‘Fuji’ and ‘Gala’ apple fruit responses to controlled atmosphere established during temperature conditioning after harvest

Authors: Mattheis, James

Submitted to: American Society of Horticulture Science Meeting
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 6/1/2019
Publication Date: 7/22/2019
Citation: Mattheis, J.P. 2019. ‘Fuji’ and ‘Gala’ apple fruit responses to controlled atmosphere established during temperature conditioning after harvest. American Society of Horticulture Science Meeting. Paper No 30416.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Temperature management is a critical component of apple fruit postharvest systems. Cultivars differ in sensitivity to low temperature with development of some physiological disorders dependent on fruit temperature after harvest. Delayed cooling in air to the final storage temperature can be an effective means to reduce physiological disorders for some cultivars, however, this strategy can also enhance ripening with subsequent fruit quality loss exceeding that of fruit initially cooled to low temperature. Delayed cooling in air for disorder management is a strategy consistent with organic production but its use may limit storage duration due to excessive fruit quality loss. Two cultivars, ‘Fuji’ and ‘Gala’, with potential for low temperature injury as well as excessive fruit quality loss from delayed cooling in air were used to evaluate establishment of controlled atmosphere (CA) during temperature conditioning to reduce low temperature disorders while preventing excessive ripening. Results of a two-year study indicate physiological disorders were reduced but quality was similar for conditioned fruit held in CA compared to fruit stored in CA at a lower temperature. The results indicate potential for postharvest management of these cultivars that maintains fruit quality but reduces physiological disorder development using existing technology compatible with organic production.