Annual/Termination Reports:

[09/02/2004] [09/30/2005] [09/29/2006] [11/08/2007] [11/07/2008]

Report Information

Participants

· Chu, George (gchu@uoguelph.ca) - Univ. of Guelph, ON;
· Weis, Sarah (sweis@pssci.umass.edu) - Univ. of Massachusetts;
· Tong, Cindy (ctong@umn.edu) - Univ. of Minnesota;
· Kupferman, Gene (kupfer@wsu.edu) - Washington State Univ.;
· DeEll, Jennifer (JDeEll@omaf.gov.on.ca) - OMAF, Simcoe, ON;
· Murr, Dennis (dmurr@uoguelph.ca) - Univ. of Guelph, ON;
· Whitaker, Bruce (whitakeb@ba.ars.usda.gov) - USDA-ARS Beltsville, MD;
· Solomes, Theo (tse@mail.umd.edu) - Univ. of Maryland;
· Lau, O.L. (Sam) (laus@agr.gc.ca) - Okanagan Federated Shippers Assoc., BC;
· Beaudry, Randy (beaudry@msu.edu) - Michigan State Univ.;
· Blankenship, Sylvia (sylvia_blankenship@ncsu.edu) - North Carolina State Univ.;
· Perkins, Penelope (pperkins-usda@lane-ag.org) - USDA-ARS Lane, OK;
· Moran, Renae (rmoran@umext.maine.edu) - Univ. of Maine;
· Fretz, Tom (tfretz@umd.edu) - NERA  Univ. of Maryland;
· Rosenberger, Dave (dar@cornell.edu) - Cornell Univ., Geneva, NY;
· Watkins, Chris (cbw3@cornell.edu) - Cornell Univ., Ithaca, NY;
· Defilippi, Bruno (bdefilippi@ucdavis.edu) - Univ. California, Davis;
· De Castro, Elena (edcastro@ucdavis.edu) - Univ. California, Davis;
· Monzon, Maria (memonzon@ucdavis.edu) - Univ. California, Davis;

Brief Summary of Minutes

Accomplishments

Development of soggy breakdown and soft scald is associated with later harvest dates and storage of fruit at temperatures of 0-0.5 ºC. Honeycrisp apples should be stored at 3 ºC [MI, NY-I]. DPA sometimes reduced soft scald. Both soggy breakdown and soft scald were markedly reduced or eliminated by keeping Honeycrisp at 10 or 20 ºC before storage [MI]. Trees with a heavier crop load had fruit with more soft scald [MA, MN]. Foliar applications of calcium chloride controlled bitter pit in Honeycrisp apples. [NY-G]. GoldRush apples maintained better quality than Fuji, Pink Lady and Granny Smith apples during 12 months of storage in air at 0 ºC. [MD-USDA].<br /> <br /> Instrumental and sensory quality characteristics of six genotypes of orange-fleshed honeydews were better than those of a green-fleshed honeydew [MD-USDA]. Primocane-fruiting blackberries provide new market potential in northern and deep South areas of the US [OK].<br /> <br /> A peroxidase isozyme was tentatively shown to be associated with susceptibility of fruit cultivars to scald [NY-I]. Scald did not develop at temperatures above 6 oC. 1-MCP, low O2, 1-MCP + low O2, and emulsion of 1.5% vegetable oil were very effective in inhibiting the development of scald in Granny Smith apples kept at 1 oC [MD].<br /> <br /> The appearance of lenticel breakdown following packing could be related to the use of specific chemicals in the postharvest packing process. Fruit temperature and type of packingline (pre-size) influenced the amount of lenticel breakdown [WA-W]. Soil gypsum application increased Redcort apples calcium concentration and controlled bitter pit development [MA]. <br /> <br /> The fungicides fludioxonil, pyrimethanil, and a pyraclostrobin-boscalid mixture provided good control of Penicillium expansum [NY-G]. Postharvest decay of Golden Delicious apples caused by Colletotrichum acutatum and Penicillium expansum was most effectively controlled by heat treatment in combination with antagonists [MD-USDA].<br /> <br /> Of the 25 Generally Recognized as Safe chemicals evaluated, 6 were found to have activity against common stone fruit pathogens [CA]. Exposure of blueberries to 2000 or 4000 J of UV-C light could reduce decay. Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, Botrytis cinerea, and Alternaria tenuissima were the primary postharvest fungi found. UV-C light may have a use in blueberry harvesting and cleaning procedures when rainfall has been high or prolonged [OK]. Pear varieties differ in their susceptibility to B. cinerea and that there is no strict correlation between C2H4 production and fruit ripening or disease susceptibility [OR]. <br /> <br /> Growing season-applied soybean oil (soft insecticide) sprays could improve the at-harvest quality and postharvest behavior of Golden Delicious and Fuji apples. Significant findings thus far include: apple response to oil depends on application timing; fruit treated with Orchex (paraffinic control) behaved similar to untreated fruit under all conditions; fruit finish was not affected; weight loss during storage and subsequent shelf life was improved (less weight loss) by oil treatment; surface wax development was altered, dependent on application time, variety, storage conditions, and growing area; volatile aroma production was consistently higher in apples treated with soybean oil 21 days before harvest; oil treatment improved retention of flavor impact alcohols in apples held in prolonged CA storage; and flavor regeneration capacity of apples was improved, especially by late season soybean oil applications [WA-P].<br /> <br /> Asian and Mexican guavas and Fuyu persimmons tolerated radio frequency heating treatments designed to control Mexican fruit flies [CA].<br /> <br /> With 10, 20, and 80% CO2 treatments, ATP levels decreased and resulted in the greatest mortality of Platynota stultana. Resistance to CA in Pseudococcus mealybugs may be due to differences in metabolic rates. Having a low metabolic rate may help them resisting CA [CA].<br /> <br /> Maturity and delays between harvest and 1-MCP application can affect responses of fruit to 1-MCP. Strategies to decrease losses of fruit resulting from CO2 injury have been developed [NY-I, MI]. In order to obtain the maximum benefit of 1-MCP for McIntosh apples treated with or without ReTain, the 1-MCP needed to be applied within the first two or three days after harvest [MI]. <br /> <br /> The combined application of 1-2 ppm 1-MCP with 1-1.5% O2 was effective in suppressing the start of C2H4 climacteric over long periods of time. Even at 6.5 oC, the rise in C2H4 evolution was suppressed for 193 days. When the fruits were transferred to 18 oC, there was a rise in C2H4 evolution and an increase in the accumulation of ACC-1, ERS1 and PG gene transcripts, as well as softening [MD].<br /> <br /> 1-MCP treatment to apples in refrigerator trailers reduced postharvest C2H4 production and improved firmness retention of fruit. 1-MCP treatment substantially reduced superficial scald on apples [MA, MI]. Applying 1-MCP prior to storage plus CA at 0 ºC could control diffuse skin browning of Golden Delicious apples [WA-W].<br /> <br /> The fresh-cut slices from 1-MCP treated apples had faster browning rate when prepared after 3 months of storage. The fresh-cut slices from CA stored apples had faster browning rate when prepared after 5 and 7 months of storage. Volatile compound production was reduced by both 1-MCP and CA [MI].<br /> <br /> Treatment of Empire apples with 1-MCP did not affect decay susceptibility of fruit inoculated with P. expansum either at wounds or on stems [NY-G]. <br /> <br /> Honeycrisp, MN1802, and MN1915 apples did not change in crispness after 4 months of cold storage. A sibling of Honeycrisp, MN1708, was as firm as Honeycrisp at harvest, but softened significantly during storage. Genes that are differentially expressed between fresh and stored Macoun apple fruit have been identified. These data will help breeders develop apples with improved fruit texture [MN].<br /> <br /> Data on phenolic profiles and antioxidant capacity of pears, sweet cherries, and pomegranates provide more reasons for increased consumption of fruits [CA]. Raspberry varieties show differences in antioxidant content with production environment and harvest date. Varieties grown in WA were lower in antioxidants than those grown in NY. Black raspberries were generally highest in all antioxidant assays, but yellow raspberries were often similar to red raspberries in total phenolics and FRAP [OK]. The antioxidant profiles and possible associated health benefits of strawberry fruit have been assessed. Cultivar effects on phenolic contents were compared with antioxidant capacities, as measured by the Total Oxyradical Scavenging Capacity assay, and to antiproliferative activities, as measured by inhibition of HepG2 human liver cancer cell proliferation in vitro [NY-I]. Levels and types of antioxidant hydroxycinnamic acid (HCA) conjugates in eggplant fruit from genetically diverse accessions within the USDA core collection were determined. The potent antioxidant chlorogenic acid was the predominant compound in fruit flesh of most accessions. Novel HCA polyamine conjugates with potential hypotensive activity were isolated from several accessions of Solanum melongena, S. anguivi, and S. incanum [MD-USDA].<br /> <br /> Consumer tests with apples of various firmness levels were evaluated by consumers in an open-air market in Portland Oregon. Graphs of firmness vs. willingness to buy have been generated and are being used in discussions with retailers by marketing agencies [WA-W]. <br /> <br /> A survey of pear packers was conducted to determine the methods used to condition (partially ripen) pears. Conditioning is leading to increase pear sales across the USA. The most effective methods require warming pears then treating to C2H4 at 100ppm for 24 hours followed by cooling. The most consistent ripeness was obtained on pears that were placed in vented cartons without poly liners. The greatest risk is shrivel and the appearance of decay or storage scald [WA-W].<br /> <br /> C2H4 plays an important role in apple flavor development by regulating biosynthesis of aroma esters and some of the organic acids, sugars, and phenolic compounds that influence acidity, sweetness, and astringency, respectively [CA]. The expression of ACS1, ETR1, ERS1, ETR2 and ERS2 at different stages of fruit ripening and in response to treatments that interfere with the synthesis of C2H4. ACS1 and ERS1 are expressed only in fruits that are producing C2H4. Treatments that suppress the initiation and/or inhibition of C2H4 evolution drastically decrease the accumulation of their transcripts [MD]. The strategy of extending shelf life of apples by down regulating C2H4 production using the tools of genetic engineering is a viable alternative to CA storage [NY-G].<br /> <br /> The relative amounts of 40 esters and a-farnesene of 13 apple varieties were determined using the solid phase microextraction with a polydimethylsiloxane fiber coupled with GC-MS. Principle Component Analyses of these results clustered the apples into three groups according to skin color: red, green, and red-green. The red cluster apples had the highest total ester contents and the green cluster apples had the highest a-farnesene levels [ON]. For CA stored Royal Gala apples subsequently placed at room temperature for 11 days, the amount of increase of volatiles was inversely proportional to the size of the ester [ON]. <br /> <br /> Primers based on the a-farnesene synthase cDNA AFS1 from scald-prone Law Rome apple were used to clone the corresponding cDNA from scald-resistant Idared apple. RNA isolated from leaf tissue and primers based on the genomic sequence were used to clone a full-length cDNA of HMG2, a gene thought to encode an isozyme of hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA reductase that initiates a-farnesene synthesis in peel tissue [MD-USDA].<br /> <br /> Fruit from fifty six transgenic McIntosh trees containing the ACS2 antisense construct was analyzed for C2H4 production, soluble solids, firmness, ACS and polygalacturonase activity and compared to control McIntosh fruit. Twelve transgenic trees produced fruit with significantly down regulated C2H4 production. Lowest C2H4 production was observed in the transgenic line TM503. Its ACS enzyme activity was also significantly lower. [NY-G]. <br /> <br /> Granny Smith apples treated with a farnesyl protein transferase (FPT) inhibitor scald similarly to RA stored controls. An intact FPT protein remains in the peel of apples treated with an FPT inhibitor, thus inhibition does not lead to destruction of the protein. Apparently farnesyl pyrophosphate mediated signalling events are involved in the development of scald symptoms [WA-P].<br /> <br /> New York State has devised a genetic based strategy to interfere with the softening of McIntosh apples. Evaluation of the transgenic McIntosh fruit resulted in the selection of four transgenic trees. The best performing fruit was obtained from the transformation line TM503 [NY-G, ON]. <br /> <br /> Study on manipulating tomato aroma by altering fatty acid desaturase gene expression showed that the in vivo reduction of linolenic acid content in tomato tissue reduces the biosynthesis of one of the most important volatile compounds in tomato aroma, cis-3-hexenal. The shift in volatiles brought about by the altered fatty acid content was detectable by olfactory sense of humans and was perceived to be detrimental to fruit aroma [MI]. Structural analysis of pectin oligomers that accumulate in ripening tomatoes suggests that polygalacturonase (PG), pectin lyase and rhamogalacturonase are all active in the fruit [CA]. When the oligosaccharides generated during B. cinerea infection of tomato are applied to healthy fruit tissues, many genes that are expressed in infected fruit are activated [CA]. The PG in the saliva of some insects may be an important factor in the damage these insects cause to crop plants. Plant PG-inhibiting proteins will reduce the activity of some insect PGs and, perhaps, reduce the damage the insects cause [CA]. A large QTL for stone fruit mealiness was identified at the locus for endo-PG. The use of marker-assisted selection in breeding for low susceptibility to internal breakdown symptoms in peach appears to be an achievable goal [CA]. <br /> <br /> Red-fruited Autumn Olive is a rich source of lycopene that is affected by maturity. Its berries are edible, although often astringent, and contain extremely high amounts of lycopene (200-300 ug /g fwt). Plants are being adapted for domestic use and mechanical harvest and berries are cleaner and higher in lycopene [OK]. Carotenoid content of watermelon is affected by storage temperature, with greatest changes found in a hybrid-seeded melon [OK].<br /> <br /> The concentration of anthocyanins in strawberries could be increased by exogenously applying riboflavin to the fruit immediately after harvest. The level of effect would be dependent on the concentration of riboflavin used in the treatment [ON]. <br />

