Optimise controlled atmosphere storage techniques for selected pome fruit cultivars

During the 2004 season the loss in post-storage quality of Carmine apples from the Grabouw and Ceres production areas was effectively minimised by CA storage 1,5% O₂/1,5% CO₂ or 1,5% O₂/3,0% CO₂ at a storage temperature of -0,5°C for storage periods of 3, 5 and 7 months with a shelf life of 7 d at 20°C.

Elegant apples from the Grabouw production area were stored for 3, 5 and 7 months in storage atmospheres containing 1,5% O₂ and 1,0% CO₂ or 1,5% O₂ and 3,0% CO_2, at a storage temperature of -0,5°C with a minimised loss in fruit quality after a shelf life of 7 d at 20°C.

Elegant apples from the Ceres production area were stored for 3, 5 and 7 months in storage atmospheres containing 1,5% O₂ and 3,0% CO₂ at a storage temperature of -0,5°C with a minimised loss in fruit quality after a shelf life of 7 d at 20°C.

Elegant apples from the Ceres area developed superficial scald after the 5 month storage period and a pre-storage treatment with 1000 ppm diphenylamine (31% active ingredient) is recommended.

The research was only conducted for one season on the two cultivars before it was terminated and accurate safe recommendations to industry is not possible unless trials are repeated for at least another season.