Tolerance of 'Fuji' apple at low temperatures during storage in controlled atmosphere

Abstract

The aim of this research was to evaluate the tolerance of 'Fuji' apple at low temperatures during the different periods at the beginning or end of storage as well as its effect on fruit quality. The treatments consisted of temperatures (-0.5 ° C, -0.8 ° C and -1.6 ° C) for eight months of continuous storage in controlled atmosphere (CA - 1,0kPa of O2 + < 0,5kPa of CO2), and their combination at different temperatures periods of time at the beginning or end of storage. The quality analysis was done after eight months of storage plus seven days at a temperature of 20 ° C. For 'Fuji' apple, temperatures of -0.8 ° C or lower, when used at the beginning of storage, caused more internal breakdown caused by the cold and tend to cause more decay. However, the temperature of - 0.8 ° C can be used at the end of storage, thus maintaining the best quality of apples during controlled atmosphere storage.