Abstract
Table grapes are fumigated with SO<sub>2</sub> to control decay during storage and marketing. The efficacy of the treatment is affected by the type of packaging material used. Most fumigation schedules in commercial use were developed for grapes packed in wooden or wood/kraft veneer (WKV) boxes. In laboratory experiments, grapes packed in expanded polystyrene foam (EPF) boxes sorbed <i>ca</i> 50% less SO<sub>2</sub> as did those in WKV boxes; grapes packed in fiberboard boxes sorbed <i>ca</i> 50% more SO<sub>2</sub> than did those in WKV boxes. Adjusted fumigation dosages were developed that compensated for sorption by packaging materials and provided comparable concentration x time (CT) products in the fumigation chamber. Free SO<sub>2</sub> residues in grapes packed in the three types of boxes and treated with the adjusted dosages were similar (0.11 - 0.13 µg/g); total SO<sub>2</sub> residues were 2.3, 1.8, and 1.0 µg/g in grapes packed in WKV, EPF, and fiberboard boxes, respectively. All residues were below a proposed tolerance of 10µg/g. The adjusted schedules had comparable effects on decay control, stem condition, and bleaching of the berries.
Published Version
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