Evaluating the effects of different plastic liners and pallet shrouds on internal and external quality on pome fruit

Packaging of fruit provides tremendous benefits to the global trade and the consumer, this includes: simplified supply chain logistics from farm to point of sale, minimized postharvest harvest handling process and cross-contamination, protection against mechanical damage and microorganism contamination along all the steps involved on the supply chain and minimized water loss from fruit, thereby, maintaining postharvest quality and extending product shelf life. To sustain the growth potential of the fruit industry there is the need to identify specific types of packaging conditions which can provide sustainable food production and packaging of fresh fruit. The aim of this project is to compare the effect of liners of different thickness for packaging of different pear cultivars and to evaluate the effect of pallet shrouds for packaging of different apple cultivars.

Work plan 1 – Forelle

Post CA ‘Forelle’ pears were used. Fruit were packed according to the trial stated in work plan 1. The Forelle trial was done locally at ExperiCo. Poly trays were used. It was stored for a 9-week simulated shipping and handling period at -0.5°C followed by a 7-day shelf life at 20°C.

Work plan 2 – Royal Gala

The export packaging trial on ‘Royal Gala’ apples was discontinued.

Post CA ‘Forelle’ pears stored without liners had higher shrivel incidence and mass loss compared to fruit stored in 15 μm, 20 μm or 37.5 μm perforated liners. No significant differences were exhibited in any quality parameters measured for fruit stored in the different liner types.

Forelle pears should be packed into liners to prevent mass loss and to prevent shrivel. Liner thickness made no significant difference to any quality parameters measured.

Forelle pears should be packed into liners to prevent mass loss and  shrivel. Liner thickness made no significant difference to any quality parameters measured. However, is it recommended to include another season’s data to verify findings.