Effects of cushioning materials on the firmness of Huanghua pears (Pyrus pyrifolia Nakai cv. Huanghua) during distribution and storage

Abstract The type and quality of cushioning materials could significantly affect the vibration intensity and physical quality of fruits during transport. In the current paper, we evaluated the different cushioning materials (paper‐wrap materials, foam‐net packages) for their protective effect on the vibration levels, number of bruises and mechanical damage to Huanghua pears (Pyrus pyrifolia Nakai cv. Huanghua) during transport. Changes in pear firmness, hydrolase activity and cell wall constituents were examined in fruits stored for up to 36 days after transport. Our data suggested that the choice of cushioning material significantly reduced the vibration intensity in transit, affecting the physical quality of fruits and their subsequent commercialization, and that foam‐net packages provided a greater protective effect than paper‐wrap packages. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.