The effect of controlled atmospheres on respiration and rate of quality change in ‘Unique’ feijoa fruit

Gas exchange rates and quality changes of feijoa fruit (Acca sellowiana, cv. Unique) stored at 5 °C under 16 different controlled atmosphere (CA) conditions were monitored to identify the commercial potential of CA to extend the storage life. A combination of low O2 and low CO2 provided the largest benefit in reducing weight loss (from 1.7 to 1.2%), reducing the change in hue values (from 4° to 2°) and reducing the incidence of blemished fruit (from 30 to 20%) as compared to regular air storage.