Modeling Respiration Rate of Strawberry (cv. San Andreas) for Modified Atmosphere Packaging Design

A model for strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa cv. San Andreas) respiration rate was determined as a function of O2 and CO2 concentrations and temperature. Strawberries were enclosed in containers under different gaseous compositions (0–24% O2 and 0–15% CO2) and temperatures (10, 19, 23°C). Respiration rate was determined as O2 consumption and CO2 production. Respiration rate data was fitted to Michaelis-Menten models, with temperature dependence according to Arrhenius type equation. Non–linear regression was applied to calculate model parameters. No CO2 inhibition was verified, so a simple Michaelis–Menten model was selected (R2 = 0.91).