Ethanol reduces ripening of 'Royal Gala' apples stored in controlled atmosphere.

This work aims at evaluate ethanol effect of acetaldehyde application in post-storage quality of 'Royal Gala' apples maintenance, and to compare them with consolidated storage techniques. Thus two experiments were performed during the years of 2008 and 2009. In the first experiment (2008), the application of ethanol, acetaldehyde or 1-MCP and ethylene scrubbing were tested. Fruits were stored in controlled atmosphere (CA) with 1.0kPa O2 and 2.0kPa CO2 at 0.5°C. In the second experiment (2009), the treatments tested were ethanol application combined or not with low relative humidity (LRH) and LRH alone. In this experiment, apples were stored in CA with 1.2kPa O2 + 2.5kPa CO2 at 0.5°C. After eight months of storage, 0.5 mL ethanol kg-1 apples month-1 or 0.25 mL acetaldehyde kg-1 apples month-1 increased mealiness, flesh browning, and decays incidence and reduced flesh firmness. In contrast, 0.3 mL ethanol kg-1 apples month-1, tested on second experiment, prevented fruit softening and decreased ACC oxidase activity and ethylene production. Although lower relative humidity was not efficient in maintaining post-storage quality, it enhanced the positive effect of ethanol application at 0.3 mL kg-1 apples month-1.

Fruit quality preservation of 'Laetitia' plums under controlled atmosphere storage.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of controlled atmosphere (CA) on quality preservation of 'Laetitia' plums, mainly on internal breakdown, in order to determine the best CA storage conditions. Two experiments were carried out one in 2010, and another in 2011. In 2010, besides cold storage (CS; 21.0 kPa O2 + 0.03 kPa CO2), the fruits were stored under the following CA conditions (kPa O2+kPa CO2): 1+3, 1+5, 2+5, 2+10, and 11+10. In 2011, the fruits were stored under CS and CA of 1+0, 1+1, 2+1, and 2+2. The fruit stored under different CA conditions had lower respiration and ethylene production, better preservation of flesh firmness, texture and titratable acidity, lower skin red color, and lower incidence of skin cracking than the fruit in CS. In 2010, the fruit under CA with 2+5, 1+5, and 1+3 had a pronounced delay in ripening, although it exhibited a high incidence of internal breakdown. In 2011, the CA conditions with 2+1 and 2+2 provided the best delay in ripening and a reduced incidence of internal breakdown. The best CA condition for cold storage (at 0.5°C) of 'Laetitia' plums is 2 kPa O2 + 2 kPa CO2.

Higher CO2 during controlled atmosphere storage of unshelled 'Barton' pecans or carnauba wax coating: Effect on the quality after long-term storage at two temperatures.

Pecan nuts, a healthy food, have shown an increased demand for consumption. Therefore, there must be a certain level of care to avoid quality losses, which are primarily influenced by storage conditions and time. This study evaluates the effects of long-term controlled atmosphere (CA) storage with low O2 partial pressure (pO2 - 2 kPa), combined or not with high CO2 (pCO2 - 40 or 80 kPa), carnauba wax coating (CW), and ambient atmosphere (AMB; control) at 10 and 20 °C, on unshelled 'Barton' pecan nut quality. Color, water activity (Aw), moisture content (MC), and oxidation markers, such as peroxide value (PV), acidity value (AV), TBARS, and volatile compounds (VC) were evaluated. Storage up to twelve months at 10 °C and with CA (regardless of the temperature) ensured higher luminosity and color parameter b* ("golden") and a lower a* parameter ("reddish"). The MC ranged from 2.8 to 3.6%, irrespective of storage conditions, for up to twelve months, which is suitable. The AMB at 10 °C ensured lower AV, TBARS, and PV compared to the CW treatment. Furthermore, CA with low pO2 and high pCO2, even at 20 °C, guaranteed lower AV, TBARS, and PV. Storage at 20 °C increased characteristic VCs of lipid oxidation (aldehydes, acids, alcohols, ketones, lactones, and esters, especially with CW coating). However, all conditions at 10 °C and with pCO2 (even associated at 20 °C) reduced the presence of these VCs. The CW used as a coating on the pecans did not show satisfactory results and should not be recommended for pecan storage at these applied conditions. Our findings showed that low pO2 and high pCO2 maintain better pecan quality than O2 ambient (20 kPa), even at temperatures above refrigeration (20 °C). Nevertheless, there were no significant differences between 40 and 80 kPa CO2.

