Effect of grafting and modified atmosphere packaging on eggplant quality parameters during storage

The physico-chemical parameters (pH, mechanical firmness and vitamin C) and sensory parameters of grafted and ungrafted eggplant plants were studied in relation to storage time (up to 17 days at 10°C). Eggplant plants of cultivar 'Tsakoniki' were grafted on Solanum torvum and S. sisymbriifolium rootstocks in order to avoid the soil borne disease caused by Verticillium dahliae. The fruits were stored under modified atmosphere packaging (MAP). Vitamin C was negatively affected by grafting it storage, while MAP prolonged the shelf life. Although pH was not affected by grafting but was positively affected by MAP. Flesh firmness was negatively affected by grafting and reduced over storage, but positively affected by MAP. Sensory analysis showed higher ratings of fruits from ungrafted plants for sweetness, acceptance and hardness whereas no difference was detected for overall acceptance. Fruits stored under MAP were better maintained compared with those stored in air. © 2005 Institute of Food Science and Technology Trust Fund