Effect of Temperature and Duration of Storage on Some Qualitative Characteristics of Two Local Varieties of Pear Fruits (Pyrus communis)

Abstract

This study includes storage operation for two local Pear varieties, Harmé Naska and Harmé Lasoore. For collecting the local pear varieties, Mawet and Sitak in Sulaymaniyah-Iraq were visited during 2015. Selected pear trees were 15-18 years aged. From Mawet the local pear variety named Harmé Naska, and from Sitak the local pear variety, Harmé Lasoore, were collected, where both varieties were grafted on (Harmé Sheena) local pear trees. Fruits were picked on 15 th and 16 th October 2015. Fresh fruits without any deformation and injury were randomly selected for the study and transported to the laboratory at Kirkuk in net boxes. Fruits were selected randomly almost uniformed and not deformed, keeping in mind freshness, injure free, bearer kept on, then transported to Kirkuk in net boxes then wiped gently before refrigerating. Fruits were stored in laboratories of Agriculture College-Kirkuk University in two refrigerators, with the temperature of 5°C and 3°C respectively. The refrigerators were loaded with pears for 30, 60 and 90 days. Some pears were also kept on benches at ambient temperature. Depending on four sources of electric power to keep the refrigerators working 24 hrs a day. The following qualities that have been taken for the fruits: weight, total soluble solids and firmness.