Changes in fatty acid composition and electrolyte leakage of 'Hayward' kiwifruit during storage at different temperatures

Abstract

Exposure to low storage temperature induces changes in electrolyte leakage and fatty acids composition, in a way depending on the plant tissue. Those changes alter the response of the fruit to storage conditions. The influence of storage temperature on ripening, fatty acids composition and electrolyte leakage of 'Hayward' kiwifruit were investigated. Harvested fruit were stored at 0, 5, 10, 15 and 20°C for 5, 12 and 17 days. Measurements of SSC, firmness, flesh colour, fatty acid composition and electrolyte leakage were performed during the experiment. Kiwifruit did not fully ripen during the 17 days storage at any temperature. The major fatty acid component in 'Hayward' kiwifruit consisted of linolenic, followed by oleic, palmitic, linoleic and stearic acid. Membrane permeability and unsaturated/saturated fatty acid ratio increased during storage in all treatments. The highest increase was during the first 5 days and at the lowest temperatures. The increase in unsaturated/saturated fatty acid ratio was caused mainly by a decrease in palmitic and an increase in oleic acids. Stearic, linoleic and linolenic acids had insignificant changes during storage. The main increase in electrolyte leakage and unsaturated/saturated fatty acid ratio occurred during the first storage days and at lower temperatures, probably as a response of the tissue to an adaptation to the new stress storage conditions.

Keywords: Electrolyte leakage; Fatty acids; Kiwifruit; Postharvest; Temperature.