Publications

Bramlage, W.J. and S.A. Weis. 2004. Postharvest Fruit Quality and Storage Life in Relation to Mineral Nutrients. New York Fruit Quarterly 12(1):9-10.<br /> <br /> Brummell D.A., V. Dal Cin, S. Lurie, C.H. Crisosto, and J.M. Labavitch. 2004. Cell wall metabolism during the development of chilling injury in cold-stored peach fruit: association of mealiness with arrested disassembly of cell wall pectins. J. Experimental Botany (in press).<br /> <br /> Capdeville, G. de, S.V. Beer, C.B. Watkins, C.L. Wilson, L.O. Tedeski, and J.R. Aist. 2003. Pre- and post-harvest harpin treatments of apples induce resistance to blue mold. Plant Disease 87:39-44.<br /> <br /> Chu, C.L., S.K. Leung, and M. Kawaji. 2004. Reversibility of lychee pericarp red color in relation to pericarp pH, activity of polyphenol oxidase, and particle size of brown pigment. Fruit 59(1):17-23.<br /> <br /> <br /> Chu, C.L., W.T. Liu, and J.H. Ma. 2003. Use of individual wrap with a food packaging film to extend the postharvest life of radishes. Acta Horticulturae 599:123-127. <br /> <br /> Crisosto, C.H., D. Garner, H.L. Andris, and K.R. Day. 2004. Controlled delayed cooling extends peach market life. HortTechnology 14(1):99-104. <br /> <br /> Crisosto, C.H., G.M. Crisosto, and P Metheney. 2003. Consumer acceptance of 'Brooks' and 'Bing' cherries is mainly dependent on fruit SSC and visual skin color. Postharvest Biology and Technology 28:159-167. <br /> <br /> Crisosto, C.H., G.M. Crisosto, and E. Bowerman. 2003. Understanding consumer acceptance of peach, nectarine and plum cultivars. Acta Horticulturae 604:115-119. <br /> <br /> Dandekar, A.M., G. Teo, B.G. Defilippi, S.L. Uratsu, A.J. Passey, A.A. Kader, J.R. Stow, R.J. Colgan, and D.J. James. 2004. Effect of down-regulation of ethylene biosynthesis on fruit flavor complex in apple fruit. Transgenic Res. (In Press).<br /> <br /> Defilippi, B.G., A.M. Dandekar, and A.A. Kader. 2004. Regulation of fruit flavor metabolites in ethylene suppressed apple fruit. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry 52 (In Press).<br /> <br /> D?hallewin G, M. Schirra, A.L.T. Powell, L.C. Greve, and J.M. Labavitch. 2004. Properties of a polygalacturonase-inhibiting protein from ?Oroblanco? grapefruit. Physiol. Plantarum 120: 395-404. <br /> <br /> Fellman, J.K., D.R. Rudell, D.S. Mattinson, and J.P Mattheis. 2003. Relationship of harvest maturity to flavor regeneration after CA storage of ?Delicious? apples. Postharvest Biol. Technol. 27:39-51. <br /> <br /> Feng, X., W.V. Biasi, and E.J. Mitcham. 2004. Effects of various coatings and antioxidants on skin browning of ?Bartlett? pears. J. Sci. Food Agric. 84:595-600.<br /> <br /> Feng, X., J.D. Hansen, B. Biasi, J. Tang, and E.J. Mitcham. 2004. Use of hot water treatment to control colding moths in harvested California ?Bing? sweet cherries. Postharvest Biol. Technol. 31:41-49.<br /> <br /> Fernández-Trujillo, J. P., J.F. Nock, E.M. Kupferman, S.K. Brown, and C.B. Watkins. 2003. Peroxidase activity and superficial scald development in apple fruit. J. Agric. Food Chem. 51: 7182-7186.<br /> <br /> Greene, D.W. and S.A. Weis. 2003. Apple Varieties with a Future. The Compact Fruit Tree 36(2):55-56.<br /> <br /> Haines, M.M., P.J. Shiel, J.K. Fellman, and P.H. Berger. 2003. Abnormalities in growth, development and physiological responses to biotic and abiotic stress in potato (Solanum tuberosum) transformed with Arabidopsis ETR1. Journal of Agricultural Science 141: 1-15.<br /> <br /> Hrazdina, G., E. Kiss, Z. Galli, C.L. Rosenfield, J.L. Norelli, and H.S. Aldwinckle. 2003. Down regulation of ethylene production in Royal Gala apples. Acta Horticulturae, 628:239-251.<br /> <br /> Jacob, R.A., G.M. Spinozzi, V.A. Simon, D.S. Kelley, R.L. Prior, B. Hess-Pierce, and A.A. Kader. 2003. Consumption of cherries lowers plasma urate in healthy women. Journal of Nutrition 133:1826-1829.<br /> <br /> Janisiewicz, W.J., B. Leverentz, R.A. Saftner, A.N. Reed, and M.J. Camp. 2003. Control of bitter rot and blue mold of apples by integrating heat and antagonist treatments on 1-MCP treated fruit store under CA conditions. Postharvest Biol. Technol. 29: 129-143.<br /> <br /> Kader, A.A. 2003. A perspective on postharvest horticulture (1978-2003). HortScience 38(5):1004-1008.<br /> <br /> Kochhar, S., P.L. Conklin, S.K. Brown, and C.B. Watkins. 2003. A quantitative and qualitative analysis of antioxidant enzymes in relation to susceptibility of apple fruit to superficial scald. J. Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci. 129: 910-916.<br /> <br /> Lencki, R.W., M. Zhu, and C.L. Chu. 2004. Comparison of unsteady- and steady-state methods for produce respiration rate determination. 1. Model development and validation. Postharvest Biol. & Tech. 31:229-238.<br /> <br /> Leung, S.K., C.L. Chu, and M. Kawaji. 2003. Effect of anthocyanin, polyphenol oxidase, and the pH of pericarp on the fresh appearance of lychee. Acta Horticulturae 599:529-534. <br /> <br /> Leverentz, B., W.J. Janisiewicz, and W.S. Conway. 2003. Biological control of minimally processed fruits and vegetables. In: Novak, J.S., Sapers, G.M., Juneja, V.K. (eds.), Microbial Safety of Minimally Processed Foods, pp. 319-332. CRC Press, Boca Raton, Fla.<br /> <br /> Leverentz, B., W.S. Conway, M.J. Camp, W.J. Janisiewicz, T. Abuladze, M. Yang, R.A. Saftner, and A. Sulakvelidze. 2003. Biocontrol of Listeria monocytogenes on fresh-cut produce by treatment with lytic bacteriophages and a bacteriocin. Appl. Environ. Microbial. 69:4519-4526.<br /> <br /> Lu, G., C.G. Edwards, J.K. Fellman, D.S. Mattinson, and J. Navazio. 2003. Biosynthetic origin of geosmin in red beets (Beta vulgaris L.). Journal of agricultural and food chemistry. 51:1026-1029. <br /> <br /> Lu, G., C.G. Edwards, J.K. Fellman, D.S. Mattinson, and J. Navazio. 2003. Quantitative determination of geosmin in red beets (Beta vulgaris L.) using headspace solid-phase microextraction. Journal of agricultural and food chemistry. 51:1021-1025. <br /> <br /> Meyers, K.J., C.B. Watkins, M.P Pritts, and R.H. Liu. 2003. Antioxidant and antiproliferative activities of strawberries. J. Agric. Food Chem. 51: 6887-6892.<br /> <br /> Mir, N. M. Canoles, R. Beaudry, E. Baldwin, and C. Mehla. 2003. Inhibition of tomato ripening by 1-methylcyclopropene. J. Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci. (accepted, in press).<br /> <br /> Mitcham, E.J., R.H. Veltman, X. Feng , E. de Castro, J.A. Johnson, T.L. Simpson, W.V. Biasi ,S. Wang, and J. Tang. 2004. Application of radio frequency treatments to control insects in in-shell walnuts. Postharvest Biology Technology 33:93-100.<br /> <br /> Palou, L., C.H. Crisosto, D. Garner, and L.M. Basinal. 2003. Effect of continuous exposure to exogenous ethylene during cold storage on postharvest decay development and quality attributes of stone fruits and table grapes. Postharvest Biology and Technology 27:243-254. <br /> <br /> Palou, L., J.L. Smilanick, C.H. Crisosto, M. Mansour, and P. Plaza. 2003. Ozone gas penetration and control of the sporulation of Penicillium digitatum and Penicillium italicum within commercial packages of oranges during storage. Crop Protection 22:1131-1134. <br /> <br /> Pechous, S.W. and B.D. Whitaker. 2004. Cloning and functional expression of an (E,E)-a-farnesene synthase cDNA from peel tissue of apple fruit. Planta 219: 84-94.<br /> <br /> Prusky, D., J.M. McEvoy, R.A. Saftner, W.S. Conway, and R. Jones. 2004. Relationship between host acidification and virulence of Penicillium spp. on apple and citrus fruit. Phytopathology 94: 44-51.<br /> <br /> Rosenberger, D.A., J.R. Schupp, S.A. Hoying, L. Cheng, and C.B. Watkins. 2004. Controlling bitter pit in ?Honeycrisp? apples. HortTechnology 14(2):342-349.<br /> <br /> Rosenberger, D. 2003. Managing diseases and arthropod pests on Honeycrisp. N.Y. Fruit Quarterly 11(3):13-15. <br /> <br /> Rosenberger, D., J. Schupp, S. Hoying, L. Cheng, and D. Watkins. 2003. Managing bitter pit in Honeycrisp. N.Y. Fruit Quarterly 11(3):17-21. <br /> <br /> Rosenberger, D.A., F.W. Meyer, and K.L VanCamp. 2004. Controlling apple blue mold with Scholar plus hypochlorite, 2002-2003. Fungicide and Nematicide Tests (online.) Report 59:PF022. DOI: 10.1094/FN59. The American Phytopathological Society, St. Paul, MN. <br /> <br /> Rosenberger, D.A., F.W. Meyer, and K.L. VanCamp. 2004. Postinfection activity of Mertect 340F and Scholar for controlling Penicillium expansum, 2002-2003. Fungicide and Nematicide Tests (online.) Report 59:PF023. DOI: 10.1094/FN59. The American Phytopathological Society, St. Paul, MN.<br /> <br /> Rosenberger, D.A., F.W. Meyer, and K.L. VanCamp. 2004. Effectiveness of Abound and Scholar for control of blue mold on apples, 2002-2003. Fungicide and Nematicide Tests (online.) Report 59:PF020. DOI: 10.1094/FN59. The American Phytopathological Society, St. Paul, MN.<br /> <br /> Rosenberger, D.A., F.W. Meyer, and K.L. VanCamp. 2004. Postharvest control of gray mold on Golden Delicious with Scholar and Mertect, 2002-03. Fungicide and Nematicide Tests (online.) Report 59:PF021. DOI: 10.1094/FN59. The American Phytopathological Society, St. Paul, MN.<br /> <br /> Sams, C.E. and W.S. Conway. 2003. Preharvest nutritional factors affecting postharvest physiology. In: Bartz, J.A., Brecht, J.K. (eds.), Postharvest Physiology and Pathology of Vegetables, pp. 161-176. Marcel Dekker, Inc., New York.<br /> <br /> Skog, L. and C.L. Chu. 2003. Apples. In: Encyclopedia of Food Sciences and Nutrition. Academic Press. Elsevier Science Ltd. 290-294.<br /> <br /> Stommel, J.R. and B.D. Whitaker. 2003. Phenolic acid content and composition of eggplant fruit in a germplasm core subset. J. Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci. 128: 704-710.<br /> <br /> Stover, E.W., M.J. Fargione, C.B. Watkins, and K.A. Iungerman. 2003. Harvest management of Marshall ?McIntosh? apples: Effects of AVG, NAA, ethephon, and summer pruning on preharvest drop and fruit quality. HortScience 38:1093-1099.<br /> <br /> Tang, J., S. Wang, J. Hansen, J. Johnson, E. Mitcham, S. Drake, and G. Hallman. 2003. Postharvest control of insect pests in nuts and fruits based on radio frequency energy. Acta Hort. 599: 175-181.<br /> <br /> Tong, C.B.S., D.S. Bedford, J.J. Luby, R.M. Beaudry, J.P. Mattheis, F.M. Propsom, C.B. Watkins, and S.A. Weis. 2003. Location and temperature effects on soft scald in ?Honeycrisp? apples. HortScience 38: 1153-1155.<br /> <br /> Wargo, J.M., I.M. Merwin, and C.B. Watkins. 2003. Fruit size, yield and market value of 'GoldRush' apple are affected by amount, timing and method of nitrogen fertilization. HortTechnology 13:5-13.<br /> <br /> Warren, J.M., J.H. Bassman, J.K. Fellman, S.D. Eigenbrode, and D.S. Mattinson. 2003. UV-B radiation alters phenolic profiles in Populus trichocarpa, with implications for Chrysomelid herbivory. Tree Physiology 23:527-536*<br /> <br /> Watkins, C.B., J.F. Nock , S.A. Weis, S. Jayanty, and R.M. Beaudry. 2004. Storage temperature, diphenylamine, and pre-storage delay effects on soggy breakdown, soft scald and bitter pit of ?Honeycrisp? apples. Postharvest Biology and Technology. 32:213-221.<br /> <br /> Watkins, C.B., J.F. Nock, S.A. Weis, S. Jayanty, and R.M. Beaudry. 2004. Storage temperature, diphenylamine, and pre-storage delay effects on soft scald, soggy breakdown and bitter pit of ?Honeycrisp? apples. Postharvest Biology and Technology 32:213-221.<br /> <br /> Weis, S. 2003. An Appeal for Early Harvest of Honeycrisp. FruitNotes 68(Spring, Summer, and Fall):1-3.<br /> <br /> Whitaker, B.D. 2003. Chemical and physical changes in membranes. In: Bartz, J.A., Brecht, J.K. (eds.), Postharvest Physiology and Pathology of Vegetables, pp. 79-110. Marcel Dekker, Inc., New York.<br /> <br /> Whitaker, B.D. and J.R. Stommel. 2003. Distribution of hydroxycinnamic acid conjugates in fruit of commercial eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) cultivars. J. Agric. Food Chem. 51: 3448-3454.<br />

Impact Statements

1. Ecologically sound strategies are being developed to reduce the postharvest use of synthetic fungicides. This will reduce chemical waste and residues on fruit, and help maintain the effectiveness of the few fungicides approved for use after harvest.
2. Research in radio frequency heating treatment may lead to an effective treatment to allow Asian and Mexican guavas and Fuyu persimmons to be marketed even during those times when a Mexican fruit fly quarantine exists in the growing area preventing heavy economic losses.
3. CA treatments are a potential alternative to methyl bromide fumigation for insect quarantine. Effective development of CA treatments will ensure continued access to lucrative export markets for US produce.
4. The combined application of 1-2 ppm 1-MCP with 1-1.5% O2 will allow the storage of chill-sensitive commodities for a longer time at non-chilling temperatures and it will also substantially save energy by using storage temperature of 6 oC instead of 1 oC.
5. The potential long-range human health benefits of antioxidants and other phytonutrients in fruits are being studied intensively. Clinical studies will be much more meaningful if the antioxidant/phytonutrient contents of individual fruits are well characterized.
6. Due to the rough netted surface, cantaloupes are much more prone to postharvest decay than honeydew melon. If the new orange-fleshed honeydew varieties prove to be as acceptable to consumers as cantaloupes, they could be grown instead to avoid the disease problem.
7. Molecular genetic manipulation to block a-farnesene synthesis in commercial apple cultivars prone to superficial scald should eliminate the need to use costly and potentially unsafe chemical treatments to control this serious postharvest problem.
8. New York State has devised a genetic based strategy to interfere with the softening of McIntosh apples. New York State stores 2.6 million bushel apples a year; the majority apples are McIntosh. The cost of CA rooms and CA regime normally is around $ 1 per bushel. This would save growers ~$ 2.5 million in NY alone. Adding the other apple regions in the US and Canada, the total savings could be $100 million.
9. Riboflavin may be used to enhance red color of strawberries destined for fruit-mixed yogurt.

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Report Information

Participants

Chu, George (gchu@uoguelph.ca) - Univ. of Guelph, ON;
Whitaker, Bruce (whitakeb@ba.ars.usda.gov) - USDA-ARS Beltsville, MD;
Fellman, John (fellman@wsu.edu) - Washington State University;
Mitcham, Beth (ejmitcham@ucdavis.edu) - Univ. of California, Davis;
Tong, Cindy (ctong@umn.edu) - Univ. of Minnesota;
Kupferman, Gene (kupfer@wsu.edu) - Washington State Univ.;
DeEll, Jennifer (JDeEll@omaf.gov.on.ca) - OMAF, Simcoe, ON;
Murr, Dennis (dmurr@uoguelph.ca) - Univ. of Guelph, ON;
Solomes, Theo (tse@mail.umd.edu) - Univ. of Maryland;
Lau, O.L. (Sam) (laus@agr.gc.ca) - Okanagan Federated Shippers Assoc., BC;
Bai, Jinhe (Jinhe.Bai@oregonstate.edu) - Oregon State Univ.;
Beaudry, Randy (beaudry@msu.edu) - Michigan State Univ.;
Blankenship, Sylvia (sylvia_blankenship@ncsu.edu) - North Carolina State Univ.;
Perkins, Penelope (pperkins-usda@lane-ag.org) - USDA-ARS Lane, OK;
Moran, Renae (rmoran@umext.maine.edu) - Univ. of Maine;
Fretz, Tom (tfretz@umd.edu) - NERA, Univ. of Maryland;
Rosenberger, Dave (dar@cornell.edu) - Cornell Univ., Geneva, NY;
Watkins, Chris (cbw3@cornell.edu) - Cornell Univ., Ithaca, NY;

Brief Summary of Minutes

Accomplishments

Biochemical factors associated with Pink Lady apple internal browning disorder showed that there were no difference in polyphenoloxidase activity between apples stored in air and flesh browning damaged and undamaged apples stored in CA. Flesh browning damaged apples had lower Ca⁺² concentrations than undamaged apples stored in the same CA conditions [CA]. <br /> <br /> DPA-treated Honeycrisp apples had higher soft scald incidence at 1.5ºC and lower incidence at 4.5ºC, compared to fruit with no DPA treatment. The incidence of soft scald was highest in Honeycrisp apples held in controlled atmosphere (CA) and treated with 1-MCP, and lowest in those treated with DPA and held in air storage [ON]<br /> <br /> Bitter pit, soft scald and soggy breakdown have impacted profitability of Honeycrisp apple. Factors associated with occurrence of these disorders have been identified and information on calcium spray, storage temperatures and postharvest handling treatments has been provided to the industry. A pre-storage delay treatment has been developed to reduce incidences of soggy breakdown and soft scald, although bitter pit incidence may be aggravated if fruit are not grown with sufficient calcium inputs [NY-I].<br /> <br /> Eight new cultivars of highbush blueberries in Southern California were evaluated for soluble solids, titratable acidity, total phenolics, total anthocyanins, and FRAP. Overall quality scores were best for Misty, Emerald and Sharpblue [CA]. <br /> <br /> Grammu Smith (scald-sensitive cultivar) apples contained larger quantities of alpha-farnesene and conjugated trienols than did Gala (scald-resistant cultivar) apples. The initiation of the climacteric regulated both scald development and alpha-farnesene and conjugated trienol contents. The combined application of 1-MCP + 1.5% O₂ prevented the initiation of ethylene climacteric for 100 days and suppressed the increase in alpha-farnesene content. Scald symptoms occurred on Granny Smith apples only when they were stored at 1 and 5ºC and not when they were stored at 10 and 20ºC. The expression of MGR1 and FPPS does not control alpha-farnesene biosynthesis because treatments that enhanced the accumulation of their transcripts strongly inhibited alpha-farnesene content. The initiation of ethylene climacteric plays a crucial role in scald development [MD].<br /> <br /> Volatile aroma production was higher in Golden Delicious and Fuji apples treated with soybean oil 21 days before harvest. Oil treatment improved retention of flavor impact alcohols in apples held in prolonged CA storage. Flavor regeneration capacity of apples was improved by late season soybean oil application. No apparent phytotoxicity has been observed over a two-season period, and none of the oil treatments negatively influenced storability of the fruit. It is possible for growers to use a late-season organic soybean oil spray to combat pests as well as improve the quality of the fruit [WA].<br /> <br /> A risk model has been developed based on weather data observed during July and August to forecast apple disorders [ON, QC].<br /> <br /> Postharvest decay of Golden Delicious apples was completely eliminated when the fruit were treated with a combination of two antagonists (yeast biocontrol agents) and sodium bicarbonate and stored in CA (1.4% O₂, 3% CO₂). The antagonists alone reduced decay and sodium bicarbonate increased the effectiveness of each antagonist. Storage under CA conditions also increased the effectiveness of each antagonist, alone or in combination. The goal of this research is to combine alternative methods of control to provide an effective substitute for synthetic pesticides [MD-USDA].<br /> <br /> One of the antagonists tested for control of postharvest decay in intact apples (<I>Metschnikowia pulcherrima</I>) was found to be effective in reducing the populations of several foodborne human pathogens on fresh-cut apple slices [MD-USDA].<br /> <br /> Radio frequency (RF) heating is a promising quarantine treatment for persimmon and guava fruit if the initial fruit quality and maturity is at optimum levels. However, RF does not appear promising as a treatment for passion fruit or longan [CA, WA]. Complete control of all life stages of grape mealybug, western flower thrips, omnivorous leafrollers and Pacific spider mites without negatively affecting the quality of the grapes could be achieved with a pre-treatment of 6%CO₂ + 1% SO₂ for 30 minutes at 68ºF (20ºC) followed by fumigation with 4.7% ethyl formate at 68ºF and 18-21 days at 36ºF (2ºC) [CA]. <br /> <br /> Concentrations of headspace volatiles, including <I>trans</I>-2-hexenal, varied substantially among blueberry fruit from 10 cultivars exhibiting a broad range of resistance/susceptibility to decay by <I>Colletotrichum acutatum</I> (anthracnose). Aromatic volatiles decreased rapidly in most cultivars during 5 days of storage at 20°C, and C. <I>acutatum</I> infection prior to storage had no effect on either volatile profiles or concentrations throughout storage. Production of aromatic volatiles in blueberry fruit is not inducible by C. <I>acutatum</I> infection and does not contribute to disease resistance against Anthracnose Ripe Rot [MD-USDA]. <br /> <br /> A selective agar medium was developed for enumerating <I>Penicillium</I> populations in orchard soils and is being used to determine the relative importance of inoculum from orchards as compared to inoculum that recycles on bins or in apple storages [NY-G]. <br /> <br /> A survey of 19 apple packinghouses revealed that 14 of 25 water flumes in these packinghouses had detectable populations of <I>Penicillium</I> spores in the water 13 of the 25 flumes also contained coliform bacteria [NY-G].<br /> <br /> 1-MCP treatment (1 ppm; 18 h at 20°C) maintained the quality of Golden Delicious apples stored in air at 1°C for up to 5 months when applied <36 h after fruit had entered the climacteric, but was ineffective when applied to fruit 3 to 7 days into the climacteric. Apples treated in the orchard with ReTain could be stored 3 to 4 weeks after harvest in a preclimacteric state and still respond well to 1-MCP treatment. Fruit not treated with ReTain entered the climacteric 2 to 5 days after harvest while those treated with ReTain took 4 to 5 weeks. This study demonstrated that preharvest treatment of apples with ReTain greatly extends the time after harvest in which 1 MCP treatment is beneficial [MD-USDA].<br /> <br /> 1-MCP applied to partially ripened dAnjou pears (after on-set of climacteric) slowed the softening and extended the shelf life. Pears could not ripen properly if 300 ppm of 1-MCP were applied. The applicable dosage of 1-MCP for dAnjou pears is somewhere between 20 and 30 ppm, in which pears ripened regularly. However, this dosage had very limited effect on the control of superficial scald [OR].<br /> <br /> Shiro Plums, Fantasia Nectarines, Bartlett pears, and Bosc pears treated with 1-MCP were firmer and had less CO2 production, ethylene, and hydrophobic volatiles (aroma, flavour) than those not treated with 1-MCP [ON]. <br /> <br /> 1-MCP treated persimmon fruit retained firmness much better than the untreated fruit after the holding period at 20ºC [CA].<br /> <br /> Soybean oil application significantly increased the mean volatile and aldehyde emission as well as hexanal and 2-hexenal levels of Golden Delicious apples measured immediately after CA storage. Soybean oil application improved regeneration capacities of straight chain esters and increased the emission of branched chain ester 2-metyl-butyl acetate [WA].<br /> <br /> Postharvest fungicide trials showed that fludioxonil, pyrimethanil, and a mixture of pyraclostrobin plus boscolid were all very effective for controlling blue mold and gray mold on wound-inoculated apples [NY-G].<br /> <br /> Wound-inoculated fruit treated with 1-MCP and held in cold air storage for 90 days had a higher incidence of blue-mold decay than fruit that was stored without 1-MCP treatment [NY-G].<br /> <br /> Thiabendazole, fludioxonil, pyrimethanil, and a mixture of pyraclostrobin plus boscolid all reduced blue mold decay by more than 70% in wound-inoculated apples even when fungicides were applied 96 hr after inoculation, but Penbotec was the most effective [NY-G].<br /> <br /> In order to develop crisp apples, breeders may want to look for apple fruit with a relatively small average number of cells. Crispness maintenance, like that found in Honeycrisp, is probably heritable. Cell number in apples was positively correlated to change in crispness and change in fracture force during storage. Cell wall phenolics were found to be irrelevant to apple fruit texture. [MN].<br /> <br /> The combined application of 2 ppm 1-MCP + 1.5% O₂ suppresses the induction of ethylene climacteric in fruits kept at either 6.5ºC or 1ºC. 1-MCP is more effective in retarding the climacteric ethylene rise than is 1.5% O₂. The inhibition of the induction of the ethylene climacteric is reflected in the changes in texture. The inhibition of ethylene climacteric is reflected in the accumulation of ACS1 and ERS1 transcripts. The combined application of 1-MCP + 1.5% O₂ completely suppressed the expression of ACS1 and ERS1 genes [MA]. <br /> <br /> Phospholipase D (PLD) and lipoxygenase (LOX) have been implicated to play a role in ripening and senescence in mesocarp tissues of melons. Two cDNAs encoding a PLD± and a 13-LOX were cloned from <I>Cucumis melo</I> cv. Honey Brew, and their transcript levels in fruit mesocarp, floral, and vegetative tissues were determined by quantitative RT-PCR. Transcripts of both Cm<I>PLD±1</I> and Cm<I>LOX1</I> were most abundant in fruit mesocarp as well as root and flower tissues. The long-range goal of this work is to produce transgenic or hybrid melon lines bearing fruit with attenuated senescence and consequently longer shelf life [MD-USDA].<br /> <br /> Apple peel had almost double the amount of total phenolic content than apple flesh. Empire apples had less than half of the total phenolic content in both the flesh and the peel than McIntosh and Delicious apples. The smaller amount of total phenolic content in Empire apples might be one of the reasons why Empire apples did not show scald disorder, because less phenol was available to be oxidized to form brown pigments [ON].<br /> <br /> 1-MCP treatment temporarily delayed tomato fruit ripening for 8 days, similarly delaying ethylene production and the expression of ACC-synthase, and ethylene receptor genes (especially <I>ETR</I>4+5+6; less so <I>ETR</I>1+2, no effect on <I>NR</I>), though not on ACC-oxidase. The activity of the putrescine biosynthetic enzyme arginine decarboxylase was higher in treated fruit. Polyamines are not directly associated with a delay in tomato fruit ripening but may prolong the fully-ripe stage before the fruit tissues undergo senescence [NY-I].<br /> <br /> The expression of the genes encoding alpha-farnesene synthase (AFS1) in the scald-resistant Idared and -susceptible Law Rome cultivars treated with 1-MCP has been studied. A sharp increase in AFS1 mRNA during the first weeks of storage preceded a proportional rise in alpha-farnesene and a subsequent increase in oxidation products (CTols). 1-MCP suppressed the increases in AFS1 transcript and alpha-farnesene early in storage. The inhibition of alpha-farnesene biosynthesis by 1-MCP is at the level of transcript abundance of AFS1, whereas heat treatment does not affect transcript abundance [NY-I, MD-USDA]. <br /> <br /> Very low ethylene producing transgenic apple lines have been identified that are suppressed for either ACS (ACC Synthase) or ACO (ACC Oxidase) expression. ACS suppressed lines show suppression of ACS mRNA accumulation, ACS enzymatic activity but display normal levels of ACO mRNA and enzyme. ACS/ACO suppressed lines have been identified that show no climacteric response (no autocatalytic ethylene production). Firmness, external color and titratable acidity are highly regulated by ethylene. Part of the pathway for accumulation of phenolics may be under ethylene regulation. ACS/ACO transgenic fruits that make very low ethylene are significantly suppressed in their capacity to make volatile esters, and this reduction is well correlated with a reduction in the activity of alcohol acyl transferase [CA].<br /> <br /> Pc<I>AFS1</I>, a gene encoding alpha-farnesene synthase (AFS) in scald-susceptible dAnjou pear fruit, was cloned using RT-PCR with primers based on apple <I>AFS1</I> and RNA from peel tissue of pears cold-stored for 4-8 weeks. PcAFS1 expression in control fruit increased 4-fold over the first 3 months of air storage at -1°C, whereas in 1-MCP-treated (300 ppb; 6 h at 1°C) fruit the increase was delayed and diminished. Silencing of PC<I>AFS1</I> will prove or disprove the hypothesis that alpha-farnesene and its oxidation products are directly involved in induction of superficial scald on dAnjou pear fruit [MD-USDA].<br /> <br /> Treatments with 1-MCP retarded disease-related ethylene biosynthesis, but had little influence on disease progression. A mutant of <I>Botrytis cinerea</I> with a defect in the polygalacturonase gene Bcpg1 was less virulent on pear fruits, suggesting that pectin catabolism is important [OR].<br /> <br /> Apples treated with FPT inhibitor does not lead to destruction of the FPT protein in the peel. Apparently farnesyl pyrophosphate (FPP) mediated signalling events are involved in the development of scald symptoms [WA].<br /> <br />

