Fruit quality and major metabolites in cold-stored 'Wonhwang' Asian pears are differentially affected by fruit size

The size of 'Wonhwang' Asian pear fruit may affect fruit quality and physiological disorders differentially during distribution. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of fruit size on fruit physiological attributes and metabolic responses in terms of soluble carbohydrates and free amino acids in different-sized 'Wonhwang' Asian pears during cold storage and shelf life.

The rate of weight loss and the severity of fruit shriveling were higher in small fruit than in large fruit, while the severity of decay was lower during shelf life. Lightness and chroma values were lower in the cortex and core tissues of large fruit than small fruit, but hue angle values were higher in large fruit compared to small fruit. Glucose and fructose were higher in large fruit than in small fruit but sucrose and sorbitol were lower during shelf life after cold storage. The levels of most free amino acids were higher in large fruit than in small fruit, and only γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) level was lower in large fruit.

These results indicate that fruit physiological and metabolic responses are differentially affected by fruit size during cold storage and shelf life. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.