Abstract
Fruit of `Climax' rabbiteye blueberries (Vaccinium ashei Reade) were exposed to relatively low energy dosages of gamma or electron irradiation ranging from 0.25 to 3.0 kGy, and evaluated after various storage regimes to determine threshold levels of physiological and physical tolerance of treatment. Dosages above 1.0 kGy seriously affected berry firmness, acceptability of flavor, and texture. Electrolyte leakage, skin color, total soluble solids, acidity, and pH were not affected by dosages from 0.25 to 1.0 kGy. There was no evidence of loss of pectin as dosage increased, but decreased berry firmness indicated loss of structural integrity of the cell wall. Berry weight loss averaged 4.0% after 14 days storage at 1C plus 2 days at 15C and was not affected by dosage. Irradiation of blueberries at 0.75 to 1.0 kGy may be a feasible quarantine treatment for blueberry pests.
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