Application of photoacoustic spectroscopy in monitoring emission of C2H4 and CO2 in passion fruit stored under different atmospheres.

Abstract

The present work shows the application of the photoacoustic spectrometer in the monitoring of the ethylene emission rate in passion fruit submitted to different types of atmosphere storage. Three types of modified atmosphere were applied: 1) 100% N2 and 0% O2 (MA1), 2) 97% N2 and 3% O2 (MA2) and 3) 94% N2 and 6% O2 (MA3). The respiratory rate and parameters of the skin color as CIE a, b and angle hue were monitored and correlated with the ethylene emission rate. The loss of mass was also evaluated. Results indicated that atmospheres with oxygen concentrations below 3% cause fruit damage, evident as fermentation and presence of fungus in the skin, while 6% oxygen led to a 2 day increased in shelf life.