Controlled atmosphere storage to maintain quality of 'Rong-Rien' rambutan fruits

CO2 atmospheres of 1%, 5%, 10% and 20% were tested to prolong the storage life of 'Rong-rein' rambutan fruits at 13degreesC or 20degreesC with 90-95% RH. Under normal atmosphere (0.03% CO2) the fruits lasted for only 6 days at 20degreesC and 10 days at 13degreesC. Spintern and peel browning mainly caused fruit quality loss. CO2 did not improve storage life at 20degreesC due to injury induction. At 13degreesC, the 1-20% CO2 prolonged storage life by 2-8 days, with the 10% CO2 as the best treatment prolonging storage life to 18 days due to reduced rates of browning, weight loss, respiration and ethylene production. Soluble solids, titratable acidity and ascorbic acid contents were not adversely affected.