Effects of O2 and CO2 concentrations on physiology and quality of litchi fruit in storage

Litchi (Litchi chinensis Sonn. cv Heiye) fruit were stored in air, modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) and controlled atmospheres (CA) at 3 °C to determine the effects of different O2 and CO2 atmospheres on physiology, quality and decay during the storage periods. The results indicated that CA conditions were more effective in reducing total phenol content, delaying anthocyanidin decomposition, preventing pericarp browning, and decreasing fruit decay in comparison with MAP treatment. Polyphenol oxidase (PPO), peroxidase (POD), anthocyanin and total phenols were involved in cellular browning. High O2 treatment significantly limited ethanol production of litchi flesh in the early period of storage. The fruit stored in CA conditions for 42 days maintained good quality without any off-flavour.