Title: Comparative storage behaviour of the pods from a large-fruiting and small-fruiting okra cultivar

Authors: Konstantina Rekoumi; Ioannis C. Karapanos; Harold C. Passam

Addresses: Laboratory of Vegetable Production, Agricultural University of Athens, 75 Iera Odos, Votanikos, Athens 11855, Greece ' Laboratory of Vegetable Production, Agricultural University of Athens, 75 Iera Odos, Votanikos, Athens 11855, Greece ' Laboratory of Vegetable Production, Agricultural University of Athens, 75 Iera Odos, Votanikos, Athens 11855, Greece

Abstract: Weight loss of pods of small-fruiting okra cv. Boyiatiou stored at 10°C was higher than that of large-fruiting cv. Clemson spineless. Enclosure in plastic film reduced weight loss, but in Clemson spineless caused surface discoloration. In both cultivars, respiration and ethylene evolution increased during storage, while firmness and colour intensity decreased. Subsequent transfer of pods to room temperature (22°C) for three days increased loss of weight, firmness and colour, especially if the film was removed. We conclude that the small pods of cv. Boyiatiou may only be stored satisfactorily at 10°C if enclosed in plastic film, and for a period of > 5 days pods should not be subsequently subjected to shelf life at 22°C. The larger pods of Clemson spineless, however, store better in air at 10°C. Thus, recommendations for storage should take into account cultivar and pod size.

Keywords: Abelmoschus esculentus; chilling injury; food quality; water loss; shelf life; packaging; pod size; storage behaviour; okra cultivar; weight loss; plastic film; surface discoloration; respiration; ethylene evolution; firmness; colour intensity; food storage; small fruiting okra; large fruiting okra.

DOI: 10.1504/IJPTI.2015.074334

International Journal of Postharvest Technology and Innovation, 2015 Vol.5 No.2, pp.177 - 186

Accepted: 04 Nov 2015
Published online: 22 Jan 2016 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article