Evaluation of the Thermo King AFAM+ refrigeration system on the quality of Laetitia plums

The objective of this trial was to establish the effect of AFAM+ refrigeration on the quality of Laetitia plums, with the intention of reducing internal disorders and shrivel in export fruit. Laetitia plums were sampled within the optimum maturity window from a commercial packhouse. Fruit was then cold stored for 1 week under regular atmosphere (RA) and subsequently transferred to the AFAM+ room, and stored for 20 days, simulating shipping time. After the AFAM+ storage, fruit was transferred to RA for the remainder of the storage period. Control fruit were stored under RA for the entire storage duration. Fruit was evaluated after 49 days cold storage and again after a shelf life period. Fruit stored under AFAM+ refrigeration exhibited higher GB levels compared to fruit stored in RA, suggesting that Laetitia plums may be sensitive to modified atmosphere storage. Other response variables measured, namely shrivel, decay, and flesh firmness were not significantly affected by AFAM+ refrigeration. It was therefore concluded that AFAM+ refrigeration will not improve the storage quality of Laetitia plums.