Abstract
The use of vented clamshells has become popular in the packaging of grapes for local and international markets. The aim of this study is to evaluate the postharvest preservation of ‘Benitaka’ table grapes individually packaged in vented clamshells using different types of SO2-generating pads and perforated plastic liners during cold storage. A completely randomized design with four replications in a two-factor arrangement with an additional treatment [(4 × 3) + 1] was used. The trials were carried out under two situations: Artificial or natural infections with Botrytis cinerea, which is the causal agent of gray mold on table grapes. The incidence of gray mold, shattered berries, and stem browning were evaluated at 30 and 45 days of cold storage at 1 ± 1 °C and 3 days of shelf-life at 22 ± 1 °C after the period of cold storage. Mass loss and berry firmness were also examined at the end of the cold storage period. The use of dual-release SO2-generating pads containing 5 or 8 g of a.i. and slow-release pads with 7 g of a.i. was effective in controlling the incidence of gray mold in grapes packaged in vented clamshells and kept under cold storage for up to 45 days. Under these storage conditions, perforated plastic liners with 0.3% ventilation area or micro-perforated liners with 1.0% ventilation area reduced the percentage of mass loss and shattered berries.
Highlights
One of the most important varieties of table grapes cultivated in tropical areas is the Benitaka (Vitis vinifera L.), a cultivar that originated from a somatic mutation of the ‘Italia’ table grape and has attracted the attention of many growers in the last few years [1,2]
SO2 -generating pads andofperforated table grapes packaged in vented clamshells using different types of SO2-generating pads and plastic liners under cold storage
SO2 -generating pads containing 5 or 8 g of a.i., as well as the slow-release of 7 g a.i., is effective to control the development of gray mold on ‘Benitaka’ table grapes packaged in vented clamshells and kept in a cold chamber at 1 ± 1 ◦ C for up to 45 days
Summary
One of the most important varieties of table grapes cultivated in tropical areas is the Benitaka (Vitis vinifera L.), a cultivar that originated from a somatic mutation of the ‘Italia’ table grape and has attracted the attention of many growers in the last few years [1,2]. Table grapes with good productive performance and characteristics of consumption, such as healthiness and freshness, few shattered berries, green rachis, and intense berry color, are preferred. Maintaining the characteristics of harvested grapes and enabling an increase in shelf-life is important as the fruit is subjected to long storage periods before reaching its final destination, and there are risks of various postharvest losses [4]. Grapes are exposed to different conditions between harvesting and consumption. During this period, several factors can affect fruit quality, including handling damage, loss of water, and pathogen attack [5]. Several factors can affect fruit quality, including handling damage, loss of water, and pathogen attack [5] These factors can cause a loss of quality and can Pathogens 2019, 8, 271; doi:10.3390/pathogens8040271 www.mdpi.com/journal/pathogens
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