Publications

Bai, J., E.A. Baldwin, K.L. Goodner, J.P. Mattheis, and J.K. Brecht. 2005. Response of four apple cultivars to 1-methylcyclopropene treatment and controlled atmosphere storage. HortSci. 40: (In press).<br /> <br /> Bai, J. and P.M. Chen. 2005. Extending shelf-life of partially ripened dAnjou pears by 1-methylcyclopropene treatment. Acta Horticulturae 671:325-331.<br /> <br /> Chu, C.L., W.T. Liu and J.H. Ma. 2005. Individual wrapping of radishes with food packaging film. International J. of Food Sci. & Tech. 40:879-883.<br /> <br /> Conway, W.S., B. Leverentz, W.J. Janisiewicz, A.B. Blodgett, R.A. Saftner, and M.J. Camp. 2004. Integrating heat treatment, biocontrol and sodium bicarbonate to reduce postharvest decay of apple caused by Colletotrichum acutatum and Penicillium expansum. Postharvest Biol. Technol. 34: 11-20. <br /> <br /> Conway, W. S., B. Leverentz, W.J. Janisiewicz, R.A. Saftner, and M.J. Camp. 2005. Improving biocontrol using antagonist mixtures with heat and/or sodium bicarbonate to control postharvest decay of apple. Postharvest Biol. Technol. 36: 235-244.<br /> <br /> Defilippi, B.G., A.A. Kader, and A.M. Dandekar. 2005. Apple aroma: alcohol acyltransferase, a rate limiting step for ester biosynthesis, is regulated by ethylene. Plant Science 168:1199-1210.<br /> <br /> Defilippi, B.G., A.M. Dandekar, and A.A. Kader. 2005. Relationship of ethylene biosynthesis to violatile production, related enzymes, and precursor availability in apple peel and flesh tissues. J. Agric. Food chem. 53:3133-3141.<br /> <br /> Lurie, S., A. Lers, Z. Shacham, L. Sonego, S. Burd, and B.D. Whitaker. 2005. Expression of alpha farnesene synthase AFS1 and 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA HMG2 and HMG3 in relation to alpha-farnesene and conjugated trienols in Granny Smith apples heat or 1-MCP treated to prevent superficial scald. J. Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci.. 130: 232-236.<br /> <br /> Pechous, S.W., C.B. Watkins, and B.D. Whitaker. 2005. Expression of alpha-farnesene synthase gene AFS1 in relation to levels of alpha-farnesene and conjugated trienols in peel tissue of scald-susceptible Law Rome and scald-resistant Idared apple fruit. Postharvest Biol. Technol. 35: 125-132. <br /> <br /> Pechous, S.W, C.B. Watkins, B.D. Whitaker. 2004. Expression of alpha-farnesene synthase gene AFS1 in relation to levels of alpha-farnesene and conjugated trienols in peel tissue of scald-susceptible Law Rome and scald-resistant Idared apple fruit. HortScience 39:893.<br /> <br /> Pelayo-Zaldivar, C., S.E. Ebeler, and A.A. Kader. 2005. Cultivar and harvest date effects on flavor and other quality attributes of California strawberries. J. Food Quality 28:78-97.<br /> <br /> Polashock, J.J. and R.A. Saftner. 2005. Blueberry volatile analysis as a potential marker for disease resistance. Proceedings of the New Jersey Annual Vegetable Meeting. 49: 120-121.<br /> <br /> Robinson, T.L. and C.B. Watkins. 2004. Cropload affects fruit quality of Honeycrisp apple. HortScience 39:841.<br /> <br /> Robinson, T., C. Watkins, S. Hoying. 2004. Can summer pruning in 2004 reduce the potential risk of chilling injury in Empire? Fruit Notes 4(19):1-3.<br /> <br /> Rosenberger, D. A., J.R. Schupp, S.A. Hoying, L. Cheng, C.B. Watkins. 2004. Controlling bitter pit in Honeycrisp apples. HortTechnology 14:342-349.<br /> <br /> Simpson, T., V. Bikoba, and E.J. Mitcham. 2004. Effects of ethyl formate on fruit quality and target pest mortality for harvested strawberries. Postharvest Biology Technology 34: 313-319.<br /> <br /> Wang, S., J. Tang, T. Sun, E.J. Mitcham, T. Koral, S.L. Birla. 2005. Considerations in design of commercial radio frequency treatments for postharvest pest control in inshell walnuts. J. Food Eng. (in press).<br /> <br /> Wang, S., M. Monzon, Y. Gazit, J. Tang, E.J. Mitcham, and J.W. Armstrong. 2005. Temperature dependent dielectric properties of subtropical and tropical fruits with insects. Trans ASAE (in press).<br /> <br /> Wargo, J.M., I.A. Merwin, C.B. Watkins. 2004. Nitrogen fertilization, mid-summer trunk girdling, and AVG treatments affect quality of Jonagold apples. HortScience 39:493-500.<br /> <br /> Wargo, J.M. and C.B. Watkins. Maturity and storage quality of Honeycrisp apples. 2004. HortTechnology 14:496-499.<br /> <br /> Watkins, C.B. and W.B. Miller. 2004. A summary of physiological processes or disorders in fruits, vegetables and ornamental products that are delayed or decreased, increased, or unaffected by application of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP). http://www.hort.cornell.edu/mcp/<br /> <br /> Watkins, C.B. and W.B. Miller. 2004. A summary of physiological processes or disorders in fruits, vegetables and ornamental products that are delayed or decreased, increased, or unaffected by application of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP). HortScience 39:816.<br /> <br /> Watkins, C.B., J.F. Nock, S.A. Weis, S. Jayanty, and R.M. Beaudry. 2004. Storage temperature, diphenylamine, and pre-storage delay effects on soft scald, soggy breakdown and bitter pit of Honeycrisp apples. Postharvest Biol. Technol. 32: 213-221.<br /> <br /> Watkins, C.B. and J.F. Nock. 2004. Effects of postharvest delay before application on responses of apple to 1-MCP. HortScience 39:846. <br /> <br /> Watkins, C.B., D.A. Rosenberger, and J.A. Bartsch. 2004. Cornell Fruit Handling and Storage Newsletter. 15pp<br /> <br /> Watkins, C. 2004. A review of the physiological storage disorders of apple fruit. Fruit Notes 4(19): 4-5.<br /> <br /> Watkins, C. and J. Nock. 2004. SmartFreshTM (1-MCP) - The good and bad as we head into the 2004 season. New York Fruit Quarterly 12(3):3-8.<br /> <br /> Watkins, C., J. Schupp, and D.A. Rosenberger. 2004. Calcium nutrition and control of calcium related disorders. New York Fruit Quarterly 12(2): 15-17, 20-21.<br /> <br /> Wu, T., S. Zivanovic, F.A. Draughon, W.S. Conway, and C.E. Sams. 2005. Physicochemical properties and bioactivity of fungal chitin and chitosan. J. Agric. Food Chem. 53: 3888-3894.<br /> <br /> Young, J.C., C.L. Chu, X. Lu, and H. Zhu. 2004. Ester variability in apple varieties as determined by solid phase microextraction and gas chromatography - mass spectrometry. J. Agric. & Food Chem. 52:8086-8093.<br />

Impact Statements

1. The blocker of ethylene action 1-MCP holds tremendous potential for delaying ripening and senescence of fruits during storage. Development of strategies to extend the time after harvest during which 1-MCP can be applied and still be efficacious will greatly benefit the fresh fruit industry.
2. Use of the new technology, 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) has increased sales of New York apples, both domestically and internationally. It is estimated that 1-MCP is used on 90% of the CA storages holding the Empire cultivar. The use of 1-MCP has led to improved quality of fruit in the marketplace, especially in maintaining quality after fruit are removed from storage. However, as should be expected with any new technology, problems associated with 1-MCP use have been experienced.
3. For Honeycrisp apple, the New York apple industry has implemented calcium spray regimes to minimize the risk of bitter pit at harvest and during storage, and postharvest delay treatments regimes to minimize the risk of soft scald and soggy breakdown development during storage. These approaches have reduced losses and improved industry confidence in this new cultivar.
4. Molecular genetic manipulation to block alpha-farnesene synthesis in commercial apple and pear cultivars that are prone to superficial scald should eliminate the need to use costly and potentially unsafe chemical treatments to control this serious postharvest problem.
5. The survey of water flumes provided evidence needed to convince some packinghouse operators that they need to improve sanitation procedures.
6. Information on effectiveness of new postharvest fungicides for apples is needed to formulate strategies that will both prevent losses during storage and prevent rapid development of fungicide-resistant pathogens in apple storages.
7. Information on post-infection activity of postharvest fungicides for apples will be important if fungicides are to be applied as a fumigant in storage rooms after apples are harvested because wounds incurred during harvesting might not be treated until several days after fruit have been moved to cold storage rooms.

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Report Information

Participants

Whitaker, Bruce (whitakeb@ba.ars.usda.gov) - USDA-ARS Beltsville, MD;
Perkins-Veazie, Penelope (pperkins-usda@lane-ag.org) - USDA-ARS Lane, OK;
Fellman, John (fellman@wsu.edu) - Washington State University, Pullman, WA;
Mitcham, Beth (ejmitcham@ucdavis.edu) - Univ. of California, Davis, CA;
Tong, Cindy (c-tong@umn.edu) - Univ. of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN;
Lee, Kwangwon (kl272@cornell.edu) - Cornell Univ., Ithaca, NY;
DeEll, Jennifer (jennifer.deell@omafra.gov.on.ca) - OMAFRA, Simcoe, ON;
Murr, Dennis (dmurr@uoguelph.ca) - Univ. of Guelph, Guelph, ON;
Solomos, Theo (solomost@umd.edu) - Univ. of Maryland, College Park, MD;
Stotz, Henrik (stotzhe@hort.oregonstate.edu) - Oregon State Univ., Corvallis, OR;
Bai, Jinhe (Jinhe.Bai@oregonstate.edu) - Oregon State Univ., Hood River, OR;
Beaudry, Randy (beaudry@msu.edu) - Michigan State Univ., E. Lansing, MI;
Labavitch, John (jmlabavitch@ucdavis.edu) - Univ. of California, Davis, CA;
Moran, Renae (rmoran@umext.maine.edu) - Univ. of Maine, Orono, ME;
Rosenberger, Dave (dar22@cornell.edu) - Cornell Univ., Geneva, NY;
Watkins, Chris (cbw3@cornell.edu) - Cornell Univ., Ithaca, NY;
Lurie, Susan (slurie43@volcani.agri.gov.il) Volcani Center, Bet Dagen, Israel;
Woolf, Allan (awoolf@hortresearch.co.nz) HortResearch, Aukland, New Zealand;
Vicente, Ariel - Univ. of California, Davis, CA (Argentina);
Villalobos, Max - Univ. of California, Davis, CA;
Sugimoto, Nobuko (sugimot3@msu.edu) - Michigan State Univ., E. Lansing, MI;
MacLean, Dan (maclean@uoguelph.ca) - Univ. of Guelph, Guelph, ON;

