In this article, effect of modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) and different postharvest treatments on quality of litchi (Litchi chinensis Sonn.) fruit was investigated. Quality indexes of litchi during cold storage at 4 ± 1 0C were measured in terms of decay, total soluble solids, titratable acidity, color, anthocyanin content and incidence of microbiological infection. | Vietnam Journal of Science and Technology 55 (4) (2017) 411-419 DOI: EFFECT OF MODIFIED ATMOSPHERE PACKAGING (MAP) AND POSTHARVEST TREATMENTS ON QUALITY OF LITCHI FRUITS DURING STORAGE Pham Thi Thu Ha1, *, Nguyen Thi Mien1, Duong Thu Hien2, Nguyen Thanh Tung1, Nguyen Thi Trang2, Nguyen Thu Huong2 1 2 Institute of Chemistry, VAST, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet, Cau Giay, Hanoi Lac Trung Technology and Trading Service Company Limited, 350 Lac Trung, Hai Ba Trung, Ha Noi 3 Natural Science Faculty, Hai Duong College, Lien Hong, Gia Loc, Hai Duong * Email: haptt6@ Received: 19 August 2016; Accepted for publication: 19 April 2017 ABSTRACT In this article, effect of modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) and different postharvest treatments on quality of litchi (Litchi chinensis Sonn.) fruit was investigated. Quality indexes of litchi during cold storage at 4 ± 1 0C were measured in terms of decay, total soluble solids, titratable acidity, color, anthocyanin content and incidence of microbiological infection. These indexes were determined at harvest and 7, 14, 21, 28 and 35 days after storage. The results suggested that after 35 days of storage, the pericarp browning and fruit quality deterioration can be improved compared to the control by dipping fruit in hot water at 47 0C in 7 min., followed by oxalic acid solution (pH = 3 in 6 min.) and finally packed in MAP bag (LDPE, thickness of 30 µm incorporated 3 - 5 % silica additive) and stored at 4 ± 1 0C and relative humidity of 90 %. Keywords: litchi, modified atmosphere packaging, postharvest treatment, storage, fruit quality. 1. INTRODUCTION Litchi (Litchi chinensis Sonn.) is a tropical to subtropical fruit, highly admired for its characteristic appealing bright red color, delicious taste, and attractive aroma, were grown in Luc Ngan district, Bac Giang province of Vietnam. However, the litchi fruits are consumed mainly in the domestic market, exported partially (5 - 10 %) to the close .
