Knowledge of the respiration rate during the storage is important in the evaluation of the post-harvest tools that preserve fruit quality, and also for the provision of information for the development of new packages. This work aimed to evaluate the respiration rate of 'Golden' Carica papaya stored under refrigeration and controlled atmosphere conditions. The fruit was kept at 13 °C in controlled atmospheres comprising three levels of O2 (20.8 %, 6 %, 3 %) with a minimum level of CO2 (0.1 %); and three levels of CO2 (0.1 %, 6 %, 12 %) with the lowest level of O2 (3 %). Measurements were taken at intervals of 5 days during the 30 days of storage. The mass loss and the peel color of the fruits were identified at the end of the storage period. The fruit maintained under 'normal' atmosphere conditions (20.8 % O2 and 0.1 % CO2) increased its respiration rate after the 10th day, reaching after 30 days 4.3 times the initial value. After 30 days in 3 % O2, the respiration rate was 2.9 times less than in the normal atmosphere. The decrease in respiration rate minimized the mass loss in fruit stored at 3 % O2, but it was unaffected by increasing levels of CO2.

Neste trabalho, avaliou-se a qualidade dos maracujás-amarelos armazenados sob refrigeração em diferentes composições de atmosfera, visando aumentar a vida útil dos frutos. Determinaram-se as características de coloração da casca, aparência, perda de massa, além da qualidade química do suco dos maracujás-amarelos armazenados em: 21% O2 e 0,03% CO2; 1% O2 e 0,03% CO2; 5% O2 e 0,03% CO2; 12% O2 e 5% CO2; 5% O2 e 15% CO2, com 1 tratamento de controle (refrigeração a 13 ºC e 90%UR). As análises foram conduzidas antes e após 30 dias de armazenamento dos frutos, e após serem retirados das atmosferas e mantidos por 9 dias sob refrigeração em atmosfera ambiente. Os dados foram interpretados por análise simples estatística, utilizando-se o teste por intervalo de confiança com 95% de probabilidade. Concluiu-se que a utilização de atmosferas com baixas concentrações de oxigênio e com altas concentrações de dióxido de carbono reduziu a perda de qualidade dos frutos. Na atmosfera com 5% O2 e 15% CO2 foram encontrados os menores índices de mudança de cor e perda de massa, além de mínima redução de acidez titulável, conteúdo de sólidos solúveis, vitamina C, açúcares redutores e açúcares solúveis totais.

In this study, it was evaluated the quality of yellow passion fruits stored under refrigeration and controlled atmospheres of different composition aiming to extend the postharvest life of the fruits. The characteristics of skin color, appearance, mass loss, as well as the chemical quality of the juice of yellow passion fruits stored at: 21% O2 plus 0.03% CO2; 1% O2 plus 0.03% CO2; 5% O2 plus 0.03% CO2; 12% O2 plus 5% CO2; and 5% O2 plus 15% CO2, with 1 control treatment (refrigeration at 13 ºC and 90% UR) were determined. The analyses were performed before and after 30 days of storage and after removing the controlled atmospheres and storage for 9 days under refrigeration at ambient atmosphere. The data were interpreted by simple statistical analysis using the test by confidence intervals with 95% of probability. It was concluded that the application of atmospheres with low oxygen concentration and high carbon dioxide level minimized quality losses. At atmosphere with 5% O2 and 15% CO2, it was observed the lowest color change indexes and mass loss, and also the smallest decrease in acidity, soluble solids content, vitamin C, reducing sugars, and total soluble sugars.