Brief Summary of Minutes

Accomplishments

Objective 1:<br /> <br /> <br /> Storage disorders were evaluated in Honeycrisp apples harvested from irrigated and unirrigated trees and stored in air at 1 °C for 4 months. Differences in soil water were not great. Irrigation had no effect on occurrence of soft scald (43%), but it reduced soggy breakdown from 11% to 3% [ME]. <br /> <br /> <br /> Storage disorders were evaluated in Honeycrisp apples harvested from six different orchards that varied in fertility and stored 4 months in air at 1 °C. There were large variations among orchards in the occurrence of soft scald and soggy breakdown, but there was no correlation with foliar levels of nutrients (N, P, K, Mg, Ca, B, Zn, Mn, Fe and Cu) [ME].<br /> <br /> <br /> A 5-day delay in cooling after harvest was tested alone or combined with 1-MCP treatment or CA storage as a means of reducing storage disorders in Honeycrisp apples. CA was also tested alone or combined with 1-MCP. Delayed cooling reduced soft scald from 41% to 7%. There was also a low incidence of soft scald in CA-stored fruit (5%), likely due to storage at 3 °C rather than 1 °C. No treatment reduced the occurrence of soggy breakdown. Scores from sensory evaluation were not affected by delayed cooling and did not vary between treatments for appearance, color, flavor, texture and overall rating [ME].<br /> <br /> <br /> Effects of 1-MCP, DPA, delayed cooling, and storage temperature on quality of Honeycrisp apples stored for 5 months in air were evaluated. No treatment or factor or combination thereof altered the incidence of soft scald. Bitter pit was reduced by 1-MCP (1 ppm) and increased by 4.5 °C (vs. 1.5 or 3 °C) storage. An increase in the incidence of lenticel breakdown (LB) induced by 1-MCP was exacerbated by delayed cooling (4 days at 21 °C), whereas DPA treatment reduced LB but increased the occurrence of storage rots. Storage temperature had the greatest influence on fruit firmness; apples stored at 1.5 °C were softer than those stored at 3 or 4.5 °C [ON].<br /> <br /> <br /> Apple fruit from 184 lines of Core Collection of the USDA Apple Germplasm Repository in Geneva, NY were assessed for aroma production, ripening date and storability. Several lines possessed unusual aroma character. Storability, based on firmness retention, was normally distributed. Several lines possessed high firmness and freedom from storage defects [MI].<br /> <br /> <br /> To select new apple varieties for fresh-cut processing, the browning potential of Ambrosia, Aurora Golden Gala, Galarina, Goldrush, Honeycrisp, and Eden apples was evaluated after 1 and 3 months of air storage at 0-1 °C. Fruit slices in plastic bags were held at 5 °C for 1 week and then visually assessed for surface browning. Overall, Eden apples from Quebec showed the least amount of browning; Ambrosia and Imperial Gala grown in British Columbia also showed a low level of browning. Growing location may be a key factor in browning potential, although slices of Honeycrisp and Aurora Golden Gala fruit from both BC and Ontario browned rapidly [ON].<br /> <br /> <br /> Post-storage quality of Clemenules Clementine and W. Murcott mandarins (waxed and fungicide-treated) was best when these fruits were stored in air at 5 ºC and 90-95% relative humidity for up to 8 weeks [CA].<br /> <br /> <br /> Respiration rates of Autumn Olive (Elaeagnus umbellata), a small berry high in lycopene and total phenolics, were measured to determine the best holding temperature prior to processing and were found to be in the low to moderate range (5-8 mg/kg/h at 2 °C and 39-50 mg/kg/h at 25 °C) [USDA-OK].<br /> <br /> <br /> Objective 2:<br /> <br /> <br /> Use of MAP bags to enclose pallets of stored Bartlett pears maintained green color in storage, resulted in higher fruit firmness, reduced decay incidence, and reduced senescent scald and internal browning in the longer storage periods. Further studies are required to optimize the benefits of using MAP pallet shrouds [CA]. <br /> <br /> <br /> Various silicone-based surfactants or defoamers were tested on California Bing sweet cherries as disinfestation agents. None of the treatments adversely affected fruit quality, and the defoamer 360 EFG was most effective with respect to mite removal and mortality [CA].<br /> <br /> <br /> Radio frequency (RF) heating was tested as an alternative quarantine treatment for control of Mexican fruit fly larvae in Fuyu persimmon and Vernon white sapote fruit. Adverse effects of RF heating to 48 °C (internally) for several minutes were minimal. Internal browning after 2 months at 0 °C was no different in RF-heated and control persimmons. RF heating accelerated ripening of white sapote fruit, but did not reduce levels of sugars or ascorbic and citric acids. Preliminary tests were also conducted to determine the feasibility of using RF heating for quarantine treatment of stone fruit to control codling moth larvae [CA]. <br /> <br /> <br /> Work continued to develop and evaluate promising ethyl formate-based treatments to control arthropod pests on California table grapes. Inclusion of 45% CO2 in the VaporMate" formulation registered for insect control in Australia did not reduce the efficacy of ethyl formate against grape mealybug eggs or Pacific spider mites [CA].<br /> <br /> <br /> Atmosphere, temperature and maturity relationships with internal browning disorders of McIntosh and Empire apples are being investigated. No clear patterns have emerged except for higher susceptibility to injury in later harvested fruit [NY-I].<br /> <br /> <br /> Compared with dark-grown cultures, blue light suppressed mycelial growth and sporulation in the postharvest apple pathogen Penicillium expansum, and reduced production of the toxin patulin by 20-fold. In contrast, red light stimulated patulin production by 40-fold. Patulin does not contribute to the progression of apple spoilage, but it does pose a human health risk, particularly in juice products [NY-I].<br /> <br /> <br /> Gluconobacter asaii (a plant pathogen antagonist from apple fruit) and a bacteriophage cocktail were tested as biocontrol agents against Listeria monocytogenes on fresh-cut honeydew melon. G. asaii alone reduced L. monocytogenes populations by 3-4 log units and phage alone by 1 log unit over 7 days at 10 °C. The two agents were most effective when combined, reducing L. monocytogenes populations by 1 log at day 2 and by nearly 6 log units at day 7 [USDA-MD].<br /> <br /> <br /> A manually operated high-pressure hot-water washing system was tested on Anjou pears. The high-pressure wash was effective in removing surface pests and limiting postharvest decay with minimal external or internal damage when the water was <30 °C, a wetting agent and a defoamer were included, and rotating soft brushes were used [OR-HR].<br /> <br /> <br /> Thermofogging of Anjou pears with the scald inhibitor ethoxyquin plus the fungicide pyrimethanil was tested as a means to control scald and storage rot with lower levels of chemical residues. The treatment was slightly less effective in controlling scald than a drench with 1000-1500 ppm ethoxyquin. There was no negative interaction with the fungicide, and phytotoxicity was significantly reduced [OR-HR].<br /> <br /> <br /> Pyrimethanil plus calcium chloride applied 2 weeks prior to harvest to McIntosh and Empire apples in Ontario and to Gala and Jonagold apples in British Columbia significantly reduced postharvest decay by Penicillium expansum (blue mold) and Botrytis cinerea (gray mold). However, decay control in McIntosh and Empire diminished after 8 to 12 weeks in 0 or 1 °C storage [ON, BC].<br /> <br /> <br /> In a 2-year study, postharvest treatment of McIntosh and Empire apples with the biocontrol agent Pseudomonas syringae in combination with DPA gave effective control of blue mold and gray mold for up to 168 days in CA cold storage [ON].<br /> <br /> <br /> CIPRA, a computer program to predict the risk of susceptibility of apples to storage disorders, was evaluated for the 4th year in Ontario. Low-temperature disorders develop in storage following cool and wet conditions during the months of July and August. CIPRA involves a risk model developed on the basis of weather data obtained during those months. CIPRA accurately predicted that due to the warm, dry season in 2005, apples were essentially risk free [ON].<br /> <br /> <br /> Spraying Golden Delicious and Gala apples with a 1% emulsion of soybean oil 3 or 21 days prior to harvest reduced weight loss during up to 180 days of air or CA storage at 0.5 °C. In Golden Delicious fruit, weight loss was correlated with development of cuticular cracks, the occurrence and severity of which were reduced by preharvest soybean oil treatment. Late-season application of soybean oil on Golden Delicious and Fuji apples was not phytotoxic, did not alter fruit finish, and had beneficial effects postharvest, including reduced weight loss, increased aroma volatile production, better retention of flavor impact alcohols during prolonged CA storage, and improved flavor regeneration capacity after storage [WA].<br /> <br /> <br /> Objective 3:<br /> <br /> <br /> 1-MCP sorption by non-target materials in storage rooms was evaluated. Items containing cellulose, e.g. wooden crates and cardboard boxes, absorbed significant quantities of 1-MCP, especially when damp. This might compromise the efficacy of 1-MCP treatment of fruits [MI].<br /> <br /> <br /> The capacity of fruit tissues to absorb 1-MCP was measured. All fruits (including apple, melon, lime, tangerine, mango, and plantain) absorbed 1-MCP, but the rate of sorption differed markedly. Sorption rate was associated with insoluble dry matter content [MI].<br /> <br /> <br /> The best 1-MCP treatment for extending yellow-life of bananas at ripeness stages 3.0 to 3.5 was exposure to 50 ppb for 20 h at 14 ºC. [CA].<br /> <br /> <br /> Fruit of different tomato cultivars from several commercial growers responded similarly to 1-MCP treatment during postharvest ripening at 22 °C. Thus, cultivar and growing conditions may not affect the efficacy of 1-MCP. Tomatoes treated with <300 ppb 1-MCP exhibited normal color changes, while those treated with >600 ppb exhibited abnormal blotchy ripening and were unmarketable. 1-MCP treatment often caused an unexpected increase in the rates of ethylene and CO2 production. Ripening tomatoes treated at a maturity between breaker and turning did not respond well to 1-MCP [ON].<br /> <br /> <br /> 1-MCP treatment (1 ppm 24 h at 0 °C) reduced production of CO2, ethylene, and aroma volatiles in Shiro yellow plums from the first but not from the second harvest. No effects were noted on ripening and quality parameters of Redhaven peaches. 1-MCP-treated plums and Fantasia nectarines were firmer than those not treated and this effect was more pronounced in fruit from the second harvest held for 2 weeks at 0 °C. 1-MCP-treated plums retained green color longer and turned yellow more slowly than control fruit. In contrast with 2004, there were no effects of 1-MCP treatment of nectarines on respiration, production of ethylene and aroma volatiles, soluble solids concentration, and color [ON].<br /> <br /> <br /> 1-MCP (300 ppb) significantly delayed or prevented post-storage CO2, ethylene, and aroma volatile production in Bartlett pears, whereas ReTain reduced aroma volatiles only. Both treatments slowed the rates of softening and color change from green to yellow. After 4.5 months in air at 0 °C, most of the untreated pears had severe senescent scald and/or storage rot, whereas pears treated with 1-MCP were still of acceptable quality. Effects of 1-MCP on Bosc pears were similar to those on Bartlett but not as long lasting. Preconditioning at 10 °C for 5 or 10 days was of no benefit to post-storage quality of either Bartlett or Bosc pears [ON].<br /> <br /> <br /> Effects of 1-MCP treatment (0.8-1.0 ppm, 24 h) on quality of Empire and Delicious apples in commercial controlled atmosphere (CA) or air storage were assessed. Internal ethylene concentration and post-storage softening were decreased by 1-MCP treatment. 1-MCP treated apples stored in air, but not those stored in CA, had higher soluble solids concentration. 1-MCP decreased the incidence of core browning in air- and CA-stored Empire fruit, but increased the incidence in CA-stored Delicious. There was no effect of 1-MCP on the incidence of internal browning and storage rots, which developed in both cultivars [ON].<br /> <br /> <br /> For McIntosh, Empire, and Delicious apples at harvest and after 3 and 6 months of cold storage, production rates of CO2, ethylene and volatiles, as well as increases of internal ethylene and decreases in firmness were inhibited or delayed by a sprayable 1-MCP treatment (250 ppm) applied in the orchard 1 week prior to harvest. These effects were comparable to those of postharvest 1-MCP treatment (1 ppm). McIntosh treated with sprayable 1-MCP exhibited 100% incidence of skin damage at harvest, which intensified during storage as flesh tissue under the lesion became sunken. Fruit treated with adjuvant only or postharvest 1-MCP had no skin damage. Damage was halo-like, centered around lenticels, and most severe near the calyx. No skin damage was observed in Empire or Delicious at harvest; a few lesions developed during storage in Empire [ON].<br /> <br /> <br /> Impact of 1-MCP on synthesis and retention of flavonoids during storage and ripening of Delicious apples was investigated. Anthocyanins, flavonols, flavan-3-ols and chlorogenic acid in peel tissue from fruit of 3 harvest maturities were quantified after a 120-day storage and 1-week shelf-life period. All compounds analyzed increased with advancing harvest date. Anthocyanins generally declined after storage, while chlorogenic acid levels increased. 1-MCP treatment resulted in retention of anthocyanins in the latter stages of storage, but did not affect flavonols and flavan-3-ols. Chlorogenic acid biosynthesis was inhibited in less mature 1-MCP-treated fruit during storage and shelf life. 1-MCP may inhibit PAL activity in preclimacteric fruit, but it appears that little postharvest biosynthesis of flavonoids occurs in apples, and 1-MCP treatment may maintain flavonoid levels of Delicious apples when applied at the proper harvest maturity [ON]. <br /> <br /> <br /> Scald control was evaluated in Cortland apples stored in 1% O2 for 2 months and in 2.5% O2 thereafter, alone and in combination with 1-MCP treatment. Air-stored control fruit had a scald incidence of 76% after 4 months and 100% after 7 months. Low O2 plus 1-MCP completely prevented scald after 4 months and reduced scald incidence to 11% after 7 months. 1-MCP treatment alone was more effective than low O2 CA [ME].<br /> <br /> <br /> Increased risk of external carbon dioxide injury in apples treated with 1-MCP can be prevented by diphenylamine (DPA) application. 1-MCP does not increase the period of risk during CA storage, but it does prevent the decrease in susceptibility to injury that occurs if fruit are kept in air before CA storage [NY-I].<br /> <br /> <br /> Increasing apple fruit maturity is generally associated with decreasing effectiveness of 1-MCP, but there is no internal ethylene concentration index available to the industry to determine if fruit should be treated with 1-MCP prior to storage. Fruit were grouped according to IEC values at harvest, treated with 1-MCP, and IECs of these fruit were followed during air storage. The responses varied greatly by apple cultivar [NY-I].<br /> <br /> <br /> 1-MCP is less effective than DPA for scald control in most instances, but this varies by apple cultivar. The key event is recovery of fruit from inhibition of ethylene perception and production [NY-I].<br /> <br /> <br /> Multiple low-dose (50 ppb) 1-MCP treatments combined with preconditioning at 10 °C for 5 days enabled normal ripening of Anjou pears, but scald development was unacceptable after 6 months of RA storage or 8 months of CA storage. Treatment with 25 ppb 1-MCP at harvest plus a subsequent treatment with 1000 ppm ethoxyquin after 1, 7, 30 or 60 days at -1 °C controlled scald without irreversible inhibition of ripening [OR-HR].<br /> <br /> <br /> 1-MCP treatment (1 ppm) did not alter the efficacy of control of decay caused by Penicillium expansum (blue mold) and Botrytis cinerea (gray mold) in Empire and McIntosh apples treated with the fungicides PenBotec, Scholar, or Vangard and stored up to 120 days in air at 0 °C [ON].<br /> <br /> <br /> Objective 4:<br /> <br /> <br /> Organic kiwifruits had higher concentrations of minerals, ascorbic acid, and total phenolic compounds (higher antioxidant activity) than conventional kiwifruits; there were no differences in concentrations of sugars and organic acids [CA].<br /> <br /> <br /> Daily consumption of Bing sweet cherries for several weeks selectively lowered the circulating concentrations of three markers of inflammation in healthy men and women. Such anti-inflammatory effects may be beneficial for the management and prevention of inflammatory diseases [CA].<br /> <br /> <br /> The effects of temperature and relative humidity on storage quality of strawberries, from both physical and nutritional aspects, are being investigated. The results highlight the inherent conflict between postharvest treatments that maintain quality attributes based on appearance and antioxidant components [NY-I].<br /> <br /> <br /> The effects of 1-MCP on antioxidant composition, antioxidative capacity and anti-proliferation activity of apple extracts is under investigation [NY-I].<br /> <br /> <br /> Sweet cherries sprayed with a 2% formulation of hexanal 1 or 2 weeks prior to harvest and then exposed to 1-MCP (1 ppm) prior to storage had phenolics levels 65% higher than those in unsprayed, untreated control fruit after 30 days in air at 5 °C.<br /> <br /> <br /> Muscadine grape varieties were compared for total anthocyanins and phenolics. Fruit source (grower and location) affected total anthocyanins, while total phenolics and ferric-reducing antioxidant potential were similar within a variety, regardless of source. Bronze muscadines had little anthocyanin, whereas bronze and purple grapes were similar in total phenolic content [USDA-OK].<br /> <br /> <br /> European elderberries (Sambucus nigra) have long been used in medicine and their antioxidant properties have been extensively researched, whereas North American elderberry (S. canadensis) has had little attention. Elderberries grown in Missouri and Oregon were evaluated for phenylpropanoids and antioxidant potential. Total phenolics, anthocyanins, and ferric-reducing antioxidant potential (FRAP) were most consistent among sources for Adams 2, Brush Hill 1, and Gordon E selections, while Johns and Netzer were widely variable among sources and even among fruit samples. Generally, total anthocyanin and phenolic contents were similar to those of blackberry and blueberry [USDA-OK].<br /> <br /> <br /> Citrulline, an amino acid used in the nitric oxide system in humans and highly effective in vasodilation, was first found naturally in watermelon. The effects of fruit variety, genotype, ripeness, flesh color, and tissue on citrulline level were determined. Flesh tissue had the highest concentration; genotype, flesh color, and ripeness had little effect on citrulline level [USDA-OK].<br /> <br /> <br /> Watermelon flesh contains arginine, ornithine, and citrulline, amino acids thought to promote cardiovascular health. In plasma from a human clinical trial where subjects ingested 3 or 6 cups of watermelon juice per day for 3 weeks, it was found that arginine levels were slightly elevated, but there was no increase in plasma antioxidant activity [USDA-OK].<br /> <br /> <br /> Fruit from a few genetic lines of the cultivated eggplant species Solanum melongena were found to have high concentrations of compounds in which caffeic and/or dihydrocaffeic acid are amide linked with spermidine, whereas fruit from the wild species S. incanum included the analogous series of spermine conjugates. These hydroxycinnamic acid amides of polyamines are potent antioxidants and are also of pharmacological interest. Some are known to be hypotensive compounds and/or have antimicrobial activity against parasitic protozoans.<br /> <br /> <br /> A prototype firmness tester was developed that was able to detect a bioyield point for apple fruit. Bioyield firmness exhibited a high correlation (r2 = 0.66) with Magness-Taylor probe texture measurements. The bioyield tester imparts a small, superficial bruise that does not degrade apple fruit and will be useful for measuring and monitoring fruit firmness non-destructively during growth, harvest, and postharvest operations [MI].<br /> <br /> <br /> Objective 5:<br /> <br /> <br /> 1-MCP enhanced decay susceptibility of pear fruit wound-inoculated with Botrytis cinerea at harvest but had no effect on fruit inoculated after cold storage. Decay resistance in newly harvested pear fruit appears to involve the ethylene wound response pathway. No correlation between fruit softening and susceptibility to B. cinerea was observed. However, polygalacturonase deficient Bcpg1 mutants of B. cinerea are less virulent than the wild type strain, indicating that pectin catabolism plays a role in susceptibility of pears to decay by B. cinerea [OR-C].<br /> <br /> <br /> Suppression of PGIP expression in tomato fruit leads to enhanced susceptibility to decay by B. cinerea. The identification of a second PGIP-encoding sequence in tomato suggests that a PGIP gene family may include members that have different expression patterns in response to developmental and environmental cues [CA]. <br /> <br /> <br /> Resistance to B. cinerea decay was compared in ethylene-deficient transgenic (constitutive ACS over-expression) and wild type Greensleeves apple fruit. Transgenic fruit with very low ethylene levels were more susceptible to decay than untransformed apples [OR-C, CA].<br /> <br /> <br /> Work was begun to identify ethylene response factor (ERF) genes specifically induced during interactions of pome fruits with B. cinerea. RNA from control fruit or apples treated with ethylene or inoculated with B. cinerea was used with degenerate primers to amplify the DNA-binding domains of apple ERF mRNAs. Putative ERF genes representing three subfamilies were then cloned [OR-C].<br /> <br /> <br /> Studies of ripening-related cell wall metabolism in small berry fruits have identified similar patterns of wall disassembly in boysenberries and raspberries and a distinctly different pattern for blueberries [CA].<br /> <br /> <br /> Accumulation of mRNAs encoding cell-wall modifying enzymes in Macoun and Honeycrisp apple fruit during 4 months of 0 °C storage were measured using real-time PCR. Expansin3 (EXP3) transcript increased substantially in Macoun fruit but was not detected in Honeycrisp fruit at harvest or after storage, suggesting that crispness of the latter cultivar may be related to a lack of expansin in mature fruit [MN]. <br /> <br /> <br /> A microarray for gene expression analysis of ripening apple was constructed with approximately 200 known and 10,000 unknown gene products. Expression analysis revealed approximately 700 gene products to be of interest and these were sequenced. One gene putatively codes for an aminotransferase, which in yeasts is required for production of branched-chain esters. A second gene putatively encodes a decarboxylase that could serve to degrade products of the transaminase reaction [MI].<br /> <br /> <br /> Studies of transgenic lines of rin tomatoes have shown surprising interactions of PG and Expansin during ripening-related cell wall metabolism and demonstrated that the combined action of these two wall-modifying proteins can cause substantial fruit softening [CA].<br /> <br /> <br /> Tomato plants were transformed with RNAi constructs of two phospholipase D genes, LePLDa2 and LePLDa3, driven by the CaMV 35S promoter. Vegetative growth, flowering, and fruit set of most of the transgenic lines were normal, whereas several T0 LePLDa2 RNAi transformants exhibited a reduced rate of fruit ripening on the plant. These lines will be propagated and their fruit will be tested for LePLDa2 and LePLDa3 expression, PLDa enzyme activity, and postharvest rates of ripening and senescence [USDA-MD].<br /> <br /> <br /> A second full-length phospholipase Da cDNA, CmPLDa2, was cloned from Honey Brew hydbrid honeydew melon. The nucleotide and encoded amino acid sequences of CmPLDa2 are, respectively, 75% and 78% identical to those of previously cloned CmPLDa1. Work is in progress to compare the relative expression of CmPLDa1 and CmPLDa2 in mesocarp tissues during development, ripening, and senescence of honeydew melons [USDA-MD].<br /> <br /> <br /> Effects of 1-MCP on ethylene and polyamine metabolism and associated gene expression during ripening of tomato fruit were investigated. Polyamines do not appear to be directly associated with the delay in tomato fruit ripening induced by 1-MCP but may prolong the fully ripe stage before the fruit senesce [NY-I].<br /> <br /> <br /> Fruit of the tomato cultivar Delayed Fruit Deterioration (DFD) exhibit minimal softening but undergo otherwise normal ripening, unlike all other known non-softening tomato mutants. Cell wall degradation, reduced cell adhesion, and expression of genes associated with cell wall metabolism were the same in DFD as in normal fruit. However, ripening DFD fruit showed minimal water loss and elevated cellular turgor. Biochemical and biomechanical analyses identified unusual features of DFD cuticles, suggesting that changes in cuticle composition and architecture are an integral and regulated part of the ripening program [NY-I].<br /> <br /> <br /> The relationship between gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) synthesis and postharvest stresses [controlled atmosphere (CA) and chilling temperatures] was studied. An increase in GABA concentration during CA storage of Empire apples was dependent on CO2 concentrations, enhanced by 1-MCP, and inhibited by DPA. GABA was detected in Northeast strawberries only when fruit were placed in elevated CO2 storage conditions. Tomato fruit of L. pennellii introgression lines stored at 3 °C for 3 weeks had elevated GABA levels and the increase in GABA was greater in fruits from lines most susceptible to chilling injury [NY-I].<br /> <br /> <br /> Transcript levels of key flavonoid biosynthetic (PAL and CHS) and ethylene perception (ERS1) genes in fruit peel tissue were determined during postharvest storage of control and 1-MCP-treated (1 ppm, 24 h) red and green Anjou pears. ERS1 expression was fairly constant during cold storage (0-1°C) and subsequent shelf life (10 days, 21 °C); 1-MCP treatment reduced ERS1 transcript substantially. PAL expression increased to high levels during shelf life of control fruit, but was strongly suppressed in 1-MCP-treated fruit. CHS mRNA was abundant at harvest and after removal from cold storage, but declined rapidly to undetectable levels during shelf life. 1-MCP treatment accelerated this post-storage decline in CHS transcript. The increase in PAL and decrease of CHS expression after removal from storage could divert carbon from flavonoid compounds into simple phenols [ON].<br /> <br /> <br /> Effects of temperature, hypoxia, and 1-MCP treatment on ethylene production and scald development in Granny Smith apples were determined. An O2 concentration below 6-8% delayed onset of the ethylene climacteric, with associated suppression of ACS1 but not ACO1. Apples ripened faster at 10 °C, yet the climacteric rise in ethylene occurred 15 days earlier in fruit held at 1 °C. 1-MCP (1 ppm) plus 1.5% O2 CA suppressed ACS1 and ERS1 expression, inhibited ethylene production, and extended storage life of apples held at 6.5 °C or 10 °C. 1-MCP and/or 1.25 % O2 CA suppressed onset of the ethylene climacteric and prevented scald for 9 months, however, transfer of these fruit to air at 18 °C promoted ethylene production. In Granny Smith and Red Delicious apples, alpha-farnesene synthesis was critically dependent on ethylene production [MD].<br /> <br /> <br /> Two 2.0-kb genomic DNA fragments representing two distinct promoters of the alpha-farnesene synthase gene AFS1 were cloned from Law Rome apple. Putative ethylene and low temperature response elements found in these promoters may be responsible for the ethylene-dependent up-regulation of AFS1 expression during the first few weeks of cold storage, which results in accumulation of a-farnesene in peel tissue of the stored fruit [USDA-MD].<br /> <br /> <br /> An apple glutathione peroxidase cDNA (MdGPX) was cloned using RNA from peel tissue of Law Rome apples. MdGPX was expressed at moderately high levels in peel tissue of Law Rome apples throughout 6 months of 0.5 °C storage in air. Expression increased with storage duration and was reduced in fruit treated with 1 ppm 1-MCP prior to storage. GPX can catalyze the reduction of alkyl hydroperoxides to the corresponding alcohols; thus, MdGPX activity may result in accumulation of conjugated trienol oxidation products of alpha-farnesene in apple skin during cold storage [USDA-MD]. <br /> <br /> <br /> In Granny Smith apples treated prestorage with diphenylamine (DPA) or DPA plus 1-MCP to control superficial scald, DPA derivatives resulting from C-nitration, C-hydroxylation, O-methylation, and N-nitrosation accumulated during storage. Poststorage ripening, 1-MCP treatment, and CA storage had varied effects on DPA derivative contents, which suggested that reactive oxygen and nitrogen species such as *OH, *NO, and *NO2, or enzyme-catalyzed reactions, may be present or occur during certain ripening and senescence-related processes. However, correlations between superficial scald incidence and contents of specific DPA derivatives were not observed [WA, USDA-WA].<br /> <br /> <br /> A simple field test to determine optimal apple fruit harvest maturity was assessed. The test is based on the observation that a small wound on the surface of a preclimacteric apple fruit stimulates development of a red halo, which subsequently disappears with the advent of climacteric ripening or will not develop at all if a fruit is producing system-2 ethylene [WA].<br /> <br /> <br />

