Effect of Storage Temperature on the Core Breakdown of ‘Wonhwang’ and ‘Niitaka’ Pear Fruits

Abstract

The effect of low temperature on the incidence of core breakdown in ‘Wonhwang’ and ‘Niitaka’ pear (Pyrus pyrifolia) fruits during storage was investigated. The severity of core breakdown disorder, ethanol, and mineral content were evaluated. After 2 months of storage, core breakdown as a postharvest physiology disorder appeared in 33.3% of ‘Wonhwang’ pear fruits at 0℃, while 81.5% at preconditioning temperature and 100% at 5℃. Similar tendencies were observed in ‘Niitaka’ pear fruits. The ethanol content of the fruit stored at 5℃ was higher than any other treatments. Ca contents in healthy fruit flesh were higher than those with physiological disorder. Otherwise, N contents was low. Results showed that incidence and severity of core breakdown of ‘Wonhwang’ and ‘Niitaka’ pear fruits could be reduced by low temperature storage at 0℃.