Role of Modified Atmosphere and Some Physical Treatments Under Cool Storage Conditions in Controlling Post-Harvest Cherry Tomatoes Spoilage

Abstract

The importance of the cool and modified atmosphere in cherry tomato fruit storing is its usage to increase the fruit longevity, quality appearance and prevention of spoilage diseases caused by Botrytis cinerea Pers.: Fr. and Alternaria alternata (Fr.) Keissi. Cherry tomatoes (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill. var. cerasiforme Dunal) was stored under cool condition and three modified atmosphere levels. Results clearly showed that modified atmosphere level (12% CO 2 + 6% O 2 ) under cooling storage (7ºC±1 + 90% RH±3), was significantly decreased incidence and severity percentage of cherry tomato spoilage more than the other two modified atmosphere levels. In parallel with this data our consequence proved that, these storage conditions preservation quality of cherry tomato parameters (firmness, TSS, vitamin C, lycopene and color) in pretty shape for consumer, marketing and exportation. Treated cherry tomatoes with calcium chloride and salicylic acid extending shelf life, improve fruit quality appearance and stability parameters of cherry tomato with less spoilage disease incidence under previously storage conditions.