The Effects of Storage Temperature, Light Illumination, and Low-Temperature Plasma on Fruit Rot and Change in Quality of Postharvest Gannan Navel Oranges

Abstract

Gannan navel orange (Citrus sinensis Osbeck cv. Newhall) is an economically important fruit, but postharvest loss occurs easily during storage. In this study, the effects of different temperatures, light illuminations, and low-temperature plasma treatments on the water loss and quality of the Gannan navel orange were investigated. The fruit began to rot after 90 d of storage at 5 °C and 20–45 d at 26 °C. Navel oranges stored at 26 °C had 7.2-fold and 3.1-fold higher rates of water loss at the early and late storage stages, respectively, as compared with those stored at 5 °C. Storage at 5 °C decreased the contents of total soluble solids at the early storage stage and the contents of titratable acids at the late storage stage, whereas storage at 26 °C decreased the contents of total soluble solids at the late storage stage and the contents of titratable acids at the early storage stage, respectively. Application of low-temperature plasma produced by air ionization for 6 min, or continuous blue or red light illumination significantly inhibited water loss within 7 and 21 d of storage at 22 °C, respectively, but exhibited no significant effect on fruit quality. Furthermore, the low-temperature plasma treatment protected against fruit rot. Thus, treatment with low-temperature plasma followed by storage at a low temperature under continuous red or blue light illumination was of potential value as a green technology for preserving Gannan navel orange during storage.

Modulation of Antioxidant Compounds in Fruits of Citrus reticulata Blanco Using Postharvest LED Irradiation

“…Our data agree with other studies which demonstrate that different light quality regimes, monochromatic or in combination, were often utilized to maximize crop production, nutritional quality, food preservation, and pathogenic microbial prevention [13,28,29].…”

“…The illumination with blue or red LED light inhibited water loss in navel orange fruit, representing the main cause of the decrease in fruit firmness. Peel composition, including the number of scavenger molecules, has a key role in controlling fruit water loss [29] and maintaining fruit freshness [56]. Based on this evidence, using RB-LED treatment during Phlegrean mandarin storage, the boosted antioxidants produced in the peel may help to preserve fruits from deterioration.…”

Effect of air, O2, Ar, and N2 plasma‐activated water on mildewing activity of moldy pathogen of Gannan navel oranges

“…Staining of cells with Trypan Blue to distinguish between dead and alive cells is a standard method of identification. [ 3,31–33 ] The interior of inactivated cells is stained with Trypan Blue. Normal living cells have an intact cell membrane that rejects the Tapan Blue staining solution and the cells are not stained.…”

“…At present, the control of navel orange postharvest diseases is mainly based on chemical fungicides, and the commonly used chemical fungicides in the market are thiabendazole (TBZ), auxin analog 2, 4‐dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4‐D), imazalil (IMZ), and prochloraz. [ 3–6 ] However, systematic use of chemical fungicides over a long period of time has led to a certain degree of resistance in pathogenic bacteria. [ 7 ] In addition, considering the safety of food and the risk of environmental contamination, there has been a surge of interest in the search for safe, effective, and eco‐friendly alternatives for the protection of navel oranges from microbial invasion.…”

Postharvest Physiology and Handling of Guava Fruit

“…Refrigeration is the most common and effective storage practice for extending the shelf-lives of many fruits and vegetables, including citrus [ 31 ], pineapple [ 32 ], apple, and pear [ 33 ]. A gradual cooling method is preferred for particularly cold-sensitive fruits.…”