QUALITY OF APPLES FOLLOWING GAMMA-IRRADIATION AND COLD-STORAGE

The physico-chemical and organoleptic quality changes in apple cvs 'Go lden Delicious', 'Royal Delicious', 'Red Delicious' and 'Rich-A-Red' e xposed to gamma radiation doses of 0.1, 0.2, 0.4 and 0.6 kGy for quara ntine and preservation purposes, were studied up to 6 months of storag e at 2-4 degrees C. Among the four cvs, 'Rich-A-Red' treated with 0.1 kGy dose showed better retention of sensory attributes and minimal cha nges in texture, total soluble solids, acidity and vitamin C content d uring storage. Results indicate that irradiation has commercial potent ial for apples as an alternative quarantine treatment for export requi rements.