The effect of temperature on gas relations in MA packages for capsicums (Capsicum annuum L., cv. Tasty):: an integrated approach

A range of gas conditions was generated by packing individual capsicums (green 'Tasty' bell peppers, Capsicum annuum L.) in packages with different areas of permeable low-density polyethylene film (0.0006-0.48 m(2)) at four different temperatures (0, 12, 20 and 30 degrees C). Steady-slate O-2 and CO2 partial pressures in the package were used to calculate rates of O-2 uptake and CO2 production. The results were analysed applying a mechanistic model approach. The applied film resulted in temperature stable gas conditions inside the packages, as the temperature dependence of the permeability of the film was close to the temperature dependence of capsicum respiration. Capsicums showed a slight degree of fermentation in packages with a small film area. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.