Saving energy in storage and transport through ethylene control in lieu of low temperatures

Cool chain management is the technology of first resort to extend the postharvest life of horticultural produce. However, with rising energy costs and desired reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, the use of less energy intensive technologies is of interest. Reducing the level of ethylene around horticultural produce inhibits ripening and senescence and therefore has the potential to reduce the need for refrigeration. Data on bananas are presented to show the quantitative relationship between green life (i.e., time to ripen), storage temperature and ethylene concentration. The derived equation was applied to a five-day road transport route in Australia from production areas to major urban markets. It predicted that quite high ethylene levels could be tolerated without fruit ripening en route. The equation was also applied to a shipment protocol of 19 days for bananas from Central America to southern Europe. It similarly predicted that fruit could be transported without refrigeration although ethylene levels were close to those in ambient air. Data are also presented to show a similar benefit of ethylene control could be obtained with green beans and in the produce display area of retail outlets. A wide range of technologies is now available to maintain low ethylene levels but the most applicable technology will vary between produce and depend on cost effectiveness for individual market situations