Enhanced shelf life quality of peaches (Prunus persica L.) using ethylene manipulating active packaging in e-commerce logistics

Ethylene manipulating active packaging can effectively maintain the quality of peaches during storage. To explore the effectiveness of ethylene manipulating active packaging during E-commerce logistics, 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) paper cards and ethylene absorbent (EA) sachets were applied to the peaches. During the logistics process, the ambient temperature and the vibration intensity inside the packaging remain at a high level and fluctuates greatly. In comparison with the control group, 1-MCP and EA significantly reduced the respiration rate, delayed ethylene release, and maintained the firmness and volatile compounds in peaches under high temperature and vibration stress. Five days after storage, the peel firmness, flesh firmness, cohesiveness, and chewiness of 1-MCP treatment decreased by 0.15 N, 6.37 N, 0.10 and 0.78, respectively. The total lactone content of peaches in control group reached 3.79 % at 10th day of storage, which was 2.61 % and 2.44 % higher than 1-MCP and EA group respectively. Furthermore, 1-MCP and EA can inhibited the accumulation of MDA and maintained cell membrane integrity. Among them, 1-MCP was more effective than EA. In conclusion, peaches treated with 1-MCP paper cards during E-commerce logistics can maintain good quality and extend shelf life. Our results confirmed that ethylene manipulating active packaging could effectively prolong the shelf life of peaches during E-commerce logistics.