Superficial scald development in 'Granny Smith' and 'Nicoter' apples: The role of key volatile compounds when fruit are stored under dynamic controlled atmosphere.

A positive correlation of α-farnesene and its oxidation metabolites with superficial scald is commonly reported in apples stored in air or controlled atmosphere (CA) systems, where O2 levels are above the lower oxygen limit (LOL) tolerated by the fruit. Nevertheless, the LOL can be monitored by the dynamic controlled atmosphere (DCA) techniques and to provide different physiological responses. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate key volatile metabolites from 'Granny Smith' and 'Nicoter' ('Kanzi®') apples stored under dynamic controlled atmosphere (DCA) monitored by respiratory quotient (RQ), i. e. at extremely low oxygen partial pressures (ELO) and correlate their emissions with the incidence of superficial scald (SS). The volatile compounds (VCs) were isolated by solid phase microextraction (HS-SPME) and analyzed by gas chromatography. For the first time, higher concentrations of α-farnesene and its oxidation metabolites (6-methyl-5-hepten-2-one, and 6-methyl-5-hepten-2-ol) were negatively correlated with SS in DCA-RQ. This is likely due to the higher levels of ethanol in fruit stored under this condition having an inhibitory effect on SS incidence even when α-farnesene, 6-methyl-5-hepten-2-one, and 6-methyl-5-hepten-2-ol accumulate. Additionally, SS is more correlated to internal ethylene concentration (IEC) than α-farnesene accumulation and their metabolites, even when fruit were stored under ELO, where ethylene action is reduced.

Effects of controlled atmosphere and storage temperature on the quality of shelled 'Barton' pecan nuts during long-term storage.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of controlled atmosphere (CA) storage at a low oxygen partial pressure (pO2; 2 kPa of O2) and low pO2 associated with high pCO2 (2 kPa O2 + 15 kPa CO2) in relation to ambient atmospheric conditions (control), at different temperatures, on shelled 'Barton' pecan nuts quality after storage. Color, respiration rates, moisture content (MC), and oxidation markers, such as peroxide value (PV), acidity value (AV), and volatile compounds (VC), were evaluated. During six months of storage, the MC decreased in all CA treatments, and treatments at 10 °C had the lowest AVs and PVs. However, the treatment with high pCO2 levels also guaranteed lower AVs at 20 °C. The color parameter b* (yellow), which is related to the golden appearance of pecans and is a highly desirable visual attribute in the commercialization of nuts, was maintained high in treatments at 10 °C with CA treatments until six months of storage. The VCs, characteristic of lipid oxidation (aldehydes, acids, alcohols, and ketones), increase in all treatments with prolonging storage. When pCO2 was associated to 10 °C at six month of storage, it showed a larger area in the acids and unsaturated aldehyde classes, while it was relevant for alcohols, lactones, and esters at 20 °C, with sweet characteristics, including ethyl ethanoate, ethyl hexanoate, and butyrolactone. Thus, this study shows another advance in the storage techniques of shelled pecans, pointing to alternatives for reducing energy costs in the cooling chain.

Fungal growth, patulin accumulation and volatile profile in 'Fuji Mishima' apples under controlled atmosphere and dynamic controlled atmosphere.

The objective of this study was to evaluate fungal and patulin contamination, together with its correlation with the volatile compounds (VCs), in 'Fuji Mishima' apples (up to 25% decayed) under controlled atmosphere (CA) and dynamic controlled atmosphere with respiratory quotient (DCA-RQ) of 1.3 combined with different partial pressures of carbon dioxide (0.8, 1.2, 1.6 and 2.0 pCO2). Fruits were stored under the above conditions for 8 months at 0.5 °C plus 7 days shelf life at 20 °C. Toxigenic fungi and patulin accumulation were found in apples from all treatments. Penicillium expansum was the most prevalent species. For all storage conditions, patulin concentrations were above the maximum level allowed in Brazil (50  µg  kg-1) with an exception of DCA-RQ1.3 + 0.8 kPa CO2. This condition, with lower pCO2, showed the lowest patulin accumulation, below the legal limit. The CA provided the highest patulin concentration (166 µg  kg-1). It was observed that fungal growth could also contribute to changes in the volatile composition. Styrene and 3-methyl-1-butanol are considered P. expansum markers in some apple cultivars and were detected in the samples. However, it was not possible to identify volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that are biomarkers from P. expansum, because there were other fungi species present in all samples. In this study, styrene, n-decanoic acid, toluene, phenol and alpha-farnesene were the compounds that showed the most positive correlation with patulin accumulation. On the other hand, a negative correlation of patulin with acids has been shown, indicating that in treatments with a higher patulin concentration there were less acidic compounds.

