Effect of modified atmosphere packaging on maintenance of quality in apple.

An experiment was conducted to study the effect of modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) on the quality of 'Red Delicious' and 'Golden Delicious' apples. Freshly harvested fruits were wiped clean and (25 μm thick) with varying number of perforations and stored in cardboard boxes at ambient temperature. 'Golden Delicious' showed higher incidence of bitter pit as compared to 'Red Delicious' apples. MAP proved effective in controlling the bitter pit disorder and in maintenance of quality. The least incidence of bitter pit in 'Golden Delicious' was recorded with T 4 (30 x 2 mm perforation) and T 3 (20 x 2 mm) treatment in 'Red Delicious' apples. However, MAP retained more freshness in 'Golden Delicious' than in 'Red Delicious'.