Inexpensive Ethylene Monitor for Use with Perishable Commodities

The exposure of perishable commodities to even modest levels of ethylene is known to significantly affect the quality and appearance of the product resulting in a reduction of shelf life and market value. A Phase I project is proposed which will demonstrate the feasibility of an innovative, low cost ethylene monitor to be used to facilitate control of ethylene levels at or below biologically critical thresholds during storage and shipping. Data will be collected from a breadboard version of the proposed monitor to characterize the influence of design variables on the performance of the device. The Phase l Effort will demonstrate the feasibility of a new ethylene monitor with a detection limit at or below critical levels for storage of perishable commodities. The research effort will help with the development of a new ethylene monitor that is intended for use as part of a control system to regulate ventilating and/or scrubbing of the atmosphere within storage and transport containers to minimize damage to commodities during these operations. An additional use of the monitor would be in establishing an optimal level of ethylene during controlled degreening of harvested fruits and vegetables.