Publications

Impact Statements

1. The blocker of ethylene action 1-MCP is now widely used to maintain quality of apples during and after storage. Vital information is being provided to the fresh fruit industry about the potential use of this compound to retard postharvest ripening and senescence in an array of other fruits. In addition to establishing the benefits of 1-MCP treatment, possible detriments such as loss of aroma, increased incidence of storage disorders and rots, and irreversible inhibition of ripening are being identified, and solutions are being sought.
2. Molecular genetic approaches are being used to elucidate the biochemical and physiological processes involved in postharvest deterioration of fruit quality, and susceptibility to decay by postharvest pathogens such as Penicillium expansum and Botrytis cineria. This knowledge will enable development of superior genetic lines with extended shelf life and flavor-life, and enhanced disease resistance allowing reduced use of fungicides.
3. The recently introduced Honeycrisp apple is highly favored by consumers and commands a premium price, but the fruit are quite prone to a number of storage disorders including soft scald, soggy breakdown, and bitter pit. Multi-state research on the control of these storage disorders via manipulation of pre- and post-harvest factors has resulted in reduced losses and improved industry confidence in this popular new cultivar.
4. The storage disorder superficial scald is one of the costliest problems faced by the pome fruit industry, and current control measures result in unwanted chemical residues on the fruit. Elucidation of the genetic and biochemical factors contributing to resistance or susceptibility to scald in apple and pear fruits will lead to improvement of sustainable control measures and development of new scald-resistant cultivars.
5. New, simple methods are being developed to quickly and accurately determine apple fruit maturity in the orchard, thereby ensuring that fruit are harvested at the optimal time for retention of quality during long-term CA or air storage.
6. Infestation of fruits with arthropod pests is one of the primary factors limiting shipment to foreign markets, and alternatives are being sought for environmentally unsound disinfestation practices such as treatments with ethyl bromide and sulfur dioxide. New spray washing equipment and procedures are being developed to effectively remove pests from the fruit surface, and new quarantine methods are being devised such as rapid radio frequency heating or treatment with ethyl formate.
7. There is accumulating evidence that regular consumption of fresh fruits has long-range human health benefits such as prevention of cardiovascular disease and certain types of cancer. These beneficial effects are derived from an array of natural compounds that have potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, or antiproliferative activity. Information on the occurrence and levels of a number of these compounds in tissues of various fruits, as well as the influence of genotype and postharvest practices, is being published with the aim of promoting greater consumption of fresh fruits and fruit products.

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Report Information

Participants

Whitaker, Bruce (bruce.whitaker@ars.usda.gov) - USDA-ARS Beltsville, MD;
Perkins-Veazie, Penelope (pperkins-usda@lane-ag.org) - USDA-ARS Lane, OK;
Mitcham, Beth (ejmitcham@ucdavis.edu) - Univ. of California, Davis, CA;
Mattheis, Jim (mattheis@tfrl.ars.usda.gov) - USDA-ARS, Wenatchee, WA;
Rudell, Dave (rudell@tfrl.ars.usda.gov) - USDA-ARS, Wenatchee, WA;
Kupferman, Gene (kupfer@wsu.edu) - Washington State Univ., Wenatchee, WA;
Tong, Cindy (c-tong@umn.edu) - Univ. of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN;
Blankenship, Sylvia (sylvia_blankenship@ncsu.edu) - North Carolina State Univ., Raleigh, NC;
DeEll, Jennifer (jennifer.deell@omafra.gov.on.ca) - OMAFRA, Simcoe, ON;
Murr, Dennis (dmurr@uoguelph.ca) - Univ. of Guelph, Guelph, ON;
Prange, Bob (pranger@agr.gc.ca) - Agri-Food Canada, Kentville, NS;
Walsh, Chris (cswalsh@umd.edu) - Univ. of Maryland, College Park, MD;
Stotz, Henrik (stotzhe@hort.oregonstate.edu) - Oregon State Univ., Corvallis, OR;
Beaudry, Randy (beaudry@msu.edu) - Michigan State Univ., E. Lansing, MI;
Labavitch, John (jmlabavitch@ucdavis.edu) - Univ. of California, Davis, CA;
Moran, Renae (rmoran@umext.maine.edu) - Univ. of Maine, Monmouth, ME;
Aldwincle, Herb (hsa1@cornell.edu) - Cornell Univ., Geneva, NY;
Watkins, Chris (cbw3@cornell.edu) - Cornell Univ., Ithaca, NY;
Kahlke, Craig (cjk37@cornell.edu) Cornell Univ. Cooperative Extension, Lockport, NY;
Hillman, Brad (Hillman@aesop.rutgers.edu) - [NERA Adv.] Rutgers Univ., New Brunswick, NJ;
Akagi, Aya - Oregon State Univ., Corvallis, OR;
Sugimoto, Nobuko (sugimot3@msu.edu) - Michigan State Univ., E. Lansing, MI;
MacLean, Dan (ddmaclean@ucdavis.edu) - Univ. of California, Davis, CA

Brief Summary of Minutes

Detailed minutes of the meeting are attached.

