INFLUENCE OF PACKAGES TYPES AND STORAGE TEMPERATURES ON MANDRIN FRUITS STORABILITY (Citrus reticulata) LOCAL CULTIVAR

Abstract

The influence of three package types and storage temperature (5 c , 10 c , 15 c) on the weight loss , physiological disorders , fungi decay and chemical composition of Mandrin fruits during the storage period were studied .Results indicated that polyethylene package , significantly decreased weight loss and physiological disorders , but significantly increased fungi decay caused by Penicillium spp. compared with control treatment .The weight loss , physiological disorders and fungi decay were significantly increased by increasing the number of holes in polyethylene packages. Fruits stored at 5 C had significantly less weight loss , physiological disorders and less fungi decay as compared with those stored at 10 C and 15 C . Fruit juice content vitamin C and acidity percentage were significantly decreased when temperature or storage period was increased ; while total soluble solids was increased . All the above parameters were decreased when fruits were stored in polyethylene bags , compared with control treatment .