SUMMARY

Studies were conducted between of 1997 and 2000 on different cultivars of strawberry (Tioga, 216, Douglas, Chandler, Pajora, Tufts, Yalova 15 an Yalova 104) and sweet cherry (Merton Bigarreau, Lambert, Bing and 0900 Ziraat) and ‘Bursa Siyahı’ figs from Bursa. The fruits were stored at 0ºC and 85-90% R.H. under normal (NA, control) or modified atmosphere (MA) conditions with PVC (Poly vinyl chloride) at different thickness (12, 14, 16 and 23_µ) and P-P films (200x250mm, 90, 160 and 190 PP-Polly propylenefilms and 120 or 180 PE-Polyethylene films for carton boxes). Shelf life after storage was conducted at 20ºC. Fruit parameters (quality, water loss, fruit firmness, soluble, solids, titretable acidity and pH) were examined during storage. MA packaging signification reduced the water loss that reached more than 5% in control fruits to 1-2% in MA with PVC and to 0.1% in MA with P-Plus films. MA, therefore, improved keeping quality. Specific results for each fruit are as follows:

Strawberry: The fruits were stored 4 days at 20ºC and 2 weeks at 0ºC. The best results were obtained in the MA with 16_µ PVC and 160 PP-Plus film. MA delayed the decrease in fruit firmness and reduced the weight loss and decay rate during storage. the weight loss was 7.6% in control fruits and 1% in the fruits packaged with PVC. There were significant differences in shelf life among the varieties. Tioga was the best variety whereas Pajora and 216 were found to be the weakest ones.

Sweet Cherry: MA with 16 and 23_µ PVC and 90 PP or 120 PE-Plus films extended the storage life to 6-8 weeks from 3-4 weeks in control fruits depending on the variety and years. MA reduced the decay rate during storage.