The storage was performed in small sealed experimental chambers fitted with silicon
membrane windows. The areas of the windows were calculated in order to achieve 3%
oxygen assuming 30, 50, and 70% reduction of the respiration rate due to the effect of the
modified atmosphere on the products’ metabolic activity. Fruit stored at regular atmosphere
(control) was kept under the same temperature (7°C) and relative humidity (90%) as those
stored with silicon membrane system. The gas concentration in the chambers was analyzed
using a gas chromatograph. The respiration rate was measured at storage (7°C) and ripening
(15°C) temperatures. The effect of sulphur dioxide treatment on ‘Hass’ avocado fruit stored
in the silicon membrane system was also evaluated.