Effects of precooling, ethylene absorbent and partial evacuation of air on storage of banana (Musa sp. cv. Berangan) under modified atmosphere

H. Abdullah, M. A. Rohayaand J. Mohd. Yunus 

Abstract

The effects of precooling, ethylene absorbent and partial evacuation of air on banana cv. Berangan with net weights of 10 kg and 12 kg stored under modified atmosphere (MA) in corrugated fibreboard boxes at 14°C were studied. Precooling and partial evacuation of air were found to be unnecessary for storage of Berangan under MA. Storage of up to 4 weeks was achieved simply by packing the fruit in sealed polyethylene bag. During this period, the levels of CO₂ and O₂ inside the bags containing the banana were within the safe range, i.e. 3.4–6.7% and 1.6–6.1% respectively. Ethylene levels increased drastically after 4 weeks. Storage of up to 5 weeks was obtained either by incorporating ethylene absorbent or increasing the weight of fruit per bag. The analysis on pH, total titratable acidity, total soluble solids, starch and sugar of the pulp as well as evaluation on fruit quality after storage and ripening were also carried out.

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