Abstract:

A new solid-state chlorine dioxide preservative was designed based on the fact that chlorine dioxide gas is generated from chlorate exposed to sulphur dioxide gas donated by sulfates. The respective effects of diatomite, sodium carbonate and calcium oxide added to the preservative on chlorine dioxide release were explored. In addition, the applicability of the preservative in Golden Queen melon storage was evaluated. Results showed that sodium metabisulphite as a sulphur dioxide donor effectively reduced sodium chlorate to generate chlorine dioxide. The respective additions of diatomite, sodium carbonate and calcium oxide gave an effective regulation on the amount and time course of chlorine dioxide release. Golden Queen melons treated with the preservative consisting of sodium chlorate and sodium metabisulphite (1:1.5, m/m) exhibited a commodity rate of up to 85% after 3 months of storage under the conditions of 4－7 ℃ and 80%－90% relative humidity. This demonstrates an excellent preserving effect of the preservative on Golden Queen melons.

Key words: chlorine dioxide, sulfur dioxide, preservation, storage, melon