Revision of FEMA release standards when fruit do not make FEMA firmness or sugar criteria

This study determined whether fruit harvested with TSS values below 14%, or flesh firmness values above 6 kg were of acceptable eating quality after a storage period of 5 to 6 weeks resulting in more refined FEMA release criteria.

Orchards were selected to obtain a range of firmness and TSS levels. The fruit were handled according to FEMA protocols after harvest and subjected to a taste assessment after storage.

Fruit with lower flesh firmness at harvest were associated with better overall taste after cold storage and shelf life. TSS levels at time of harvest correlated poorly with overall taste after shelf life. However, orchards that exhibited TSS levels lower than 13% received a poorer overall taste rating after shelf life.

Should an orchard for 2 to 3 weeks after normal release not make FEMA release it may be released on the following criteria:

▪▪ Flesh firmness < 6.0 kg

▪▪ TSS levels > 13%

▪▪ MA equivalent levels < 0.25%

Or

▪▪ Flesh firmness < 6.3 kg

▪▪ TSS levels > 14%

▪▪ MA equivalent levels < 0.25%

More refined FEMA release criteria was developed with this project. This should provide more clarity on borderline orchards