Multimycotoxin Determination in Grains: A Comprehensive Study on Method Validation and Assessment of Effectiveness of Controlled Atmosphere Storage in Preventing Mycotoxin Contamination.

Two simple and low-cost QuEChERS approaches were optimized and validated for multimycotoxin determination in grains by UPLC-MS/MS and applied to assess effectiveness of controlled atmosphere (CA) storage in preventing mycotoxin contamination. Common bean, soybean, and maize samples were stored for 6 months. CA treatments were conducted varying O2 and CO2 partial pressures, temperatures, and moisture contents of the chambers. In the validation study for common bean and maize, 8 out of 11 mycotoxins were successfully validated. For soybean, 10 out of 11 mycotoxins were validated. Aflatoxin B1 was detected in all commodities. Statistical tests suggest that storage temperature played a key role in aflatoxin B1 concentrations in common bean and soybean, but had no influence on maize. Maize was also positive for fumonisins B1 and B2. Differences in fumonisin concentrations were not significant among different treatments. Concentrations of aflatoxin B1 in some samples exceeded legislation's maximum levels. Thus, some of the CA treatments applied were effective in preventing mycotoxin contamination in common bean and soybean but were not effective for maize.

The effects of soybean storage under controlled atmosphere at different temperatures on lipid oxidation and volatile compounds profile.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of low oxygen partial pressure (pO2) and high carbon dioxide partial pressure (pCO2) combined with different temperatures on the oil acidity and peroxide values of two soybean cultivars (NA 5909 RG and FEPAGRO 37 RR). The volatile compounds correlated to lipid oxidation were also evaluated. Soybeans were stored for seven months under ambient and controlled atmosphere (CA) conditions at three temperatures (20, 25, and 30 °C). Storage under ambient conditions increased acidity and peroxide value regardless of the temperature. CA storage with low pO2 reduced oil acidity and its combination with high pCO2 had no positive effects on oil acidity and peroxide values. Grains of FEPAGRO 37 RR stored under ambient air showed higher 1-octne-3-ol amount compared to CA. The higher storage temperature increased (E)-2-heptenal and decanal amount in grains of cultivar NA 5909 RG. In addition, the ambiente air storage provide higher γ-Butyrolactone in relation to CA storage. Moreover, in both cultivars the CA storage technique provides lower (E)-2-hexenal content. This compound, together with hexanal are potential lipid deterioration markers of soybeans. CA storage is a promising tool for soybean grains preservation and the effect is mainly due to the oxygen reduction, with no additional effect of CO2 increasing.

The isolated or combined effects of dynamic controlled atmosphere (DCA) and 1-MCP on the chemical composition of cuticular wax and metabolism of 'Maxi Gala' apples after long-term storage.

Apples have a continuous hydrophobic layer that covers the surface of the fruit, which is called the cuticle. The effects of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) on the cuticular wax layer of apples were reported after cold storage, although the interaction between 1-MCP and dynamic controlled atmosphere (DCA) is not yet known. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the effects of 1-MCP on the wax composition and metabolism of 'Maxi Gala' apples after storage in a controlled atmosphere (CA) and dynamic controlled atmosphere based on chlorophyll fluorescence (DCA-CF) and respiratory quotient (DCA-RQ; RQ = 1.3 and 1.5). The 1-MCP treatment effectively decreased ethylene production for CA and DCA-CF treatments, while in DCA-RQ treatments produced no effect. The average extracted cuticular wax content of 'Maxi Gala' apples was 16.65 g m-2 and no differences in storage conditions or 1-MCP application were observed. Alkanes, alcohols, fatty acids, aldehydes, and terpenoids were identified in the chemical composition of the cuticular waxes, being alkanes and fatty acids the predominant ones. Moreover, 1-MCP decreased fatty acid and 10-nonacosanol concentrations in the fruit. Fruit with the 1-MCP application and stored in DCA had lower α-farnesene concentrations. The wax compositions of the DCA-stored apples with and without 1-MCP were similar. However, 1-MCP treatment resulted in a greater mass loss in fruit stored in DCA.

