Abstract:In order to study the role of modified atmospheres package (MAP) with different proportion of high O2 in controlling storage attributes, fresh-cut lotus root stored in modified atmospheres packages were analyzed with initial atmospheres of 100% O2, 90% O2+10% CO2, 80% O2+20% CO2, 70% O2+30% CO2, and air as control check (CK) at 4 ℃. The results showed that the treatments with proper concentration of high O2 lowered the respiration rate by 43.57%, delayed ethylene release by 65.14%, suppressed the decrease of ascorbic acid by 26.43%, decreased the activity of polyphenol oxidase (POD) by 68.67% and reduced the degree of brown by 17.65%; meanwhile, it could also diminish soluble sugar and starch content, minimize the loss of dry and fresh weight, maintain a higher superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, postpone the accumulation of malonaldehyde (MDA) and effectively retain the storage qualities of fresh-cut lotus root. Among the treatments, the maximum efficacy was observed with a MAP with initial atmosphere of 90% O2 + 10% CO2, followed by 100% O2, 80% O2+20% CO2 and 70% O2+30% CO2, while CK had the poorest effect. The results suggested that an appropriate concentration of high O2 in MAP could maintain the quality of fresh-cut lotus root during storage.
