Water Loss: A Nondestructive Indicator of Enhanced Cell Membrane Permeability of Chilling-injured Citrus Fruit

Abstract

Water loss was found to be a nondestructive indicator before visible symptoms of chilling injury (CI) in cold-stored grapefruit ( Citrus paradisi Macf.) and lemon ( C. limon L. Burm. f.). The water-loss rate increased significantly after removing the fruit from cold storage and holding at 20C. Scanning electron microscopy revealed large cracks around the stomata. Changes in electrical conductivity of the flavedo tissues, total electrolyte leakage, and K + or Ca 2+ leakage were all inadequate predictors of CI, appearing only after CI was evident.