THE EFFECTS OF STORAGE ATMOSPHERE ON THE KEEPING QUALITY OF IDARED APPLES

The response of 'Idared' apples to storage in atmospheres containing l ess carbon dioxide than the recommended 8% was investigated after it w as found that core flush could develop in 8% CO2 + 13% O-2 at 3.5 degr ees C. Storage in <1% CO2 and 1 or 2% O-2 resulted in less core flush than storage in 5% CO2 + 3% O-2, but apples from 2% O-2 were softer, a s determined by both a sensory panel and a penetrometer, than those fr om 5% CO2 + 3% O-2 Jonathan spot developed in both low oxygen regimes. A pre-harvest application of daminozide increased the surface area co loured red, increased firmness at harvest and reduced the incidence of core flush in samples stored in 8% CO2 + 13% O-2. It was concluded th at to minimize losses from physiological disorders,'Idared' grown in U K should be picked no later than the beginning of November and stored in <1% CO2 + 1% O-2 for no more than three months.