Optimizing chlorine dioxide treatment for enhanced post-harvest storage quality of Toona Sinensis

Abstract

This study investigated the impact of chlorine dioxide (ClO2) treatment on the storage quality of Toona sinensis after harvesting. Toona sinensis samples treated with different concentrations (0.2, 0.4, 0.8, 1.6 mg/L) of chlorine dioxide and stored at (4 ± 1) °C, with sampling test every 2nd day. The changes in sensory, nutritional, and chlorine dioxide residues of T. sinensis were checked regularly. Results revealed that moderate (0.4~0.8 mg/L) chlorine dioxide concentrations maintained sensory quality, inhibited T. sinensis weight loss, slowed flavonoid and vitamin C content depletion, reduced nitrite content, and enhanced superoxide dismutase activity. The chlorine dioxide resides in T. sinensis were below the national standards (<2.0 mg/kg; GB 5009.244-2016). Overall, 0.4~0.8 mg/L chlorine dioxide treatment showed optimal effects on T. sinensis, providing a scientific basis for extended storage and preservation of T. sinensis.

Keywords

• Toona sinensis
• Chlorine dioxide
• Preservation
• Storage
• Quality
• Flavonoid