Bagging 'Fuji' apples during fruit development affects color development and storage quality

Enclosing 'Fuji' apple (Malus xdomestica Borkh.) fruit in paper bags 2 mont hs after full bloom delayed the increase in internal ethylene concentration at the onset of fruit ripening, and increased the respiration rate early i n the bagging period, Bagging delayed and reduced red color development, es pecially on the blush side, but did not affect fruit resistance to gas diff usion. External surface color changed significantly within the first 4 days after bags were removed. Exclusion of UV-B from sunlight by Mylar film aft er paper bag removal impaired red color development. Bagging during fruit d evelopment increased superficial scald but eliminated stain during cold sto rage. Exposure to sunlight for 19 or 20 days before harvest reduced scald i ncidence in comparison with leaving bags on until harvest.