Abstract: The present invention provides improved packaging for harvested plant tissues, such as agricultural products. In some embodiments harvested plant tissues are placed in a package that contains either at least one hole, or a gas-permeable patch. The hole or patch is in turn covered by an adjustable aperture. The present invention improves available packaging methods by providing an additional level of control over the gas composition inside the package. Some embodiments of the present invention also mitigate damage to harvested plant tissues by contacting the plant tissues with ozone during transportation and storage. In some embodiments, harvested plant tissues are treated with ozone before packaging. The present invention also reduces costs by enabling the same package or kind of package to be used for different contents that have different atmospheric requirements for optimal protection from excessive ripening and spoilage.

Abstract: A method is provided for packaging harvested plant tissues, such as agricultural products. Embodiments of the present invention mitigate damage to harvested plant tissues due to excessive ripening and spoilage, by contacting the plant tissues with ozone during transportation and storage. For example, in some embodiments harvested plant tissues are placed in substantially closed modified atmosphere packages, and the packages are surrounded by an atmosphere containing ozone. In alternative embodiments, the packaging may be perforated, and the packages placed in a controlled atmosphere that contains ozone. Harvested plant tissues may be treated with ozone before packaging further to promote their freshness. The present invention thus increases the longevity and value of harvested plant tissues beyond the abilities of currently available packaging methods.