Storage of Bramley’s Seedling apples. II. Effects of source of fruit, picking date and storage conditions on the incidence of storage disorders

Abstract

SummaryBramley’s Seedling apples were stored in 8–10% CO2 without control of O2. The incidence of low temperature breakdown and core flush increased sharply as the storage temperature was reduced from 3.9°C to 2.8°C; little was seen after storage at 5.0°C. Delayed picking also increased breakdown. Storage temperature and picking date had little effect on the final incidence of superficial scald or stem end browning. Storage in 5% CO2+3% O2, instead of 8–10% CO2 delayed the appearance of these disorders. Post-harvest treatment with ethoxyquin gave virtually complete control of scald and stem end browning on fruit stored in 8–10% CO2 at 3.9°C and at 5.0°C, although scald tended to appear earlier on untreated fruit at the higher temperature.