Modified atmosphere and modified humidity packaging alleviates chilling injury symptoms in mango fruit

Storage of mango (Mangifera indica L. cvs. Tommy Atkins and Keitt) fruits at 12 degrees C caused slight chilling injury (CI) symptoms on the fruit peril expressed as red spots around the lenticels (lenticel spotting). A modified atmosphere (similar to 5% CO2 and similar to 10% O-2) was created in 4-kg film-lined cartons by using microperforated polyethylene (PE) or Xtend(R) film (XF). For 'Keitt' fruit, a similar atmosphere was also applied using controlled atmosphere chambers. After 3 weeks of storage at 12 degrees C plus 1 week at 20 degrees C, both modified and controlled atmosphere treatments were effective in reducing CI. The most effective reduction was found in fruits that were packed in the XF film. A second advantage of using XF him was the reduction in the level of sap inside the package due to the lower relative humidity in the XF film (similar to 90%) compared with that of PE packaging (similar to 99%). (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.