Influence of respiratory quotient dynamic controlled atmosphere (DCA - RQ) and ethanol application on softening of Braeburn apples.

The effect of a respiratory quotient dynamic controlled atmosphere (DCA - RQ), which induces ethanol production through low oxygen storage, and ethanol application on softening of Braeburn apples stored at different temperatures was investigated. DCA - RQ storage was associated with the activation of the alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and greater anaerobic metabolism in comparison with DCA - CF (chlorophyll fluorescence) and controlled atmosphere (CA) storage. Greater anaerobic metabolism resulted in lower ethylene production, ACC oxidase activity, membrane permeability, -galactosidase activity and, therefore, less softening after long-term storage. Ethanol application after CA storage decreased ethylene biosynthesis, respiration rate and membrane permeability. Storage at 3 °C resulted in the lowest soluble solids and acidity, but not softening. In conclusion, Braeburn apples could be stored at 3 °C under DCA - RQ1.5. Additionally, ethanol produced by the fruit, or applied externally, had a significant effect on inhibiting softening during and after storage.

Development of dispersive solvent extraction method to determine the chemical composition of apple peel wax.

A method to extract apple peel wax was developed using the dispersive solvent extraction technique and applied to four apple cultivars (Royal Gala, Pink Lady®, Red Delicious, and Granny Smith). Different variables of the method were optimized, namely type and volume of extraction and dispersive solvents, ionic strength, and use of ultrasound. Extracts were evaluated as gravimetric yield of wax and composition as determined by gas chromatography. Optimized conditions provided yields higher than 95%. In a repeatability assay, the relative standard deviation for the extracted wax content was <3%. Thirty-one wax compounds were identified, among them fatty acids, hydrocarbons, sterols, and terpenes. Fatty acids were the major constituents in the analyzed extracts. N-alkane, nonacosane, and triterpene ursolic acid were also significant constituents. The method allows the determination of the total peel wax content and the different constituents of this fraction from distinct apple cultivars.

Dynamic controlled atmosphere: Impact of elevated storage temperature on anaerobic metabolism and quality of 'Nicoter' apples.

The aim of the study was to evaluate an elevated (3.0 °C) and low (1.0 °C) storage temperature combined with dynamic controlled atmosphere monitored by respiratory quotient (DCA-RQ) and chlorophyll fluorescence (DCA-CF) on anaerobic metabolism, physiological storage disorders and overall quality of 'Nicoter' ('Kanzi®') apples after 5.5 and 8.0 months of storage plus 7d shelf-life. Fruit stored under DCA-RQ 2.0 accumulated the highest amounts of anaerobic metabolites (acetaldehyde, ethanol and ethyl acetate), regardless of storage temperature and timing of storage outturn evaluation, but it did not result in higher electrolyte leakage. Flesh breakdown, core breakdown and cavity formation were reduced at 3 °C. Storage at 3 °C combined with DCA maintained higher flesh firmness after 8.0 months storage plus 7d shelf-life. 'Nicoter' apples can be stored at 3 °C using a DCA system, based either on CF or on RQ, to save electrical energy.

Key volatile compounds of 'Fuji Kiku' apples as affected by the storage conditions and shelf life: Correlation between volatile emission by intact fruit and juice extracted from the fruit.

For the 'Fuji Kiku' apple, this study aimed: (i) to evaluate the volatile compounds (VCs) from headspace storage chambers with static controlled atmosphere (CA) and with dynamic controlled atmosphere based on chlorophyll fluorescence (DCA-CF) and based on respiratory quotient (DCA-RQ1.5) at ninth month of storage, during 1 and 7 days of shelf life of intact fruit, and in apple juice headspace and (ii) to determine the correlation of the VCs in the headspace from storage chambers and fruit during shelf life with the headspace VCs from apple juice as markers of quality. The VCs were isolated by solid phase microextraction (HS-SPME) and analyzed by gas chromatography. In the storage chambers, ethyl linear chain esters were detected mainly in DCA-RQ1.5, while acetaldehyde and (E)-2-hexenal were more abundant in DCA-CF. At seven days of shelf life, fermentative metabolic compounds had reduced emissions given the opening time of the chamber, while there were higher emissions of branched chain esters, especially ethyl 2-methyl butanoate in DCA-RQ1.5. The correlation was high and positive between the VCs present in the juice and those emitted by the intact fruit during seven days of shelf life, demonstrating that the concentration of VCs in juice can be used to estimate the emissions from whole fruit. DCA-RQ1.5 storage promoted the synthesis of VCs typical of the 'Fuji' apple aroma after a prolonged storage period, even under extremely low partial pressure of oxygen (average 0.15 kPa), contributing to better quality control of characteristic fruit odor and aroma.

