Evaluation of biochemical processes in Vaccinium x covilleanum berries during their storage

Abstract

The anthocyanin content of V. covilleanum [V. corymbosum] fresh (cultivars Ivanhoe, Bluecrop, Rancocas, Bluegold, Bluejay, Nui, Puru, Reka, Rancocas, Putte, and Weymouth) and stored (Ivanhoe, Bluecrop, Rancocas, Bluegold, and Bluejay) fruits was determined. Storage was conducted under 2 plus or minus 0.5 deg C and 74% relative humidity for 18 days and under 17 plus or minus 0.5 deg C and 99% relative humidity for 10 days. The highest anthocyanin content of fresh fruits was recorded for Rancocas (576 mg/100 g). The amount of anthocyanin was lower in stored fruits. Anthocyanin accumulation was observed in unripened fruits during storage, especially under high temperature. Respiration rate, dry matter loss, and decay incidence were more pronounced during storage at high than at low temperature. Fruits of Bluegold, Bluejay, Bluecrop, and Rancocas are suitable for long storage. Ivanhoe gave the highest quantity of decayed fruits