Effects of low density polyethylene liners and high-density polyethylene wraps on quality, decay and storage life of lemon and tangor fruits

Abstract

Winter-maturing Lisbon lemons (Citrus limon (L.) Burm.f.) and Ellendale tangors (Citrus reticulata x Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck) which had been dipped in fungicides and waxed, developed less than 10% rot but remained fresh for only 2-3 months in cool-storage at 10°C and 80-90% RH. High-density polyethylene (HDPE) wraps delayed loss of firmness and peel coloration of tangors and lemons for 5 and 8 months respectively, in cool-storage, but both citrus developed unacceptable levels of rotting within 4 months of harvest. Perforated low-density polyethylene liners were less effective than HDPE wraps for preserving fruit condition but they extended the storage life of lemons until early January (6 months) without incurring levels of decay greater than 10%. However, tangors cool-stored in liners became unsaleable after only 3-4 months owing to loss of acidity and flavour.