Effect of Some Postharvest Treatments on Quality Attributes Of Sweet Pepper Fruits During Cold Storage

This study was carried out on sweet pepper fruits (Monist F1 hybrid) harvested at 3/4 yellowing color stage obtained from private farm, at Ismailia Governorate, during 2010-2011 and 2011-2012 seasons to study the effect of active and passive modified atmosphere packaging (MAP),packaging in perforated polypropylene bags (Pppb),hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) at 0.12 % and vapor gard(VG) at 0.1% treatments compared with untreated fruits(control) on the quality maintenance of sweet pepper fruits during storage at 10ºC. All studied treatments reduced weight loss, decay, firmness loss and color changes compared with untreated control.
Sweet pepper fruits packed in sealed polypropylene bags (active or passive MAP) was the most effective treatment in reducing weight loss percentage as compared with the other treatments and untreated control. Hydrogen peroxide or Pppb rated good appearance after 21 days at 10ºC.On the otherhand, untreated fruits having poorest appearance at the end of storage at10ºC.
 No decay was observed in sweet pepper fruits exposed to active MAP during storage. Furthermore, it is also reduced weight loss, maintained fruits firmness and retarded the loss of TSS, ascorbic acid and carotenoids and gave good appearance for 28 days at 10ºC, (28 days).
The results suggested that active MAP at 5% O2 + 10% CO2 followed by H₂O₂ treatments were the promising technique for maintaining quality and extending storage period of sweet pepper fruits.