Effect of maturity, carbon dioxide and storage duration on controlled atmosphere stored Jonathan apples

Abstract

Jonathan apples stored at 0°C in an atmosphere of 0 per cent CO2 and 2.5 per cent O2were softer, more yellow and more susceptible to breakdown and superficial scald but less susceptible to flesh browning than where CO2 was 3 per cent. Increasing the CO2 from 3 to 6 per cent did not greatly affect fruit firmness or yellow colouring but did increase susceptibility to flesh browning and breakdown. Air stored fruit were more susceptible to superficial scald and breakdown but did not develop flesh browning. Flesh browning and breakdown decreased as picks were made earlier, but the effectiveness of maturity as a control measure was limited by loss of flavour where harvesting was too early.