Patulin accumulation in apples under dynamic controlled atmosphere storage.

The goal of this study was to evaluate patulin contamination in 'Galaxy' and 'Fuji Kiku' apples subjected to controlled atmosphere (CA) and dynamic controlled atmosphere (DCA) conditions. Experiments were performed and fruit were stored for nine months under refrigeration plus 7 days shelf life at 20 °C. CA and DCA were not effective in preventing patulin production in either 'Galaxy' or 'Fuji Kiku' apples. Healthy fruit were not contaminated with patulin, even when stored together with decayed apples. For 'Galaxy' apples, application of 1-methylcyclopropene increased the percentage of fruit with decay and patulin contamination. Patulin concentrations were above the maximum limit (50 µg kg-1) established in the Brazilian legislation, meaning the use of CA and DCA conditions were not advantageous in preventing patulin accumulation. In 'Fuji Kiku' apples, there was no significant difference in patulin concentration among CA, DCA-CF and DCA-RQ 1.3 treatments, and all were below the maximum.

Dynamic controlled atmosphere (DCA): interaction between DCA methods and 1-methylcyclopropene on 'Fuji Suprema' apple quality.

The objective of the present work was to evaluate the appropriate respiratory quotient (RQ) value to achieve a safe lowest oxygen limit (LOL), during storage of 'Fuji Suprema' apples, in dynamic controlled atmosphere (DCA), treated with or without 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP). The apples were stored in DCA-RQ, a new technology for storing fruits, and were compared with the HarvestWatch™, a system based on chlorophyll fluorescence DCA (DCA-CF), and static controlled atmosphere. DCA-RQ1.5 is the most suited for the storage of 'Fuji Suprema' apples. In this condition fermentative products were induced, which reduced ethylene production and respiration rate; however, it did not increase physiological disorders, and the concentration of ethyl acetate was below the odour threshold. 1-MCP application maintained higher flesh firmness and reduced the anaerobic metabolism, although it decreased fruit quality due to the occurrence of cavities, therefore its application is not recommended for 'Fuji Suprema' apple stored in DCA conditions.

Effects of dynamic controlled atmosphere by respiratory quotient on some quality parameters and volatile profile of 'Royal Gala' apple after long-term storage.

The effects of dynamic controlled atmosphere (DCA) storage based on chlorophyll fluorescence (DCA-CF) and respiratory quotient (DCA-RQ) on the quality and volatile profile of 'Royal Gala' apple were evaluated. DCA storage reduces ACC (1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate) oxidase activity, ethylene production and respiration rate of apples stored for 9months at 1.0°C plus 7days at 20°C, resulting in higher flesh firmness, titratable acidity and lesser physiological disorders, and provided a higher proportion of healthy fruit. Storage in a regular controlled atmosphere gave higher levels of key volatiles (butyl acetate, 2-methylbutyl acetate and hexyl acetate), as compared to fruit stored under DCA-CF, but fruit stored under DCA-RQ 1.5 and RQ 2.0 also showed higher amounts of key volatile compounds, with increment in ethanol and ethyl acetate, but far below the odour threshold. Storage in DCA-CF reduces fruit ester production, especially 2-methylbutyl acetate, which is the most important component of 'Royal Gala' apple flavour.

Effect of dynamic controlled atmosphere monitored by respiratory quotient and 1-methylcyclopropene on the metabolism and quality of 'Galaxy' apple harvested at three maturity stages.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the interaction between controlled atmosphere (CA), CA+1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) and dynamic controlled atmosphere monitored by respiratory quotient (DCA-RQ) with three fruit maturity stages at harvest (early harvest date, optimal harvest date and late harvest date) on 'Galaxy' apple metabolism and quality after harvest and 9months storage plus 7days of shelf life at 20°C. Fruit stored under dynamic controlled atmosphere monitored by respiratory quotient 1.3 (DCA-RQ 1.3) showed lower ethylene production, respiration rate, mealiness and higher flesh firmness in comparison to CA stored fruit, but did not differ from those treated with 1-MCP. The dynamic controlled atmosphere monitored by respiratory quotient 1.5 (DCA-RQ 1.5) increased the acetaldehyde, ethanol and ethyl acetate concentration, regardless of the fruit maturity at harvest. The storage of 'Galaxy' apple under DCA-RQ 1.3 is efficient in keeping quality regardless of the maturity stage at harvest.

