Effects of Plastic Film Lining in Corrugated Boxes and Low Temperatures on Storage Life and Quality of Rambutans cv. Rongrein

Abstract

The effects of plastic film lining in corrugated boxes and low temperatures on storage life and quality of ‘Rongrein’ rambutans were studied. The results showed that rambutans packed in corrugated boxes with PE (polyethylene) and PVC (polyvinyl chloride) lining stored at 8^o and 10^oC had longer storage life than those without plastic film lining, while there was no singnificant effecton storage life at 12^oC. Rambutans stored at 8^oC (90% RH developed the symptom of chilling injury at, while the symptom was seen in day 8 for those stored at 10^oC (90% RH). Spinterns and irnd of rambutans with symptom of chilling injury turned browning and finally became black. Total soluble solids (TSS), total sugars (TS) and titratable acidity (TA) were slightly decreased during storage, while ascorbic acid decreased more rapidly at 8^o and 10^oC than at 12^oC. Rambutans in corrugated boxes with and without PE and PVC lining and stored at 12^oC (90% RH) had the longest storage life of 13.4-13.9 days without significant difference but rambutans in corrugated boxes with PVC lining tended to have a better quality due to less browning and decay of their rind and spinterns.