Accomplishments

Objective 1<br /> <br /> <br /> Prestorage delays in cooling were evaluated for efficacy and consistency in preventing soft scald in Honeycrisp apples. Fruit harvested in late September were stored at 1 °C immediately or after 1 to 5 days at 15-18 °C. Occurrence of disorders was assessed after several months in storage; soft scald and soggy breakdown were not always distinguishable. Five-day delayed cooling prevented soft scald in two of the four years in which it was severe. Soft scald incidence was low in one year. An increase in bitter pit with delayed cooling occurred in only one year [ME]. <br /> <br /> <br /> Crop load had a dramatic effect on postharvest quality of Honeycrisp apples. As crop load was reduced, fruit increased in size, were redder in color, and had greater firmness and soluble solids content [NS]. <br /> <br /> <br /> Skin punctures were a major source of storage decay in Honeycrisp apples and dipping the fruit also contributed. Recommendations to industry are to clip the peduncle when harvesting and keep the fruit dry between harvest and storage [NS]. <br /> <br /> <br /> CA storage of Honeycrisp apples grown in Nova Scotia does not promote storage disorders and retains harvest-like quality. Using HarvestWatch chlorophyll fluorescence monitoring, the fruit can be stored at 0.5 to 0.8 kPa O2 with 1 kPa CO2 [NS].<br /> <br /> <br /> Holding Honeycrisp apples at least 7 days at 20 °C (delayed cooling) prior to storage controlled soft scald, but soggy breakdown was still noted in fruit from some orchards in some years. Non-destructive methods such as magnetic resonance imaging are being sought to detect fruit susceptible to internal breakdown and eliminate them from the packing line [NS].<br /> <br /> <br /> Ambrosia apples transported from British Columbia to Ontario maintained excellent quality during 3 months of CA storage (1.2% O2 + 1.5% CO2 at 0.5 or 3 °C), with <1 ppm internal ethylene concentration (IEC), 17.5 lb firmness, little greasiness, and very few storage disorders. However, stem punctures and bruising could be of concern. Fruit treated with 1-MCP retained up to 4 lbs more firmness than control fruit. After 6 months in CA storage, Ambrosia apples held at 0.5 °C had greater firmness (16.9 vs. 16.6 lb) and lower SSC (16.2 vs. 16.7%) and malic acid (0.2 vs. 0.3%) compared with those stored at 3 °C. There was no effect of storage temperature on IEC and greasiness after 6 months of CA storage. Ambrosia apples stored in CA for 6 months had excellent quality with very few storage disorders and little decay [ON].<br /> <br /> <br /> Early harvest, no cooling delay, 1-MCP treatment, and CA storage (CA1: 2.5% O2 + 2.5% CO2 or CA2: 1.5% O2 + 1.2% CO2) at 0.5 °C for 3 months all improved firmness and acidity retention, and reduced IEC and greasiness, in Ontario-grown Ambrosia apples. More storage disorders and rots were noted in Ontario Ambrosia than in fruit from B.C. There was higher incidence of flesh browning (up to 58%) and soft scald (4.9%) in apples from the earlier harvest, with no cooling delay, no 1-MCP, and air storage at 0.5 °C. Storage rots were also greater in apples held at 0.5 °C rather than 3 °C (20.9% vs 8.6%), with some rot likely the result of secondary infection of scalded tissue. These results suggest that Ambrosia apples are chilling sensitive [ON].<br /> <br /> <br /> Ambrosia apples stored for 6 months had higher incidences of greasiness, flesh browning, core browning, CO2 injury, soft scald, lenticel damage, and rots than those stored for 3 months. Early harvest, no cooling delay, 1 MCP treatment, and storage at 0.5 °C all improved fruit firmness after 6 months of CA1 storage. There was higher incidence of flesh browning in apples from the earlier harvest, with no cooling delay, no 1-MCP, and stored in CA at 0.5 °C. Incidence of soft scald was highest in fruit from the second harvest, with no cooling delay and stored in CA at 3 °C. Storage rots were also greater in apples from the second harvest [ON].<br /> <br /> <br /> Browning potential was evaluated for fresh-cut slices of several new apple varieties including Ambrosia, Aurora Golden Gala, Galarina, Gold Rush, Honeycrisp, Eden, and Quebec selection 'yellow.' Fruit were grown in Ontario, British Columbia, and Quebec. The two selections from Quebec (Eden and yellow) showed the least browning, with ratings of slight to none. There was no consistent influence of growing region on the degree of browning, and Ambrosia slices responded similarly to post-cutting treatments regardless of where the fruit were grown. [ON].<br /> <br /> <br /> Apple fruit from 184 lines of the Core Collection maintained at the USDA Apple Germplasm Repository in Geneva, NY were assessed for patterns in volatile ester formation. Cluster analysis indicated that some precursors for ester biosynthesis are co-regulated while others appear to be independently regulated [MI].<br /> <br /> <br /> Objective 2<br /> <br /> <br /> Pre-storage treatment for 10 days with ultra-low oxygen (ca. 0.3-0.7%) at 20 °C in either a flow-through or closed system controlled superficial scald and bitter pit in Granny Smith apples subsequently stored up to 8 months in air at 0 °C. By comparison, 1-MCP treatment prevented scald but gave only a small reduction in the incidence of bitter pit [CA].<br /> <br /> <br /> Low-O2 storage is a reliable alternative to chemical drench treatments for control of superficial scald. However, to avoid injury and disorders induced by CA storage, the lowest acceptable O2 concentration must be established. This threshold O2 level can be determined with chlorophyll fluorescence using HarvestWatch sensor technology. Recently this technology was shown to effectively control scald and maintain fruit quality in organic Delicious and Cortland apples. Its commercial adoption continues, with over 800 sensors now in use worldwide, but primarily in apple storages in Europe [NS].<br /> <br /> <br /> Effects of fruit maturity, storage duration, 1-MCP treatment, iron or calcium salts, and peel tissue mineral content on lenticel breakdown (LB) in Gala apples were evaluated. More mature fruit had a higher risk of LB, whereas time in storage, pre-storage treatment with 1-MCP, contact with iron or calcium ions, and peel mineral content did not affect the incidence of LB. A system using dye infusion did not predict the risk of LB, whereas a system using soap/detergent gave a good correlation with packing line prediction of LB [WA].<br /> <br /> <br /> A model for prediction of scald susceptibility in Anjou pears placed in long-term cold storage was developed using accumulated cool growing temperatures in eight orchards. When tested the model did not adequately predict the risk of scald development [WA]. <br /> <br /> <br /> Timing and concentration of bin drenching of Anjou pears with Ethoxyquin at harvest were varied to establish a protocol that will prevent scald development in long-term cold storage without chemical burn. When unrinsed fruit were stored long term, chemical burn from Ethoxyquin was excessive at levels that controlled scald [WA].<br /> <br /> <br /> The application of Ethoxyquin using thermofogging was tested at one concentration in a storage room containing fruit from four orchards to find if this technique would provide effective scald control without chemical burn. Chemical burn was limited to fruit on the top layer in the top bins, but scald was not completely controlled [WA].<br /> <br /> <br /> Responses of Bartlett and Anjou pears to storage at less than 1 kPa O2 varied between lots and with storage duration. Incidence of core browning, senescent scald, and internal breakdown were reduced by storage at 0.5 kPa O2. Anjou fruit stored at 0.4 kPa O2 did not develop scald, and degreened and softened more slowly than fruit stored at 1.5 kPa O2, but two lots developed peel speckling. Increasing O2 to 1.5 kPa during storage did not consistently prevent development of speckling [USDA-WA].<br /> <br /> <br /> Ethyl formate fumigation was shown to have good potential for use as a quarantine treatment for bean thrips in navel oranges. When fully developed, this treatment will assure continued access to the Australian market for California citrus [CA].<br /> <br /> <br /> Muscodor albus, a fungus produced by AgraQuest, Inc. (Davis, CA), is very effective at controlling postharvest fungal and bacterial organisms, including E. coli and Listeria, by producing a cocktail of volatile compounds. The fungus is very active and effective at 20 °C in both air and CA storage, but does not thrive below 5 °C, and thus efficacy as a biocontrol agent declines and varies with the pathogen. The reduced activity at low temperatures is probably not insurmountable, but the distributor is not presently seeking regulatory approval for postharvest applications [NS].<br /> <br /> <br /> A selective agar medium, DG-18-P, was used to assess densities of Penicillium expansum in orchard soils and on apple fruit at harvest. Soil samples from major apple production regions in New York State were assayed. Results of this research and prior work indicate that contaminated harvest bins, and not freshly harvested fruit or soil on bin runners, are the principal source of P. expansum inoculum [NY-G].<br /> <br /> <br /> Evaluations of preharvest fungicide sprays for control of postharvest decay were conducted for a second year. Captan was most effective for reduction of viable P. expansum spores on the fruit surface at harvest, but the other fungicides tested (thiophanate-methyl, pyraclostrobin plus boscalid, and pyrimethanil) gave better suppression of decay when fruit were wound inoculated with spores at harvest. An unexpected result from one trial in a commercial orchard was that a preharvest spray with captan plus thiophanate-methyl reduced CO2 injury in Empire apples held in long-term CA storage [NY-G].<br /> <br /> <br /> Objective 3<br /> <br /> <br /> Effects of storage temperature, 1-MCP treatment, and low oxygen CA on the rate of ripening in Granny Smith apples were investigated. Surprisingly, in air control fruit onset of the ethylene climacteric occurred after 1 week at 1 °C and after 6 weeks at 18 °C. However, ethylene eventually rose to 3-fold higher levels at 18 °C vs. 1 °C. 1-MCP treatment inhibited ethylene production completely for 34 weeks at 1 °C, whereas at 18 °C ethylene began to rise after 14 weeks. Low O2 CA combined with 1-MCP treatment delayed the onset of ethylene production at 18 °C until 22 weeks. Storage at higher temperature accelerated chlorophyll loss. Ethylene evolution was temporally associated with expression of the ethylene receptor gene MdERS1 at both 18 °C and 1 °C [MD].<br /> <br /> <br /> 1-MCP treatment and short-term low oxygen storage were evaluated for control of superficial scald in Cortland apples. Fruit were untreated or treated with 1-MCP and stored in air or 0.8% O2 CA for varying durations, followed by an increase in O2 to 2.5-2.8% after 2 to 4 weeks. 1-MCP or low O2 CA alone reduced scald after five months of storage, but combination of the two was more effective. An initial two weeks in 0.8% O2 was as effective as 3 or 4 weeks [ME].<br /> <br /> <br /> 1-MCP treated Empire apples were more susceptible to external CO2 injury than untreated fruit when stored in 2.5 and 5%, but not 1%, CO2 (in 2% O2 CA). 1-MCP did not increase the period of highest susceptibility to injury during CA storage, the greatest sensitivity to injury being 0-3 weeks after harvest. However, when kept in air for up to 14 days before exposure to 5% CO2, sensitivity to injury decreased in untreated but not in 1-MCP-treated fruit. DPA treatment, even at low concentration, prevented CO2 injury. DPA treatment could be delayed for 4 days after 1-MCP treatment while fruit were exposed to 5% CO2 in air. In summary, 1-MCP enhances the risk of external CO2 injury, but injury can be prevented by at harvest treatment with DPA. In the absence of DPA treatment, handling procedures such as maintaining low CO2 levels in the storage atmosphere must be used [NY-I].<br /> <br /> <br /> The effects of delayed applications of 1-MCP and DPA on subsequent incidence of superficial scald on apples were compared. Prompt treatment with 1-MCP after harvest was critical for substantial scald control. There also was variation among apple cvs. in the long-term efficacy of 1-MCP for scald control [NY-I].<br /> <br /> <br /> Various storage regimes involving different concentrations of O2 and CO2 and a range of temperatures were evaluated with the goal of minimizing development of flesh browning in apple fruit. Warmer storage temperatures can increase this disorder in fruit that have been treated with 1-MCP. Flesh browning in stored fruit is a problem of critical importance to the New York apple industry and will be a priority for further research in the coming harvest season [NY-I].<br /> <br /> <br /> Protocols aimed at ensuring predictable, adequate ripening of 1-MCP-treated Anjou pear fruit were evaluated. Pears treated with 300 nL/L 1-MCP at harvest were stored in CA with 0.5 kPa CO2 and up to 5 kPa O2. After 6 and 9 months at -1 °C plus 7 days at 20 °C, peel yellowing occurred with increasing O2 concentration but 1-MCP-treated fruit remained greener than controls. Post-storage softening increased with increased O2 concentration after 6 and 9 months. After 6 months, 1-MCP-treated fruit did not soften to 6 lbs or less in 7 days at 20 °C, whereas after 9 months, treated fruit stored at 3 or 5 kPa O2 softened to 3.8 and 3.4 lbs, respectively. In some cases, 1-MCP treatment prevented scald and reduced decay incidence [USDA-WA].<br /> <br /> <br /> Treatment of Bartlett pears with a new sprayable formulation of 1-MCP prior to harvest reduced the rates of respiration, ethylene production, and softening after up to 6 months of air storage at 1 °C. 1-MCP treated fruit took 1 to 3 days longer than the controls to ripen at 20 °C after storage. Best results were obtained with fruit harvested one week after treatment with 56 mg/L of the 1-MCP formulation [CA]. <br /> <br /> <br /> Ethylene production, firmness loss, and color change (green to yellow) were inhibited or delayed in Bartlett pears sprayed preharvest with a new formulation of 1-MCP. These effects were more pronounced in late harvested fruit. Fruit drop was inhibited; only 1-MCP sprayed pears remained on the trees after 2 weeks (consequently these fruit increased in size). Pears from the optimum harvest treated with 1-MCP postharvest were of similar quality to those sprayed with 1-MCP preharvest. 1 MCP-treated (pre or postharvest) pears had much lower incidence and less severe senescent scald, core breakdown, and storage rots than non-treated-fruit. 1-MCP improved the quality of Bartlett pears in all years of study, thus there appears to be great potential for commercial and industry benefits [ON].<br /> <br /> <br /> Impact of ethylene and CO2 on the efficacy of 1-MCP in delaying ripening of Bartlett pears was investigated. Pears were treated with 0 or 300 ppb 1-MCP in the presence of up to 1000 µL/L ethylene or up to 4 kPa CO2. Ethylene at >1 µL/L was sufficient to abolish the effects of 1-MCP, and CO2 levels of 2 or 4 kPa during 1-MCP treatment reduced the efficacy. Thus, low ethylene and moderately high CO2 levels during 1-MCP treatment of fruit at harvest can compromise effectiveness of 1-MCP [USDA-WA].<br /> <br /> <br /> Exposure of partially ripe bananas (stages 2 and 3) to 1-MCP at 100-300 ppb for 6 hours at 14 °C can be a useful supplement to temperature management in extending the yellow-life of bananas [CA].<br /> <br /> <br /> Shiro plums treated with 1-MCP were firmer, retained green color longer and turned yellow-gold more slowly than non-treated fruit. 1-MCP reduced ethylene production during holding at 22 °C, and treated fruit had lower CO2 production. The latter effect was more consistent in fruit from the second harvest. Similar results over three years show that 1-MCP can maintain the quality of Shiro plums for longer storage and marketing periods than are currently possible [ON].<br /> <br /> <br /> 1-MCP-treated Redhaven peaches had slightly higher firmness values and less peel blush than non-treated fruit. There were no clear effects of 1-MCP on respiration, ethylene production, soluble solids concentration, or chilling injury incidence. Results were similar to those from last year, and show that there is little benefit to using 1-MCP on Redhaven peaches [ON].<br /> <br /> <br /> 1-MCP-treated Fantasia nectarines were firmer and produced less CO2 than those not treated. There was no significant effect of 1-MCP on ethylene production, soluble solids, or color. 1-MCP improved firmness retention in Fantasia nectarines each year, but effects on other quality attributes were not consistent, suggesting that factors such as growing conditions or crop load influence the efficacy of 1-MCP [ON].<br /> <br /> <br /> 1-MCP treatment of greenhouse tomatoes on a commercial scale was investigated. Pallets of cherry tomatoes and tomatoes on vine (TOV) packaged in clam shells (12-oz and 2-lb, respectively) were untreated or treated with 1-MCP (500 ppm for 12 h at 53 °F) and evaluated for quality over several weeks. This period included transport from Mexico, subsequent storage (~55 °F), and simulated marketing periods at room temperature. 1-MCP slowed ripening of both cherry tomatoes and TOVs, extending shelf life by several days. In cherry tomatoes, 1-MCP reduced shrivel and weight loss, delayed firmness and acidity loss, and slowed deep red color development. Similarly, in TOV's 1-MCP reduced weight and firmness loss, delayed sugar and acidity loss, slowed deep red color development, and also reduced shrivel and maintained sepal freshness for 3 days at room temperature. 1-MCP had no effect on the incidence of decay [ON].<br /> <br /> <br /> Sorption of 1-MCP by non-target oak bin materials was shown to be significant and efficacy of 1-MCP treatments of apple fruit was reduced when treatment levels were below 600 ppb [MI].<br /> <br /> Absorption of 1-MCP by packaging materials was found to reduce its efficacy in maintaining apple fruit quality during cold storage. Corrugated cardboard reduced the effectiveness of 1-MCP when applied as a gas at sub-saturating levels. This negative effect was most pronounced when the fruit were encased in plastic liners within corrugated boxes [MI].<br /> <br /> <br /> Trials were continued to determine the efficacy of new postharvest fungicides in reducing storage rots. Results were consistent with those from previous trials and documented the effectiveness of both pyrimethanil and fludioxonil [NY-G].<br /> <br /> <br /> Objective 4<br /> <br /> <br /> Optimal harvest maturity and postharvest quality of fruit from eight strains of Gala apple including Brookfield, Buckeye, Crimson, Galaxy, Gale, Pacific, Royal, and Ultra were found to be similar. The patterns of decline in fruit firmness and titratable acidity, and increase in soluble solids content with advancing harvest maturity were closely similar for fruit of all strains [CA].<br /> <br /> <br /> Enzyme activities of polygalacturonase, ²-galactosidase, and arabinofuranosidase were measured in fruit of different apple genotypes at 2 week intervals from harvest to 8 weeks in air storage at 0 ÚC. Analyses of fruit of three genotypes that remain crisp in storage, Honeycrisp, MN1702, and one of their progeny, showed no correlating pattern of enzyme activities. Hence, changes in activity of these cell wall hydrolases alone cannot explain why some apple fruit stay crisp during storage [MN].<br /> <br /> <br /> A test of 26 apple genotypes showed a strong correlation between the Golden Delicious-type expansin allele and fruit softening. Fruit of 19 genotypes softened during storage, and all had the Golden Delicious allele. Fruit of 7 genotypes stayed crisp during storage, and these all had the Granny Smith-type expansin allele. Thus, expansin may have a key role in determining texture of pome fruit [MN].<br /> <br /> <br /> Work required to break cylinders of fruit from various apple genotypes, including Honeycrisp progeny, was measured at harvest and after 4 months of storage in air at 0 ÚC. One of the Honeycrisp progeny studied was MN1914, recently released by the Minnesota Experiment Station. Significant changes in work values during storage are indicative of softening. Test results suggested that maintenance of crispness in stored fruit may be a heritable trait [MN].<br /> <br /> <br /> A prototype firmness tester developed by the USDA agricultural engineering program at Michigan State was evaluated for its ability to discriminate between treatments resulting in differences in apple fruit firmness. The experimental bioyield tester was more sensitive and gave more consistent results than the conventional Magness-Taylor firmness tester [MI].<br /> <br /> <br /> A mathematical model was developed with the intent that it be a user-friendly decision support tool for designing modified atmosphere (MA) packages of fruits and vegetables. Input of data describing respiratory response to temperature and a single assumption regarding the K1/2 yielded a robust model suitable for designing MA packages [MI].<br /> <br /> <br /> Physical qualities, antioxidant contents and activity, and antiproliferation activity were evaluated for Jewel strawberry fruit harvested at the white tip and red ripe maturity stages and stored in 65 or 95% RH at 3 or 10 °C for 12 days. Overall quality and firmness declined more rapidly in red ripe than in white tip stage fruit, and decreased more rapidly at 10 °C than at 3 °C. Anthocyanins increased more rapidly at 10 °C than at 3 °C in white tip fruit. The initial anthocyanin levels in red ripe fruit were about 5-fold greater than those in white tip fruit, but declined during storage. Total flavonoid and phenolic contents, and total antioxidant activity were higher in white tip than in red ripe fruit. Changes in total antioxidant activity were correlated with total flavonoids and phenolics, but not anthocyanins or ascorbic acid. Fruit quality was correlated with firmness and color attributes, total flavonoid and phenolic concentrations, and antioxidant activity. Strawberry extract at 50 mg/mL inhibited HepG2 cell proliferation about 80%. EC50 values were not affected by maturity at harvest or storage temperature [NY-I].<br /> <br /> <br /> In a study with USDA-ARS, Winter Haven, FL, imported mangos from Mexico, Ecuador, Brazil, and Peru were evaluated for their range of vitamin C, beta-carotene, and gallotannin contents. Fruit of the 5 varieties most commonly imported into the U.S. were shipped to Lane, OK and ripened at 20-25 °C prior to sampling. Vitamin C ranged from 20-30 mg/100 g for Hayden, Tommy Atkins, Keitt, and Kent, and was >100 mg/100 g for Ataulfo, a cv. grown only in Mexico. Samples were saponified and carotenoids determined in hexane extracts. Violaxanthin and beta-carotene were the most abundant carotenoids. Beta-carotene was 5 (Tommy), 7 (Haden), 10 (Keitt), 17 (Kent) and 26 (Ataulfo) mg/kg. Differences in phytonutrient content were more pronounced among the five varieties than in any single variety grown in different countries [USDA-OK].<br /> <br /> <br /> Grafting rootstocks of pathogen or cold-resistant cucurbits to watermelon has been done for centuries in Asia, but has only recently been tested in the U.S. In a study with Syngenta, it was found that fruit from grafted plants of 3 rootstocks and 3 watermelon cvs. had 20-50% more lycopene than fruit from control plants. Also, one watermelon variety exhibited a 100% increase in lycopene content when grown in California rather than in Florida [USDA-OK].<br /> <br /> <br /> When included in an experimental diet fed to Zucker Diabetic Fatty rats, watermelon pomace, which contains lycopene, citrulline, and arginine, delayed adverse cardiovascular events. Control animals were fed a normal diet, and three other groups were maintained on diets supplemented with pectin, lycopene, or arginine. The arginine supplement gave results similar to those with pomace. Rats fed pomace or arginine diets had more aortic flexibility, gained less weight, and had lower blood glucose compared with animals on the other three diets [USDA-OK]. <br /> <br /> <br /> Objective 5<br /> <br /> <br /> Consistent with the diverse botanical origins of boysenberry, raspberry and blueberry, fruit softening-related changes in cell wall pectin and cellulose-hemicellulose polysaccharide networks differ among these berries [CA]. <br /> <br /> <br /> The actions of tomato fruit polygalacturonase and expansin contribute to ripening-associated fruit softening and increased fruit susceptibility to pathogens like Botrytis cinerea [CA]. <br /> <br /> A combination of objective color (Hue angle) of the peel and firmness of the pulp can be used to accurately determine physiological development (ripeness) stage of bananas [CA].<br /> <br /> <br /> The plant hormones gibberellin (GA) and abscisic acid (ABA) had opposite effects on tomato fruit susceptibility to blossom end rot. GA treatments started at 2 weeks post-anthesis increased fruit cell membrane permeability and subsequent development of the disorder, whereas ABA decreased membrane permeability and the incidence of blossom end rot. Compared with GA-treated fruit and water controls, ABA-treated fruit and fruit treated with a GA inhibitor (Apogee) had a higher number of functional xylem vessels [CA].<br /> <br /> <br /> Expression of genes involved in flavonoid metabolism, ethylene production, and a-farnesene synthesis was compared in tissue from scalded and non-scalded sides of Anjou pears ripened 1-5 days at 20 °C after long-term air storage at -1 °C. Generally, expression was greater in tissue where scald developed. Polyphenol oxidase (PPO) transcript increased in scalded tissue but disappeared in non-scalded tissue, suggesting a role of PPO in the browning reactions resulting in scald symptoms [CA].<br /> <br /> <br /> A study of the biophysical properties of Honeycrisp apples that may pre-dispose the fruit to soft scald and internal breakdown disorders was initiated. One goal of this work is to develop a non-destructive technique appropriate for industry use to detect fruit susceptibility to these disorders [NS].<br /> <br /> <br /> A slow-drying method used on wine grapes after harvest improves sugar content, red color and flavor. Promising results were obtained using chlorophyll fluorescence changes as a biosensor to monitor water loss in grapes and thus determine when they had lost the desired 20-25% of their initial water content. The physiological basis of the relationship between chlorophyll fluorescence and water loss is being investigated [NS].<br /> <br /> <br /> Full-length cDNAs were cloned for three apple ethylene response factor genes expressed in fruit tissues, MdERF1, MdERF3, and MdERF4. Based on Arabidopsis ERF classification, the apple ERF genes are members of subfamilies 1b, 2a, and 10. MdERF1 is most closely related to AtERF110, followed by ABR1 and AtERF108. Expression of AtERF108 increases more than 30-fold in response to Botrytis cinerea, the highest level of induction among six ERF genes tested from group 10. MdERF3 is closely related to the Arabidopsis gene RAP2.4, which has not yet been functionally analyzed, and MdERF4 is most similar to four RAP2.10 genes of Arabidopsis, none of which has been characterized. Thus, MdERF1 is currently the most promising gene with respect to a role in the response to B. cinerea infection and expression studies are in progress [OR-C]. <br /> <br /> <br /> Postharvest expression of defense-related and ethylene-inducible genes in mature wild type and ACS-suppressed trangenic Greensleeves apple fruit was evaluated by RT-PCR. Climacteric ethylene was produced in wild-type fruit, whereas ACS-suppressed apples produced almost none. ACS transcript increased in concert with ethylene production in controls and was undetected in transgenic apples. In contrast, ACO was constantly expressed in both untransformed and ACS-silenced fruit. Patterns of lipoxygenase (LOX) and polygalacturonase inhibitor protein (PGIP) gene expression were similar in the two apple genotypes, and thus it appears neither gene is controlled by ethylene. Although chitinase is a pathogenesis-related (PR) protein that can be induced by ethylene, chitinase genes were not expressed in ripening apples [OR-C, CA].<br /> <br /> <br /> Gene expression associated with branched-chain volatile ester formation in apple fruit was analyzed. A microarray was constructed with approximately 200 known and 10,000 unknown gene products. Expression analysis revealed close to 700 gene products of potential interest and these were sequenced. A putative alpha-keto decarboxylase may be involved in degradation of the transamination precursor/product of isoleucine to form branched-chain alcohol precursors for ester biosynthesis [MI].<br /> <br /> <br /> Gene sequences from apple were subjected to bioinformatic analysis to identify genes with potential roles in transcriptional regulation, biosynthesis of or response to hormones, aroma production, cell wall metabolism, flowering, and abscission. A microarray representing 2,200 apple genes was designed and is now available through Combimatrix Corp. This experimental system will allow parallel analysis of the activity of thousands of key genes in developmental processes such as apple fruit ripening, senescence, and abscission [MI].<br /> <br /> <br /> Approximately 100 apple lines representing several wild species and many cvs. of Malus domestica were evaluated for timing of fruit drop relative to fruit internal ethylene concentration. Among both M. domestica cvs. and wild species, accessions were noted that failed to abscise fruit at the end of the season. This trait was not clearly associated with lack of ethylene production in the fruit, presence of dysfunctional ACS alleles, or a block in fruit ripening, and therefore it is most likely controlled by an abscission-specific mechanism downstream from ethylene signaling [MI].<br /> <br /> <br /> Quercetin, a flavonoid known to inhibit growth of cultured human tumor cells, is present in apple fruit at variable concentration. Quercetin is also implicated in resistance of apple trees to fire blight. It has been shown that introducing a copy of a petunia chalcone isomerase gene into tomato increased the level of quercetin 60-fold. Using PCR primers designed on the basis of reported MdCHI gene fragments, two 95% identical 800-bp cDNAs encoding chalcone isomerase were cloned from the Golden Delicious and Galaxy apple cvs. Transformation of Galaxy apple with the cultivar-specific MdCHI cDNA driven by a strong constitutive promoter (CaMV35S) is currently in progress [NY-G].<br /> <br /> <br /> Effects of 1-MCP on ethylene and polyamine metabolism and associated gene expression in ripening tomato fruit were investigated. The ethylene and polyamine biosynthetic pathways share S-adenosylmethionine as a common intermediate. 1-MCP delayed ripening for 8 days, similarly delaying ethylene production and expression of ACS and some ethylene receptor genes, but not ACO. Overall, analyses of changes in free and bound polyamines, and expression of genes involved in their metabolism, indicated that polyamines are not directly associated with the delay in tomato fruit ripening after 1-MCP treatment but they may prolong the fully-ripe stage before fruit senesce [NY-I].<br /> <br /> <br /> Metabolic profiling of Granny Smith apples irradiated with UV-white light at harvest for up to 48 h and stored 6 months in air at 0 °C showed that this treatment induced changes in amino acid, organic acid, sugar, and pectin metabolism. Metabolic flux data indicated that key components of fruit quality were affected by the pre-storage irradiation, including ethylene synthesis, acid metabolism, and degradation of the middle lamella. The results suggest an important influence of preharvest light conditions on the post-storage metabolome [USDA-WA].<br /> <br /> <br /> Braeburn apples untreated or treated with 1-MCP and stored at 1 °C in CA (1 kPa O2, 3 kPa CO2) for up to 6 months developed internal browning and cavities, whereas fruit stored in air or treated with diphenylamine (DPA), alone or in combination with 1-MCP, were free of these disorders. CA storage influenced the levels of DPA and DPA derivatives. A possible link between a-farnesene metabolism and disorder development was also indicated [USDA-WA].<br /> <br /> <br /> Certain apple cultivars develop a greasy feel when overripe and 1-MCP treatment can reduce greasiness. In a 3-year study, Royal Gala apples treated with 1-MCP at 1.0 µL/L and stored at -1 °C for up to 6 months were evaluated for internal ethylene concentration, and epicuticular wax morphology and composition. 1-MCP strongly inhibited ethylene production and delayed accumulation of wax constituents thought to be responsible for development of fruit greasiness. There was no clear correlation between wax morphology and the concentration of individual wax components [USDA-WA].<br /> <br /> <br /> Relationships among a-farnesene synthesis and oxidation, ethylene production and perception, antioxidative enzyme activities, and superficial scald development in fruit of three apple cvs. were investigated at the biochemical and gene transcriptional levels. Scald-susceptible Cortland and Law Rome and scald-resistant Idared apples were untreated or treated with 1-MCP and stored in air at 0.5 °C. Separate blushed (red) and unblushed (green) peel tissue samples were taken at harvest and after up to 25 weeks of storage. Overall, the results indicated that a-farnesene synthesis is tightly regulated by ethylene and supported the proposed role of its conjugated trienol oxidation products in scald induction. However, gene transcription alone does not account for the big differences in ethylene and a-farnesene production among cvs. As well, the capacity to detoxify reactive oxygen species and/or alkoxy radicals appears to be greater in blushed than in unblushed peel tissue [NY-I, USDA-MD].<br /> <br /> <br /> Conjugated triene (CT) oxidation products of a-farnesene are thought to induce development of superficial scald in apple and pear fruits. The major CT species in peel tissue of Anjou pears after 12-20 weeks of cold storage were shown to be the same pair of conjugated trienols (CTols) previously identified in hexane extracts of cold-stored Granny Smith apples, 3E and 3Z isomers of 3,7,11-trimethyldodeca-1,3,5,10-tetraen-7-ol. CTols likely arise from their 7-hydroperoxy analogs, which are produced during autoxidation of a-farnesene. The high level of accumulation in skin of scald-prone apple and pear fruits suggests that CTol production could be enzymatic. Two cDNAs encoding a glutathione peroxidase that may catalyze reduction of the 7-hydroperoxides to CTols have been cloned from Law Rome apple and Anjou pear [USDA-MD].<br /> <br /> <br /> HPLC-DAD analysis of hexane extracts of peel tissue from cold-stored fruit of Granny Smith apple and Anjou pear revealed major and minor CT peaks, CT1 and CT2, the latter having a UV max at 281 nm. CT1 included the 3E and 3Z conjugated trienol isomers previously identified as the major in vivo oxidation products of a-farnesene. CT2 eluted just after CT1 and composed about 1012% of the total CTs. GC-MS and LC-MS analyses of CT2 indicated that this fraction includes isomers of 3,7,11-trimethyl-dodeca-2,4,6,10-tetraen-1-al and -1-ol. These CTs may arise as oxidation products of a-farnesene or farnesol. Previous reports showed a strong correlation between A281 nm in hexane extracts of cold-stored fruit and subsequent scald severity. Thus, the oxidation products in CT2 might serve as a catalyst for free radical reactions leading to scald development. [USDA-MD]. <br /> <br /> <br /> During ripening of tomato fruit, a marked increase in the stigmasterol : sitosterol ratio occurs in all four classes of sterol lipids (free, ester, glucoside, acylated glucoside). This increase is ripening-specific as it is minimal during maturation and aging of non-ripening mutant fruit. Unsaturation of the sterol side chain influences ordering of the lipid bilayer, and a high proportion of stigmasterol results in membrane leakiness. The gene encoding sterol 22-desaturase, a cytP450 enzyme that converts sitosterol to stigmasterol, was cloned from Rutgers tomato using primers based on the CYP710A7 cDNA sequence. Analysis of sterol 22-desaturase gene expression in fruit of wild-type and non-ripening mutant Rutgers lines, and RNAi silencing of the sterol 22-desaturase in Rutgers tomato, are in progress [USDA-MD].<br />

