OZONE STORAGE EFFECTS ON ANTHOCYANIN CONTENT AND FUNGAL GROWTH IN BLACKBERRIES

Ozone exposure was assessed for storage of thornless blackberries whic h are prone to fungal decay. Blackberries were harvested and stored fo r 12 days at 2 degrees C in 0.0, 0.1, and 0.3 ppm ozone. Berries were evaluated for fungal decay, anthocyanins, color and peroxidase (POD) a ctivity. Ozone storage suppressed fungal development for 12 days, whil e 20% of control fruits showed decay. The main mold was Botrytis ciner ea. Ozone storage did not cause observable injury or defects. By 12 da ys, anthocyanin content of juice was similar to initial levels for all treatments. Surface color was better retained in 0.1 and 0.3 ppm-stor ed berries by 5 days and in 0.3 ppm berries by 12 days, by hue angle v alues. POD was greater in controls and 0.1 ppm samples, and was lowest in 0.3 ppm fruits by 12 days. Ozone storage resulted in market qualit y extension.