Summary
This study assessed six non-perforated breathable films with oxygen transmission rates from 10,000 to 100,000 cc/m²·day·atm for modified atmosphere storage of cherry tomatoes at 5°C, 11°C, and 24°C. Results indicated that 20,000 cc/m²·day·atm film was optimal at 5°C and 11°C, whilst 40,000 cc/m²·day·atm was most suitable at 24°C, with these treatments maintaining weight loss below 0.6% and superior fruit quality compared to perforated film controls. The study demonstrates that film oxygen permeability must be matched to storage temperature to achieve appropriate modified atmosphere conditions and extend postharvest shelf-life.
Regional applicability
Whilst conducted in South Korea, the findings on modified atmosphere film selection for cherry tomato storage are transferable to United Kingdom protected horticulture, particularly for commercial glasshouse production. UK growers storing cherry tomatoes at ambient or refrigerated temperatures could apply these oxygen transmission rate specifications, though local cultivars and harvest maturity protocols should be validated against the Korean hydroponically-grown cultivar used here.
Key measures
Oxygen transmission rate (cc/m²·day·atm), weight loss (%), CO₂ and O₂ concentration (%), ethylene concentration (ppm), fruit firmness (N), soluble solids (°Brix), titratable acidity (%), vitamin C content (mg/100g)
Outcomes reported
The study evaluated non-perforated breathable films with varying oxygen transmission rates to optimise modified atmosphere storage conditions and fruit quality retention in cherry tomatoes across three storage temperatures. Key measurements included weight loss, internal gas composition, ethylene concentration, and postharvest quality attributes (firmness, soluble solids, acidity, vitamin C).
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