Publications

Amissah, J.G.N., Hotchkiss, J.H., and Watkins, C.B. 2006. Diphenylamine and pre-slicing storage effects on the response of apple slices to elevated CO2 atmospheres. Postharvest Biol. Technol. 39:178-184.<br /> <br /> Amodio, M.L., Colelli, G., Hasey, J.K., and Kader, A.A. 2007. A comparative study of composition and Postharvest performance of organically and conventionally grown kiwifruits. J. Sci. Food Agric. 87:1228-1236.<br /> <br /> Beaudry, R.M. 2006. Preface. In: Advances in Postharvest Technology of Horticultural Crops, B. Noureddine, B. and Norio, S., eds., Research Signpost, Kerala, India, 393 pp.<br /> <br /> Beaudry, R.M. 2007. MAP as a Basis for Active Packaging. In: Frontiers of Intelligent and Active Packaging for Fruits and Vegetables, Wilson, C.L., ed., CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL, pp. 31-55.<br /> <br /> Beaudry, R.M., Luckanatinvong, V., and Solomos, T. 2006. Maintaining quality with CA and MAP. Acta Hort. 712:245-252.<br /> <br /> Braun, G., Fuller, K., Prange R., and Bevis, E. 2006. Biological control of Apple Replant Disease. Nova Scotia Fruit Growers 2005 Annual Report 142:28-31.<br /> <br /> Cañoles, M.A., Li, C., Howe, G., and, Beaudry, R.M. 2006. Deficiency of linolenic acid in Lefad7 mutant tomato changes the volatile profile and sensory perception of disrupted leaf and fruit tissue. J. Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci.131:284-289.<br /> <br /> Collins, J.K., Wu, G., Perkins-Veazie, P., Spears, K., Claypool, P.L., Baker, R.A., and Clevidence, B.A. 2007. Watermelon consumption increases plasma arginine concentrations in adults. Nutrition 23:261-266.<br /> <br /> Davis, A.R., Collins, J., Fish, W.W., Tadmor, Y., Webber III, C.L., and Perkins-Veazie, P. 2007. Rapid method for total carotenoid detection in canary yellow-fleshed watermelon. J. Food Sci. 72:S319-S323.<br /> <br /> Davis, A.R., Collins, J.K., Fish, W.W., Webber III, C.L., Perkins-Veazie, P.M., and Tadmor, Y.K. 2006. A rapid hexane-free method for analyzing total carotenoid content in canary yellow-fleshed watermelon. Proc. Cucurbitaceae 2006, Sept. 17-21, Asheville, NC, pp. 545-552.<br /> <br /> DeEll, J.R., Ayres, J.T., and Murr, D.P. 2007. 1-Methylcyclopropene influences Empire and Delicious apple quality during long-term commercial storage. HortTechnology 17:46-51.<br /> <br /> DeLong, J.M., Prange, R.K., and Harrison, P.A. 2007. Chlorophyll fluorescence-based low-O2 CA storage of organic Cortland and Delicious apples. Acta Hort. 737:31-37.<br /> <br /> Fan, L., Song, J., Beaudry, R., and Hildebrand P.D. 2006. Effect of hexanal vapor on spore viability of Penicillium expansum, lesion development on whole apples, and fruit volatile biosynthesis. J. Food Sci. 17:105-109.<br /> <br /> Ferenczi, A., Song J., Tian M., Vlachonasios K., Dilley D., Beaudry R. 2006. Volatile ester suppression and recovery following 1-methylcyclopropene application to apple fruit. J. Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci.131:691-701.<br /> <br /> Fernández-Trujillo, J.P., Nock, J.F., Watkins, C.B. 2007. Antioxidant enzyme activities in strawberry fruit exposed to high carbon dioxide atmospheres during cold storage. Food Chem. 104:1425-1429.<br /> <br /> Guevara, J.C., Yahia, E.M., Beaudry, R.M., and Cedeño, L. 2006. Modeling the influence of temperature and relative humidity on respiration rate of prickly pear cactus cladodes. Postharvest Biol. Technol. 41:260-265.<br /> <br /> Gunterus, A., Roze, L.V., Beaudry, R., and Linz, J.E. 2007. Ethylene inhibits aflatoxin biosynthesis in Aspergillus parasiticus grown on peanuts. Food Microbiol. 24:658-632.<br /> <br /> Haff, R.P., Slaughter, D.C., Sarig, Y., and Kader, A. 2006. X-Ray assessment of translucency in pineapple. J. Food Process. Preserv. 30:527-533.<br /> <br /> Hotchkiss, J.H., Watkins, C.B., Sanchez, D.G. 2007. Release of 1-methylcyclopropene from heat pressed polymer films. J. Food Sci. 72:E330-E334.<br /> <br /> Kadzere, I., Watkins, C.B., Merwin, I.A., Akinnifesi, F.K., and Saka, J.D.K. 2006. Postharvest damage and darkening in fresh fruit of Uapaca kirkiana (Muell. Arg.). Postharvest Biol. Technol. 39:199-203.<br /> <br /> Kadzere, I., Watkins, C.B., Merwin, I.A., Akinnifesi, F.K., Saka, J.D.K., and Mhango, J. 2006. Harvesting and postharvest handling practices and characteristics of Uapaca kirkiana (Muell. Arg.) fruits: a survey of roadside markets in Malawi. Agroforest. Syst. 68:133-142.<br /> <br /> Kadzere, I., Watkins, C.B., Merwin, I.A., Akinnifesi, F.K., Shaka, J.D.K., and Mhango, J. 2006. Fruit variability and relationships between color at harvest and quality during storage of Uapaca kirkiana (Muell. Arg.) fruit from natural woodlands. HortScience 41:352-356.<br /> <br /> Kadzere, I., Watkins, C.B., Merwin, I.A., Akinnifesi, F.K., Shaka, J.D.K. 2007. Harvest date affects color and soluble solids concentrations (SSC) of Uapaca kirkiana (Muell. Arg.) fruits from natural woodlands. Agroforest. Syst. 60:167-173.<br /> <br /> Khanizadeh, S., Deschênes, M., Levasseur, A., Carisse, O., Cao, R., Yang, R., DeEll, J., Sullivan, J.A., and Privé, J.-P. 2006. Clé des Champs strawberry. HortScience 41:1360-1361.<br /> <br /> Khanizadeh, S., Deschênes, M., Levasseur, A., Carisse, O., Charles, M.T., Rekika, D., Gauthier, L., Gosselin, A., Tsao, R., Yang, R., DeEll, J., and Sullivan, J.A. 2007. St. Jean dOrléans strawberry. HortScience 42:168-169.<br /> <br /> Khanizadeh, S., Grouleau, Y., Levasseur, A., Carisse, O., Rekika, D., DeEll, J., Privé, J.-P., Ali, I., and Kemp, H. 2006. SuperMac apple. HortScience 41:1159-1161.<br /> <br /> Khanizadeh, S., Grouleau, Y., Levasseur, A., Charles, M.-T., Tsao, R., Yang, R., DeEll, J., Hampson, C., and Toivonen, P. 2006. Eden apple. HortScience 41:1513-1515.<br /> <br /> Khanizadeh, S., Tsao, R., Rekika, D., Yang, R., and DeEll, J. 2007. Phenolic composition and antioxidant activity of selected apple genotypes. J. Food Agric. Environ. 5:61-66.<br /> <br /> Lee Y.S., Beaudry R., Kim J.N., and B.R. Harte. 2006. Development of a 1-Methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) Sachet Release System. J. Food Sci. 71:1-6.<br /> <br /> Lévesque, P.G., DeEll, J.R., and Murr, D.P. 2006. Sequential controlled atmosphere storage for McIntosh apples. HortScience 41:1322-1324.<br /> <br /> Liu, K., Jiang, H., Moore, S.L., Watkins, C.B., and Jahn, M.M. 2006. Isolation and characterization of a lipid transfer protein expressed in ripening fruit of Capsicum chinense. Planta 223:672-683.<br /> <br /> Luengwilai, K., Sukjamsai, K., and Kader, A.A.. 2007. Responses of Clemenules Clementine and W. Murcott mandarins to low oxygen atmospheres. Postharvest Biol. Technol. 44:48-54.<br /> <br /> Lynch, D. and Prange R.K. (eds.). 2007. Proceedings of the First International Symposium on Organic Apple and Pear. Acta Hort. 737:1-172.<br /> <br /> MacLean, D.D., Murr, D.P., DeEll, J.R., Mackay, A., and Kupferman, E.M. 2007. Inhibition of PAL, CHS, and ERS1 in Red dAnjou Pear (Pyrus communis L.) by 1-MCP. Postharvest Biol. Technol. 45:46-55.<br /> <br /> Nanthachai, N., Kosittrakun, M., and Beaudry, R. 2007. Absorption of 1-MCP by fresh produce. Postharvest Biol. Technol. 43:291-297.<br /> <br /> Okull, D.O., Demirci, A., Rosenberger, D., and LaBorde, L. 2006. Susceptibility of Penicillium expansum spores to sodium hypochlorite, electrolyzed oxidizing water and chlorine dioxide solutions modified with non-ionic surfactants. J. Food Protection 69:1944-1948.<br /> <br /> Park, S., Sugimoto, N., Larson, M.D., Beaudry, R., and van Nocker, S. 2006. Identification of genes with potential roles in apple fruit development and biochemistry through large-scale statistical analysis of expressed sequence tags. Plant Physiol. 140:811-824.<br /> <br /> Peace, C., Crisosto, C. 2006. Revealing the genetic control of internal breakdown in peach. Summerfruit Australia Quarterly 8:20-21.<br /> <br /> Peace, C. 2006. Long-term approaches to increase peach fruit consumption. Compact Fruit Tree 39:15-17.<br /> <br /> Pelayo-Zaldivar, C., Ben Abda, J., Ebeler, S.E., and Kader, A.A. 2007. Quality and chemical changes associated with flavor of Camarosa strawberries in response to a CO2-enriched atmosphere. HortScience 42:299-303.<br /> <br /> Perkins-Veazie, P., Collins, J.K., Davis, A.R., Maness, N., and Roberts, W. 2006. Watermelon carotenoid content in response to germplasm, maturity, and storage. Proc. Cucurbitaceae 2006, Sept. 17-21, Asheville, NC, pp. 597-602.<br /> <br /> Perkins-Veazie, P., Collins, J.K., Hassell, R., Maynard, D., and Shultheis, J. 2006. Variation in carotenoids among mini-watermelons produced in four locations in the Eastern U.S. Proc. Cucurbitaceae 2006, Sept. 17-21, Asheville, NC, pp. 591-596.<br /> <br /> Perkins-Veazie, P., Collins, J.K., Huber, D., and Maness, N. 2006. Ripening changes in mini watermelon fruit . Proc. Cucurbitaceae 2006, Sept. 17-21, Asheville, NC, pp. 578-584.<br /> <br /> Perkins-Veazie, P., Collins, J.K., Siddiq, M., and Dolan, K. 2006. Changes in carotenoid content during processing of watermelon juice for concentrate. Proc. Cucurbitaceae 2006, Sept. 17-21, Asheville, NC, pp. 585-590.<br /> <br /> Prange, R.K. and DeLong, J.M. 2006. Controlled atmosphere-related disorders of fruits and vegetables. Stewart Postharvest Rev. 5:7. (http://www.stewartpostharvest.com).<br /> <br /> Prange, R.K., Delong, J., Harrison, P., Leyte, J., McLean, S.D., Scrutton, J.G.E., and Cullen, J.J. 2007. Method and apparatus for monitoring a condition in chlorophyll containing matter. United States Patent #7,199,376 granted on 3 April 2007.<br /> <br /> Prange, R.K., Ramin, A.A., Daniels-Lake, B.J., DeLong, J.M., and Braun, P.G. 2006. Perspectives on postharvest bio-pesticides and storage technologies for organic produce. HortScience 41:301-303.<br /> <br /> Rosenberger, D.A.. 2006. Postharvest fungicides for apples. In: Pennsylvania Tree Fruit Production Guide, Part VI: Harvest and Postharvest, A.E. Rudisill (ed.), The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA. Online at http://tfpg.cas.psu.edu/646.htm.<br /> <br /> Rosenberger, D.A.. 2007. What can growers do in the orchard to control rots in storage. Proc. 2007 Empire State Fruit & Vegetable Expo, Feb. 13-15, Syracuse, NY, pp. 15-18.<br /> <br /> Rosenberger, D.A., Engle, C.A., Meyer, F.W., and Watkins, C.B. 2006. Penicillium expansum invades apples through stems during controlled atmosphere storage. Plant Health Progress 10pp. [doi:10.1094/PHP-2006-1213-01-RS].<br /> <br /> Saladié, M., Matas, A.J., Isaacson, T., Jenks, M.A., Goodwin, S.M., Niklas, K.J., Xiaolin R., Labavitch, J.M., Shackel, K.A., Fernie, A.R., Lytovchenko, A., ONeill, M.A., Watkins, C.B., and Rose, J.K.C. 2007. A re-evaluation of the key factors that influence tomato fruit softening and integrity. Plant Physiol.144:1012-1028.<br /> <br /> Schotsmans, W. and Prange, R.K. 2006. Controlled atmosphere storage and aroma volatile production. Stewart Postharvest Rev. 5:1. (http://www.stewartpostharvest.com).<br /> <br /> Shin, Y., Liu, R.H., Nock, J.F., Holliday, D., Watkins, C.B. 2007. Temperature and relative humidity effects on quality, total ascorbic acid, phenolics and flavonoid concentrations, and antioxidant activity of strawberry. Postharvest Biol. Technol. 45:349-357.<br /> <br /> Simpson, T., Bikoba, V., Tipping, C., and Mitcham, E.J. 2007. Ethyl formate as a postharvest fumigant for selected pests of table grapes. J. Econ. Entomol. 100:1084-1090.<br /> <br /> Sozzi, G. and Beaudry, R.M. 2007. Current perspectives on the use of 1-methylcyclopropene in tree fruit crops: An international survey. Stewart Postharvest Rev. 2:8 (http://www.stewartpostharvest.com).<br /> <br /> Tassoni, A., Watkins, C.B., and Davies, P.J. 2006. Inhibition of the ethylene response by 1-MCP in tomato suggests that polyamines are not involved in delaying ripening, but may moderate the rate of ripening or over-ripening. J. Exp. Bot. 57:3313-3325.<br /> <br /> Tsantili, E., Gapper, N.E., Arquiza, J.M.R.A., Whitaker, B.D, and Watkins, C.B. 2007. Ethylene and ±-farnesene metabolism in green and red skin of three apple cultivars in response to 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP). J. Agric. Food Chem. 55:5267-5276.<br /> <br /> Vallejo, F. and Beaudry, R.M. 2006. Depletion of 1-MCP by non-target materials from fruit storage facilities. Postharvest Biol. Technol. 40:177-182.<br /> <br /> Vicente, A.R., Ortugno, C., Powell, A.L.T., Greve, L.C., and Labavitch, J.M. 2007. The temporal sequence of cell wall disassembly events in developing fruits: 1. Analysis of raspberry (Rubus idaeus). J. Agric. Food Chem. 55:4119-4124.<br /> <br /> Vicente, A.R., Ortugno, C., Powell, A.L.T., Greve, L.C., and Labavitch, J.M. 2007. The temporal sequence of cell wall disassembly events in developing fruits: 1. Analysis of blueberry (Vaccinium sp.). J. Agric. Food Chem. 55:4125-4130.<br /> <br /> Vicente, A.R., Powell, A., Greve, L.C., and Labavitch, J.M. 2007. Cell wall disassembly events in boysenberry (Rubus idaeus L. x Rubus ursinus Cham. & Schldl.) fruit development. Functional Plant Biol. 34:614-623.<br /> <br /> Vicente, A.R., Saladie, M., Rose, J.K.C., and Labavitch, J.M. 2007. The linkage between cell wall metabolism and fruit softening: Looking to the future. J. Sci. Food Agric. 87:1435-1448.<br /> <br /> Wang, S., Monzon, M., Johnson, J.A., Mitcham, E.J., and Tang, J. 2007. Industrial-scale radio frequency treatments for insect control in walnuts I: Heating uniformity and energy efficiency. Postharvest Biol. Technol. 45:240-246.<br /> <br /> Wang, S., Monzon, M., Johnson, J.A., Mitcham, E.J., and Tang, J. 2007. Industrial-scale radio frequency treatments for insect control in walnuts II: Insect mortality and product quality. Postharvest Biol. Technol. 45:247-253.<br /> <br /> Watkins, C.B. 2006. 1-Methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) based technologies for storage and shelf life extension. Int. J. Postharvest Technol. Inov. 1:62-68.<br /> <br /> Watkins, C.B. 2006. Actions and uses of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP). CAB Reviews: Perspectives Agric. Vet. Sci. Nutr. Natl. Resources 1(38):1-10 [doi: 10.1078/PAVSNNR20061038].<br /> <br /> Watkins, C.B. 2006. The uses of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) on fruits and vegetables. Biotechnol. Adv. 24:389-409.<br /> <br /> Watkins, C.B. 2007. The effect of 1-methylcyclopropene on the development of physiological storage disorders in horticultural crops. Stewart Postharvest Rev. 2:11 (http://www.stewartpostharvest.com).<br /> <br /> Whitaker, B.D. 2007. Oxidation products of ±-farnesene associated with superficial scald development in dAnjou pear fruits are conjugated trienols. J. Agric. Food Chem. 55:3708-3712.<br /> <br /> Yuan, H., Chen, L., Paliyath, G., Sullivan, A., Murr, D.P., and Novotna, Z. 2006. Immunohistochemical localization of phospholipase D in strawberry (Fragaria ananassa Duch.) fruits. Scientia Hort. 109:35-42.<br /> <br /> Yuan, H., Chen, L., Paliyath, G., Sullivan, A., and Murr, D.P. 2006. Differential incorporation of a fluorescent phospholipid into strawberry fruit protoplast membrane in the presence of calcium and IAA. Physiol. Mol. Biol. Plants 12:35-42.

