The Influence of Internal Packaging (Liners) on Moisture Dynamics and Physical and Physiological Quality of Pomegranate Fruit during Cold Storage

Abstract

Weight loss and decay are common physiological disorders during postharvest handling and storage of pomegranates. The study focused on relating the ability of plastic liners as internal packaging to modify both gaseous and moisture atmosphere around the fruit to moisture dynamics and physical and physiological quality of pomegranate fruit (cv. Wonderful) during storage. Fruit were packed with no-liner, non-perforated ‘Decco’, non-perforated ‘Zoe’, micro-perforated Xtend®, 2 mm macro-perforated high density polyethylene (HDPE), and 4 mm macro-perforated HDPE plastic liners. After 84 days of storage at 5 °C and 90–95% relative humidity (RH), fruit packed with no-liner lost 15.6 ± 0.3% of initial weight. Non-perforated (Decco and Zoe) liners minimised losses to 0.79 and 0.82% compared to Xtend® micro-perforated (4.17%) and 2 mm HDPE (2.44%) and 4 mm macro-perforated HDPE (4.17%) liners, respectively. Clearly, micro- and macro-perforation of liners minimised moisture condensation, fruit decay, and shrivel severity. Micro-perforated Xtend® and macro-perforated 4 mm HDPE were the best treatments in minimising postharvest losses that are often associated with inadequate environment control inside packaging compared to the use of non-perforated liners.

Multi-Functional Potential of Lactic Acid Bacteria Strains and Antimicrobial Effects in Minimally Processed Pomegranate (Punica granatum L. cv Jolly Red) Arils

“…In fact, the slight differences found at the seventh day of storage could be related to the higher microbial metabolism of both the naturally present microbiota and inoculated pathogens. Similar results were reported when heat-shrinkable films were applied on pomegranate fruits [ 54 , 55 ] or in fruits differently packaged [ 56 ]. Moreover, the quality of pomegranate arils is strongly related to their red color, which mainly depends on the cultivar and on the ripeness state.…”

Effect of Gum Arabic and Starch-Based Coating and Different Polyliners on Postharvest Quality Attributes of Whole Pomegranate Fruit

“…The results agree with Meighani et al [48], who showed that resin wax coatings on 'Malase Torshe Saveh' pomegranates before cold storage (4.5 • C) significantly reduced weight loss as compared to uncoated fruit. In addition, packaging of 'Wonderful' pomegranates with polyliners during cold storage has been reported to reduce weight loss [13,64]. Internal packaging creates a modified atmosphere that minimizes water migration from the fruit to the environment, often leading to desiccation [21,26].…”

Effects of Gum Arabic Coatings Enriched with Lemongrass Essential Oil and Pomegranate Peel Extract on Quality Maintenance of Pomegranate Whole Fruit and Arils

“…For instance, Mphahlele et al [ 14 ] reported that packing ‘Wonderful’ pomegranates in either ZOEpac polyliner bags or shrink wrapping reduced weight loss and maintained good visual appearance during 4 months of cold storage (7.5 ± 0.5 °C). Likewise, Lufu et al [ 15 ] showed that different MAP polyliners (micro-perforated Xtend ® , 2 mm macro-perforated high density polyethylene and 4 mm macro-perforated) minimized weight loss and the development of decay and shrivel in ‘Wonderful’ pomegranates stored at 5 °C for 84 d. Similar results were also reported when MAP technology was applied on several pomegranate cultivars including ‘Bhagwa’ [ 16 ], ‘Hicrannar’ [ 17 ] and ‘Primosole’ [ 18 ]. However, with the current trend towards sustainability of the environment and market, some technologies are categorized as unsafe, and customers prefer plastic-free packaging [ 19 , 20 ].…”