholic aroma incidence. According to sensory analysis, the treatments with 1.0 and 1.5kPa of O2 combined with 8kPa of CO2 did not induce the of flavor taste in fruits.
Actinidia chinensis; postharvest; physiological disorders; controlled atmosphere
