The effect of high CO2 Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) on storage properties of strawberry (Fragaria ananassa cv. Selva

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of high CO2 Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) on storage quality of ‘Selva’ strawberry fruits. The statistical analysis carried out using factorial experiment by Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with three replications. Treatments included cover in two levels (polyethylene and polyamide) and two different gas compositions (2% O2 + 15% CO2 + 83% N2 and Air). Fruits were stored at 0-2? C and 85-90% relative humidity (RH) for up to 20 days with the five days intervals، followed by 24h at 25? C and 70% (RH) to simulate market conditions. The results showed that MAP is more effective to prevent weight loss and decay incidence whereas decreased vitamin C content. High CO2 inside the packages had led to inhibited red color development (a* value) of fruit and caused sepal necrosis. By the application of MAP with high level CO2 using polyethylene film، fruit firmness had not showed decrease whilst TSS in polyamide film was maximum compared to controls and other treatments.