Respiration rate of sweet persimmon fruit depending on cultivar, harvest date and temperature

Non-astringent sweet persimmon fruits are stored for extended periods and distributed in modified-atmosphere packaging in eastern Asia. Differences in cultivar, harvest time and storage temperature affect the respiration rate of sweet persimmon, which should be taken into consideration when decisions are made regarding storage conditions and packaging materials. The respiration rate of two cultivars of non-astringent sweet persimmon (Nishimurawase and Fuyu) was measured at 0, 5, 10 and 15 degrees C for consideration as storability index and package design variable. The effect of various harvest times on respiration rate was also assessed for the Fuyu cultivar. The early-harvest Nishimurawase cultivar had a higher respiration rate than the late-harvest Fuyu cultivar. Respiration of both cultivars exhibited similar temperature dependence, with Arrhenius equation activation energies of 67-89 kJ mol(-1). Fruits of the Fuyu cultivar that were harvested at the interim stage weighed about 211 g and had a lower respiration rate than those picked at the early or late stages.