Abstract
Time-resolved reflectance spectroscopy (TRS), a nondestructive technique, can help the industry to provide high-quality fruit to encourage pear consumption. The absorption coefficient measured by TRS at 670 nm (μ(a)670) represents a maturity index for pear fruit, with less mature pears high μ(a)670 and more mature low μ(a)670. The aim of this work was to study the quality characteristics, the sensory profiles and the ethylene production of 'Abate Fetel' pears sorted at harvest in different TRS maturity classes and stored in different atmospheres. At harvest, 540 pears were measured by TRS for μ(a)670, ranked by μ(a)670 in three maturity classes (less-LeM, medium-MeM and more-MoM mature) and randomized in nine samples according to 1-MCP treatment (treated, control), storage time (4-6 months) and atmosphere (air-NA; CA: 8-12 kPa O(2), 1 kPa CO(2)). Fruits were examined at harvest and after 7 days of poststorage shelf life for skin color, firmness, soluble solids, acidity and ethylene production and were submitted to sensory analysis. At harvest and after storage, MoM pears were less green and showed a higher SSC content than LeM ones. After storage, MoM pears produced less ethylene and were perceived to be firmer (especially in 1-MCP-treated pears), more astringent and less juicy (when stored for 6 months) than LeM ones.