Honeysuckle storage in modified atmosphere

Abstract

Honeysuckle is a natural source of the most important physiologically valuable nutrients but has a short period of storage. The experiments were carried out on variety Zymorodok. Freshly picked berries (600-700gr.) were placed in perforated plastic containers, cooled down to +0,50C and stored in “Xtend” bags. The concentrations of oxygen, carbon dioxide and ethylene in the bags were regularly measured. The berries were also visually inspected. After 5 days of storage, the levels of concentrations of gases inside the packages stabilized and for the next 35 days were in the range of 1,2-2,1% for CO2 and - 19,2-18,8% for O2. The ethylene production was insignificant. The storage of cooled berries in MA significantly reduce berry losses induced by microbiological diseases (up to 2,2%) and better maintain the quality of honeysuckle (87,5% standard berries). Thus, using MA (“Xtend” bags), it is possible to prolong the period of storage of honeysuckle berries up to 28 days.