Modified atmosphere packaging of onion bulbs (Allium cepa L.)

The modified atmosphere storage of onions in MV3000 (hydrophilic film, 22 m um), P+, 35 PA 90 (microperforated film) and OPP (oriented polypropylene, 3 5 mum) at 20 degreesC was investigated. Oxygen and carbon dioxide partial p ressures reached steady state after 6 days in MV3000 and P+, 35 PA 90 with 2 and 3 kPa respectively. In OPP, CO2 level increased for 8 days and reache d an equilibrium of 10 kPa after 12 days. There was 25% sprouting of bulbs in MV3000 in comparison with 50% in P+, 35 PA 90 after 6 months. Rotting wa s 23% in MV3000 and P+, 35 PA 90 and did not differ from the untreated cont rol sample; with OPP, all bulbs rotted within two months.