Effects of refrigerated storage and different packages on postharvest behaviour of fruits of atemoya (Annona cherimola x A. squamosa) cv. PR3 were investigated. Fruits were individually sealed in copolymer (PD-955) and low-density polyethylene (LDPE) bags and stored for 21 days at 15°C or 25°C. Then they were unwrapped and maintained at 25°C, for ripening. Weight loss and firmness of fruits were both affected by storage time, temperature and packaging. Weight loss in packaged atemoyas was lower than in the control, non-wrapped fruits. A non-trained panel scored the atemoyas for overall eating quality and appearance. Fruits sealed in LDPE did not ripen, probably due to an injurious atmosphere developed inside the package. Atemoyas packaged in PD-955 film had a shelf-life of 17 days against 13 days of the control ones, both stored at 15°C, an increase of 30% on shelf-life.
Annona cherimola x A.squamosa; modified atmosphere; refrigerated storage
