Ilić, Z.S., Faculty of Agriculture, 38219 Lesak, Serbia
Aharon, Z., ARO -Volcani Center, Department of Postharvest Science of Fresh Produce, PO Box 6, Bet Dagan 50250, Israel
Perzelan, Y., ARO -Volcani Center, Department of Postharvest Science of Fresh Produce, PO Box 6, Bet Dagan 50250, Israel
Alkalai-Tuvia, Sh., ARO -Volcani Center, Department of Postharvest Science of Fresh Produce, PO Box 6, Bet Dagan 50250, Israel
Fallik, E., ARO -Volcani Center, Department of Postharvest Science of Fresh Produce, PO Box 6, Bet Dagan 50250, Israel

The main goal of this research was to evaluate the effect of modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) in "bag-in-box" with two type Xtend® films: XF10 -microperforated films (XF1) and macroperforated films (XF2) compared to microperforated PE liner as control, on quality parameters and antioxidant activities of mini sweet peppers ('Tinkerbell green', 'Sweetbite orange' and 'Tinkerbell red') during 14 days storage at 7°C and 3 d at 20°C (shelf-life). The results show that packing mini sweet pepper fruits in XF10 (XF1 and XF2 films) improved general appearance of the fruits, inhibited color development and decay incidence, compared to the PE liner. PE film was significantly more effective in reducing weight loss and maintaining fruit firmness. XF1 film that maintained CO2 and O2 concentrations of 1.8-2.3% and 18-19%, respectively, inside the package was much more effective in retarding ripening and senescence of the fruits, preventing decay, preserving gloss in green color fruits, field fresh flavor and higher nutritional value than XF2 film, which maintained CO2 and O 2 concentrations of 0.6-0.7% and 19-20 %, respectively. XF10 microperforated films for bulk packaging have been successfully implemented in postharvest practice for long-distance shipments.