Articles
Humidity in RA and CA storage of apples and pears: effect on mass loss, physiological disorders and decay
Article number
1456_27
Pages
207 – 214
Language
English
Abstract
This review revisits a long-overlooked factor in apple and pear storage – humidity.
A survey of the literature over the last 100 years shows that some mass loss, achieved by lowering humidity, can improve apple and pear quality by reducing non-bitter pit disorders, bruising, respiration, ethylene production and decay, especially if the mass loss occurs at the beginning of storage.
The effects of mass loss on calcium-related disorders suggest that mass loss may affect postharvest calcium redistribution in the fruit.
A ‘2-in-2’ guideline (up to 2% mass loss in the first 2 months) is proposed, but further research is needed to refine this guidance, especially for cultivars that may benefit from greater mass loss without increasing shrivelling or bitter pit.
A survey of the literature over the last 100 years shows that some mass loss, achieved by lowering humidity, can improve apple and pear quality by reducing non-bitter pit disorders, bruising, respiration, ethylene production and decay, especially if the mass loss occurs at the beginning of storage.
The effects of mass loss on calcium-related disorders suggest that mass loss may affect postharvest calcium redistribution in the fruit.
A ‘2-in-2’ guideline (up to 2% mass loss in the first 2 months) is proposed, but further research is needed to refine this guidance, especially for cultivars that may benefit from greater mass loss without increasing shrivelling or bitter pit.
Authors
R.K. Prange, A.H. Wright, B. Daniels-Lake, D.A. Neuwald, D. Köpcke, L.C. Argenta
Keywords
Malus domestica, Pyrus communis, water loss, calcium-related disorders, benefits
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