Determination of ethylene in controlled atmosphere cold stores in Santa Catarina, Brazil

Abstract

The knowledge of the importance of ethylene levels during the preclimacteric stage of apples led to the implementation of methods in order to diminish its synthesis and action in controlled atmosphere (CA) stores. Ethylene release from stored apples mainly depends on the cultivar, harvest date, and storage conditions (Temperature and combination levels of 02 and CO2). In order to determine ethylene levels in three CA stores and the possible effects of these levels on the quality of the apples, air samples were monitored at weakly intervals during the year of 1987. The ethylene concentrations measured ranged from 1,8 ppm to 393,3 ppm. These variations in ethylene levels are due to diferences in the stage of ripening of the picked fruit and to delay in stablishing the wished storage temperature and atmosphere (02 and CO2). Measurement of flesh firmness, total soluble solids and titratable acidity did not show significant differences