Effect of Bagging on Quality and Functional Components of Guifei Loquat

Effect of bagging on fruit appearance and quality was studied on the white flesh Guifei loquat(Eriobotrya japonica Lindl.).Three types of bags(i.e.,the single-layer kraft paper bag,the single-layer kraft paper bag + meshed bag,and the double-layer,dark interior,yellow paper bag).The results showed that the rust spot disease index and incidence of anthracnose significantly decreased when the fruits were covered with the bags,particularly when the kraft paper bag over wrapped with a meshed bag(KPMB) was used.The bagging also promoted luster of the loquat fruits.On the other hand,the fruit weight was not significantly affected,and the total sugar and titratable acid contents were lowered.Compared with Control,bagging with KPMB increased the fruit's amino acid content.The fruits bagged with the double-layer,dark interior yellow paper bags had higher carotenoid content in its flesh than Control.Bagging seemed to be conducive to the flavonoid accumulation in the flesh.Over all,KPMB appeared to be the most appropriate material for the bagging of Guifei loquat.