Dynamic controlled atmosphere and ultralow oxygen storage on 'Gala' mutants quality maintenance.

The aim of the present work was to compare the effect of ultralow oxygen (ULO) with dynamic controlled atmosphere (DCA) and controlled atmosphere (CA) on the post storage quality of 'Royal Gala' and 'Galaxy' apples after long-term storage. Two experiments were carried out with 'Royal Gala' and 'Galaxy' apples, in the years 2012 and 2013, respectively. A higher internal ethylene concentration was observed in fruits stored under CA; intermediate concentration in fruits under ULO; and the lowest by fruits stored under DCA-CF (DCA based on chlorophyll fluorescence). Flesh firmness was higher in fruits stored under DCA-CF and ULO differing from CA, in the year 2012, but in 2013 fruits stored under ULO showed the highest flesh firmness, differing from CA fruits. DCA-CF is efficient in quality maintenance of 'Royal Gala' and 'Galaxy' apples. Both 'Gala' mutants stored under ULO show a similar quality maintenance to those stored under DCA-CF.

Effect of storage under extremely low oxygen on the volatile composition of 'Royal Gala' apples.

The aim of this work was to assess the profile of volatile compounds in 'Royal Gala' apples stored under controlled atmosphere (CA), with O(2) levels ranging from 1.0kPa to as low as 0.5kPa during 8months (0.5°C), followed by 7days of shelf-life at 20°C. Volatile compounds were collected via solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) and analysed by gas chromatography. Straight and branched-chain esters exhibited a distinct pattern. The emission of straight-chain esters decreased under extremely low O(2) (0.5kPa), while branched-chain esters were not significantly affected in such condition. 2-Methyl-butyl acetate, a significant contributor to the 'Royal Gala' aroma, was higher in intermediate O(2) concentration, suggesting that lowering the O(2) levels down to 0.7kPa does not negatively affect the volatile composition of 'Royal Gala' apples, as compared to the standard CA (1.0kPa O(2)). The remaining volatile compounds were not strongly affected by storing fruits under extremely low O(2).

Interaction between maturity stages and temperature on quality of ‘Guarani’ blackberries stored under controlled atmosphere / Interação entre estádios de maturação e temperatura na qualidade de amora-preta ‘Guarani’ armazenada em atmosfera controlada

ABSTRACT: The aim of this research was to evaluate the interaction between maturity stages and temperature on fruit quality of ‘Guarani’ blackberries stored under controlled atmosphere (CA). The experiment was conducted in a factorial scheme (2x2), evaluating two ripening stages (E1: red-color and E2: black-color of fruits) and two temperatures (1°C and 5°C). The fruit were stored in CA (10.0kPa O2+15.0kPa CO2) and 98±1% of relative humidity (RH). Results showed that the principal component 1 (PC I) and principal component 2 (PC II) corresponded to 92.84% of the overall variation of the evaluated variables. Harvest should not be performed in the early maturity stage, because ‘Guarani’ blackberries do not develop all quality of consumer. ‘Guarani’ blackberries must be stored at 1°C. The maturity stage showed the major importance in the overall variability of quality parameters when compared to storage temperature.

RESUMO: O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a interação entre estádios de maturação e temperatura de armazenamento na qualidade de frutos de amora-preta ‘Guarani’ armazenados em atmosfera controlada (AC). O experimento foi conduzido em esquema fatorial (2x2), avaliando-se dois estádios de maturação (E1: cor vermelha e E2: cor preta dos frutos) e duas temperaturas (1°C e 5°C). Os frutos foram armazenados em AC (10.0kPa O2+15.0Pa CO2) e 98±1% de umidade relativa. Os resultados mostraram que o componente principal 1 (PC I) e o componente principal 2 (PC II) responderam por 92,84% de variação das variáveis analisadas. Conclui-se que a colheita não deve ser realizada em estádio de maturação antecipado, pois a amora-preta ‘Guarani’ não desenvolve todas as características de qualidade para o consumidor. A amora-preta ‘Guarani’ deve ser armazenada na temperatura de 1°C. Os estádios de maturação apresentam maior importância na variação dos parâmetros de qualidade quando comparados a temperaturas de armazenamento.