Abstract
To optimize the packaging of peaches and reduce the level of damage occurring during transport, the effect of a gap in the central section at the bottom of packing boxes was investigated on the occurrence of fruit spin caused by vibration. Moreover, the effect of adding adhesive to the foam-nets used to pack each fruit was studied in order to reduce fruit spin. It was found that peaches packed in the usual packaging style (wrapping individual fruit with a foam-net and packaging into a box with a 5 mm thick urethane foam sheet at the bottom) were spun even by the low acceleration level that occurs in actual transport conditions. However, the occurrence of fruit spin was alleviated by reducing the gap at the bottom of the box. Moreover, it was found that adding adhesive to the foam-nets was effective to reduce the fruit spin caused by vibration. Then, the effects of the combination of reducing the gap at the bottom of the box and adding adhesive to foam-nets was investigated with regard to changes in the appearance and firmness of peach fruit. As a result, such a combination might be effective to reduce fruit spin and alleviate the occurrence of pubescence exfoliation and decreases in firmness although not fruit discoloration.
