Model development to design modified atmosphere packaging of Mandarin oranges

The aim of this study was to develop a model that could be used in the design of modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) for Mandarin oranges. Respiratory data at 5, 10, 20$^{\circ}C$ for mandarin oranges were gathered and altered for create useful respiration model. The maximum rate of oxygen uptake increased with increasing temperature. The packaging materials were conventional low density polyethylene and polypropylene with anti-fog, and anti-fungi treatments, and thickness was 30 $\mu\textrm{m}$ and 50 $\mu\textrm{m}$. Permeability tests were performed to find their oxygen, carbon dioxide, water vapor transmission rate as increases in temperature. Test results were then converted to logarithm format for MAP modeling. Optimum gas composition in the package system for fruits were set according to literature and upper or lower limits of oxygen and dioxide established. To predict gas composition at certain storage time, weight of fruits, film thickness, film type, and other variables, respiration rate was studied at various storage conditions. The validity of the model was tested experimentally by observing actual atmospheric changes inside packages. It is concluded that the strategy developed is of use in designing dynamic gas exchange MAP systems, and also has potential uses in similar agricultural products.