The effect of simulated vibration frequency on the physico-mechanical and physicochemical properties of peach during transportation

ABSTRACT Loss in fresh fruit and vegetables during transportation occurs mainly due to their susceptibility to mechanical damage. The quality loss caused by this damage depends on the shock and vibration frequencies. In this study, the effect of different vibration frequencies (5 Hz, 10 Hz, and 15 Hz) on the physico-mechanical and physico-chemical properties of peach was investigated. The parameters such as energy absorption, mechanical hysteresis, and deformation volume were increased whereas mean geometric diameter, surface area, volume, degree of elasticity, deformation energy, and modulus of elasticity were decreased. Regarding physicochemical properties, pH and total soluble solid parameters increased whereas lightness (L*) value of peach decreased. The highest level of damage and mold growth were observed on the peach treated with 15 Hz frequency followed by 10 Hz and 5 Hz, respectively. The effect of all the frequencies on the physico-mechanical and physico-chemical properties of peach was statistically different. The results indicated that the increase in the vibration frequency causes higher mechanical damage in peach.