Physiological and Qualitative Influences of Anti-vibration Pad on Kiwifruit in Simulated Transportation

Proper package is important to prevent vibration damage and maintain quality of postharvest fruits. This study was designed to investigate the anti-vibration effects of foam, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and self-developed expandable polyethylene (EPE) pads by simulated road transportation. The results showed that all three pads revealed great anti-vibration functions by reducing weight loss, respiration rate, ethylene production and softening. The results indicated that the EPE pad could maintain the high firmness and soluble solid contents (TSS) of kiwifruit, reduce the weight loss, respiration rate and ethylene production. In conclusion, the EPE pad exhibited the best capacity for fresh-keeping of kiwifruit, it could effectively delay the quality deterioration of kiwifruit after simulated transportaion, which was more beneficial to the maintenance of fruit quality during storage after transportation.