Abstract
‘Le Lectier’ pears treated with low-temperature (refrigerated storage) at 2–3°C for 0, 10, 30, 60, or 90 days after harvest showed changes in elasticity index, flesh firmness, fresh weight, peel color index and soluble solid concentration during ripening at 10°C. During low-temperature treatment, the fruit did not reach the edible ripeness stage, although the metabolic activities such as yellowing of the peel and softening of the flesh did occur under the low-temperature condition at 2–3°C. After low-temperature treatment at 2–3°C, the peel color index and soluble solid concentration of the fruit increased during ripening at 10°C, and the elasticity index, flesh firmness and fresh weight of the fruit decreased. Fruit receiving low-temperature treatment for 10 or 30 days ripened normally, and the fleshy substance of the fruit developed a melting quality. However, fruit receiving low-temperature treatment for 60 or 90 days rotted from the fruit stalk during ripening. The flesh of the fruit receiving low-temperature treatment for 60 days softened, but the fleshy substance of the fruit did not reach a melting quality. Therefore, it was suggested that ‘Le Lectier’ pears are not able to ripen normally when fruit was stored for 60 days or longer at a low temperature of 2–3°C. In addition, the weight loss correlated with the elasticity index during ripening. This finding suggests that the elasticity index is strongly affected by weight loss (moisture loss).
