Changes in fruit quality of peach and nectarine from transport to shelf.

The final quality of fruit depends on many factors: interaction between genotype and environment, cultural practices, harvest time, postharvest technology. As the centers of consumption of fresh produce are usually remote from growing areas, the logistics and infrastructures required to transfer the product to the end user are not less important than other factors in maintaining the final quality (Wills et al., 1998). Temperature and humidity vary during transport, and the handling and marketing phases may cause severe water loss and lead to poor appearance and changes of organoleptic characters. The aim of this study was to evaluate the evolution of quality in peach (cv. Elegant Lady) and nectarine (cv. Stark Red Gold) fruits from the end of packaging in paperboard trays (the traditional packing of these fruits in Italy) to the start of shelf life.