Iranian Journal of Biosystem Engineering

Iranian Journal of Biosystem Engineering

The effect of ultraviolet (UV-C) irradiation on the mechanical properties and storage life of Golden Delicious apples after bruising.

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors
1 1- Department of Mechanical Engineering of Biosystems, Faculty of Agriculture, Shahrekord University, Shahrekord, Iran
2 Department of Mechanical Engineering of Biosystems, Faculty of Agriculture, Shahrekord University, Shahrekord, Iran
3 Department of Mechanical Engineering of Biosystems, Faculty of Agriculture, Shahrekord University
10.22059/ijbse.2026.412209.665642
Abstract
This research was conducted to investigate the effects of dynamic impact, ultraviolet (UV) light irradiation, and storage time on the mechanical and acoustic quality indices of Golden Delicious apple fruit. The experiments were performed in a completely randomized factorial design with three replications. Apples were treated with impact energy levels of 0.015, 0.075, and 0.18 Joules, UV irradiation durations of 0, 20, 40, and 60 minutes, and storage periods of 3 and 10 days. the results showed that impact energy levels, UV-C irradiation duration, and storage period significantly affected the compression force (punch force), bruise volume, and acoustic wave speed. The greatest reduction in compression force (15.36 N) and sound velocity (138.90 m/s), and the largest bruise volume (693.59 mm³) were observed under the condition of maximum impact energy (0.18 J), indicating structural tissue damage and reduced mechanical resistance at this energy level. UV irradiation, especially at 60 minutes, modulated the negative effects of impact and storage, leading to an increase in compression force (up to 21.53 N), a decrease in bruise volume (416.58 mm³), and an increase in sound velocity (up to 158.97 m/s), which suggests the preservation of tissue structural integrity. Increasing storage time also accelerated the decreasing trend in mechanical properties (compression force and sound velocity) and the increase in bruise volume. The findings indicate that UV-C irradiation can be effective as a post-harvest method in preserving the mechanical quality and reducing impact damage in apples.
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Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 28 June 2026

  • Receive Date 12 March 2026
  • Revise Date 31 May 2026
  • Accept Date 28 June 2026