Under modified atmosphere, the respiration rate
is slowed down; and therefore, there is less generation of
radicals. Low O2 and high CO2 concentrations in packed
chillies reduced the activation of the tissue softening enzymes
allowing retention of firmness during storage. Low temperature
storage also restrict tissue softening which may be due to
reduction in respiration and transpiration rates, inhibition of
cell-wall hydrolytic enzymes (polygalacturonase – PG, pectinmethylesterase
– PME) as well as decreased ethylene production.
Modified atmosphere packaging has been found to
reduce the loss of firmness in the case of bell peppers at
10 8C