Modeling the Effect of Time and Temperature on Respiration Rate of Pomegranate Arils (cv. ``Acco'' and ``Herskawitz'')

Abstract:  Understanding the effect of time and temperature on the respiration rate (RR) of fresh‐cut produce, towards the design of a suitable modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) system, requires an adequate mathematical model for prediction of RR as a function of both time and temperature. This study investigated the effect of temperature (5, 10, and 15 °C) and storage time (1 to 5 d) on the RR ( and ) of 2 pomegranate cultivars (cv. ``Acco'' and ``Herskawitz'') fresh arils. and were 3 to 4 folds significantly higher with increased temperature from 5 to 15 °C and were within the range of 2.51 to 7.59 mL/kg h and 2.72 to 9.01 mL/kg h, respectively, for both cultivars. At 15 °C increased significantly from 8.4 to 25.96 mL/kg h from day 1 to 5, respectively, while at 5 °C changed from 2.9 to 2.05 mL/kg h from day 1 to 5. Temperature had the greatest influence on RR and the interaction of time and temperature also significantly affected and . The respiratory quotient (RQ) estimated by linear regression was 0.98 at 95% significant level. The dependence of RR on temperature and time was accurately described with a combination of an Arrhenius‐type and power equation model for and of fresh pomegranate arils. Practical application:  Predicting the respiration of fresh and fresh‐cut produce is important in designing postharvest handling systems. Mathematical models to predict respiration rates of pomegranate fresh arils have been developed taking into account the effects of storage time and temperature. These models have practical application in designing modified atmosphere packaging to maintain quality and shelf life of pomegranate arils.