Orange responses to storage conditions and polyethylene wrapped liner

Extension of the citrus shelf life and storage period has attracted many researchers around the world. In this study, the effects of near ambient (14ºC and 67% RH) and refrigerated (5ºC and 85% RH) conditions and polyethylene wrapped liner were investigated on the water loss, firmness and deterioration of Iranian “Thompson” navel orange during 30 days storage period. At the end of 30 days storage, the orange cumulative weight losses in ambient and refrigerated conditions with polyethylene liner were 5.3% and 2.4%, and without polyethylene liner were 14% and 5%, respectively. The firmness decreased with increasing storage period. After 30 days, fruit from polyethylene liner treatment were 25% firmer compared with those without polyethylene wrapped liner. The visual appearance and marketability of orange fruits stored in the refrigerator and polyethylene wrapped liner was better than those stored at ambient condition and without liner. Keywords: orange, storage, weight loss, firmness, polyethylene liner