Impact Statements

1. The blocker of ethylene action 1-MCP is now widely used to maintain quality of apples during and after storage. Vital information is being provided to the fresh fruit industry about the potential use of this compound to retard postharvest ripening and senescence in an array of other fruits. In addition to establishing the benefits 1-MCP treatment, possible detriments such as loss of aroma, increased incidence of storage disorders and rots, and irreversible inhibition of ripening are being identified, and solutions are being sought.
2. Molecular genetic approaches are being used to elucidate the biochemical and physiological processes involved in postharvest deterioration of fruit quality, and susceptibility to decay by postharvest pathogens such as <i>Penicillium expansum</i> and <i>Botrytis cineria</i>. This knowledge will enable development of superior genetic lines with extended shelf life and flavor-life, and enhanced disease resistance allowing reduced use of fungicides.
3. The recently introduced Honeycrisp apple is highly favored by consumers and commands a premium price, but the fruit are quite prone to a number of storage disorders including soft scald, soggy breakdown, and bitter pit. Multi-state research on the control of these storage disorders via manipulation of pre- and post-harvest factors has resulted in reduced losses and improved industry confidence in this popular new cultivar.
4. The storage disorder superficial scald is one of the costliest problems faced by the pome fruit industry, and current control measures result in unwanted chemical residues on the fruit. Elucidation of the genetic and biochemical factors contributing to resistance or susceptibility to scald in apple and pear fruits will lead to improvement of sustainable control measures and development of new scald-resistant cultivars.
5. New, simple methods are being developed to quickly and accurately determine apple fruit maturity in the orchard, thereby ensuring that fruit are harvested at the optimal time for retention of quality during long-term CA or air storage.
6. Infestation of fruits with arthropod pests is one of the primary factors limiting shipment to foreign markets, and alternatives are being sought for environmentally unsound disinfestation practices such as treatments with ethyl bromide and sulfur dioxide. New spray washing equipment and procedures are being developed to effectively remove pests from the fruit surface, and new quarantine methods are being devised such as rapid radio frequency heating or treatment with ethyl formate.
7. There is accumulating evidence that regular consumption of fresh fruits has long-range human health benefits such as prevention of cardiovascular disease and certain types of cancer. These beneficial effects are derived from an array of natural compounds that have potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, or antiproliferative activity. Information on the occurrence and levels of a number of these compounds in tissues of various fruits, as well as the influence of genotype and postharvest practices, is being published with the aim of promoting greater consumption of fresh fruits and fruit products.

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Report Information

Participants

Participants (those who attended the annual meeting):
CA - Florence Zakharov, Carlos Crisosto, Elizabeth Mitcham
GA - Dan MacLean
MD - Chris Walsh
ME - Renae Moran
MI - Nobuko Sugimoto, Lingxia Sun, Cornelius Barry, Eva Almenar, Steve Van Nocker, Randy Beaudry
MN - Cindy Tong
NS - Robert Prange, Jun Sung
NY - Chris Watkins, David Rosenberger
OK - Penelope Perkins-Veazie
ON - Jennifer DeEll, Dennis Murr
USDA-MD - Bruce Whitaker
USDA-WA - Jim Mattheis, David Rudell
For a complete list of project participants, check the Appendix E.

Brief Summary of Minutes

The annual business meeting was held in Cocoa Beach, Florida July 18-20, 2008. Brad Hillman, administrative advisor, gave the group an update on approval of the new project NE1036. Ithaca, NY was selected as the location for next year's meeting which will be held June 26-28 after the ethylene meeting. Chris Watkins agreed to organize next year's meeting.

Accomplishments

Accomplishments:<br /> The following summary does not include all research. For a more detailed description of accomplishments, please, refer to the minutes.<br /> <br /> Objective 1. To Evaluate Postharvest Requirements of New and Existing Varieties <br /> <br /> Chilling Injury in Stone Fruit Varieties<br /> <br /> The market life of new stone fruit cultivars was evaluated. This information allows the industry to avoid extended postharvest handling (transportation, storage) of cultivars with short postharvest market lives. Chilling injury varied in stone fruit from different breeding sources. 60% of the peach, 50% of the nectarine and 40% of the plum cultivars developed chilling injury at 5 °C. Postharvest strategies found to be helpful in preventing chilling injury include heat treatment, ozone, polyamine and calcium treatments, and fumigation with environmentally friendly compounds. MAP on Friar plums enhanced chilling injury during 60 days storage at 0 °C. MAP is recommended for up to 45 days to improve market life, firmness, SSC, TA and pH [CA]. <br /> <br /> Honeycrisp Disorders<br /> <br /> Environmental variables that predispose Honeycrisp apples to soft scald were identified using data from two locations [ME, ON].<br /> <br /> Soft scald and soggy breakdown incidence were reduced by increasing temperatures above 20 °F during the delayed cooling period. The effective duration of delayed cooling was reduced to one day with a temperature of 30 °F. Deleterious effects were minimal, and an increase in decay did not occur [NS].<br /> <br /> An initial 10-day period at 4 °C or continuous storage at 4 °C reduced both soft scald and soggy breakdown in all lots. Fruit stored in CA after an initial 10-day period at 4 °C also had similar incidence of soft scald and soggy breakdown. Apples stored continuously at 1 °C developed soft scald but incidence varied between lots. Soggy breakdown occurred in only one lot. Bitter pit was orchard specific and greater in fruit stored at 4 °C [USDA-WA].<br /> <br /> A webpage is being developed for growers to provide current information on growing and storing to maximize production and quality [MN, MA, ME, MI, NS, NY, ON, WA] http://smfarm.cfans.umn.edu/Honeycrisp.htm.<br /> <br /> Empire Storage Disorders<br /> <br /> A number of factors implicated in a greater risk of flesh browning are cool temperatures in July and August, later harvest dates, longer storage periods, particularly past May and lower storage temperatures. 1-MCP, needed for long-term storage, exacerbates flesh browning. To prevent flesh browning of Empire, the current recommendation is to store apples at 35 °F. However, when fruit are treated with 1-MCP warmer temperatures are ineffective in preventing flesh browning [NY].<br /> <br /> Harvest date and storage practices affect the quality of Empire apple, an important variety used for slices. Decay was greater in fruit from a later harvest and was slightly more prevalent with 1-MCP treatment, but lower with DPA. Apples could not be used after 9 mos storage because of internal flesh browning. Browning was reduced by 1-MCP and by holding fruit in ambient, but refrigerated air for 7 days compared to 2 days. ReTain and DPA had no significant effects on slice browning [ON].<br /> <br /> Preharvest fungicides on Empire were not a contributing factor in CO2 injury, flesh browning or core browning with 1-MCP [NY].<br /> <br /> Harvest and Handling of New Cultivars<br /> <br /> Typical postharvest handling procedures were found to impact quality of the leading pomegranate variety. The effects of delays in cooling in sun or shade, physical abrasion and drops of various heights on pomegranate fruit quality after storage was demonstrated to support changes in handling practices considered by the industry. Economic decisions about improvements can now be made [CA].<br /> <br /> Handling of mango fruit from growing and packing in Central and South America through importation, distribution and retailing within the U.S. was evaluated by a research team. Recommendations for improvements and areas of future study will be provided to the National Mango Board with a goal of improving the quality of fruit sold to consumers in the US [CA].<br /> <br /> <br /> Objective 2. To Develop Sustainable Alternatives to Chemical Control of Physiological Disorders, Diseases and Pests.<br /> <br /> Sustainable Alternatives to Chemical Control of Diseases and Pests<br /> <br /> Treatments are at various stages of development or refinement to control bean thrips in navel oranges, and black widow spiders, phylloxera and light brown apple moths in table grapes to allow for continued export of these US products to other countries [CA].<br /> <br /> Biodegradable packaging with 2E-hexenal (antifungal/antibacterial volatiles) incorporated into the film was more effective than hexanal and acetaldehyde at lower doses for inhibiting growth of Penecillium. Berry weight loss reduction occurred with this polylactic package compared to clam shell. Fungal growth is less in clamshell packaging because of a moisture difference [MI].<br /> <br /> Overall levels microbes on the surfaces of apple leaves in organic and conventional production systems were related to insect damage. The microbial ecology changed over the season with the diversity of the bacteria being affected by organic production compared to conventionally grown apples. A diverse ecology could plan a role in preventing contamination linked to agricultural reservoirs [MD].<br /> <br /> Combined yeast biocontrol agents, Metschnikowia and Cryptococcus spp., were effective alone or with sodium bicarbonate (SBC) in reducing blue mold (Penecillium). SBC by itself also reduced blue mold but not as effectively as yeast antagonists [USDA-MD].<br /> <br /> Preharvest fungicides can reduce reliance on postharvest drenching to prevent decay. Preharvest fungicide sprays suppress losses to postharvest decays, but drenching fruit with fungicide after harvest is still more effective than applying fungicides to trees prior to harvest [NY].<br /> <br /> Resistance to Penecillium in the Kazak apple collection can be used as a source of resistance in breeding new varieties. Out of 83 apple accessions in the Kazak collection in Geneva, NY, two were classified as immune to blue mold (P. expansum), four as resistant, 53 as moderately resistant, and 24 as susceptible [USDA-MD].<br /> <br /> A number of wild peach accessions and old cultivars showed a high level of resistance to brown rot and may be a source of resistance for new varieties [CA].<br /> <br /> Growing season-applied soybean oil (soft insecticide) sprays improved the at-harvest quality and postharvest behavior of Golden Delicious and Fuji apples: fruit finish was not affected; weight loss during storage and subsequent shelflife was improved (less weight loss) by oil treatment. It is possible for growers to use a late-season "organic" soybean oil spray to combat pests as well as improve product quality [USDA-WA].<br /> <br /> <br /> Objective 3. To Develop Recommendations for the Beneficial Use of Essentially Safe Postharvest Chemicals, Such as 1-MCP, on Fruit to Assure High Quality and Wholesomeness. <br /> <br /> 1-MCP Effcts on Apples and Pears<br /> <br /> Ambrosia responded well to 1-MCP. Ambrosia developed soft scald and CO2 browning in 2007-2008 [ON].<br /> <br /> The effect of 1-MCP on phytochemical groups of Empire was modest. There was a small effect of 1-MCP on bruise susceptibility in different apple cultivars. Golden Delicious was most susceptible, and Empire least [NY].<br /> <br /> Minimal delay between harvest and application of either DPA or 1-MCP is necessary to maximize control of scald, and this may be more critical for 1-MCP. Loss of scald control was associated with increasing internal ethylene concentration with greater time delay. The effect of DPA on scald development was associated with inhibition of a-farnesene oxidation as indicated by lower concn. of conjugated trienols. In contrast, 1-MCP effects were dependent on inhibition of a-farnesene accumulation and thereby the availability of less substrate for oxidation [NY].<br /> <br /> Non-target materials absorbed significant quantities of 1-MCP and reduced the efficacy of 1-MCP treatments when applied at levels below 600 ppb. Absorption of 1-MCP by packaging impacted efficacy. Corrugated cardboard reduced the effectiveness of 1-MCP when applied at sub saturating levels. The effect was especially pronounced when the fruit were encased in liners in corrugated boxes [MI].<br /> <br /> Application of SmartFreshTM (gaseous 1-MCP) to California Bartlett pears continues to show problems with fruit ripening after extended cold storage, even when low concentrations of SmartFresh are applied and when fruit are harvested at an advanced stage of maturity. Application of HarvistaTM (sprayable 1-MCP) to California Bartlett pears provides a one pound higher firmness at harvest and improved post-storage quality characteristics [CA].<br /> <br /> Harvista 3 days prior to harvest was better than 7 days for long term storage of Bartlett pear. Pears treated postharvest had better firmness that those treated before harvest. Lower incidence of senescent scald occurred when pears were treated 3 days compared to 7 days. Internal breakdown was eliminated by postharvest 1-MCP, but not by preharvest 1-MCP [ON].<br /> <br /> Harvista applied 7 or 14 days prior to anticipated harvest reduced Bartlett pear fruit drop and delayed postharvest ripening compared to unsprayed controls. Fruit harvested 7 or 14 days after the commercial date had a normal ripening pattern after removal from cold storage. Harvista applied 7 days prior to commercial harvest delayed Braeburn apple peel degreening and acid loss compared to controls, but enhanced development of internal disorders during cold storage [USDA-WA].<br /> <br /> 1-MCP on Stone Fruit and Blueberry<br /> <br /> Dips of plums in liquid 1-MCP extended their shelf life [CA].<br /> <br /> 1-MCP improved firmness retention and delayed change in ground color of Fantasia nectarines. With 1-MCP, there was less visual chilling injury, but greater flesh hardening. Shiro plums treated with 1-MCP were firmer, had greater SSC and retained more green color [ON].<br /> <br /> Harvista applied to blueberries prior to mechanical harvesting did not affect quality [GA].<br /> <br /> Storage Scald on Pear<br /> <br /> Diphenylamine was demonstrated to control superficial scald development on Bartlett pears during cold storage [CA].<br /> <br /> Thermofogging of the anti-oxidant Ethoxyquin proved difficult as residue analysis showed uneven penetration of fruit within a bin and between bins. Use of a manifold to move the chemical around the room did not improve uniformity. Industry experience of application by shower drenching of Ethoxyquin has been unattractive due to high amounts of phytotoxicity. Experiments with double drenching, first with Ethoxyquin then with the fungicide led to much lower amounts of fruit damage with no decrease in residue [WA].<br /> <br /> Superfical scald did not occur on pears from 5 orchard lots stored in CA [USDA-WA].<br /> <br /> <br /> Objective 4. To Expand Knowledge of the Influence of Cultivar, Production Practices, and Postharvest Handling on the Nutritional and Eating Quality of Fruit.<br /> <br /> Cultivar Selection<br /> <br /> The final year of a three year project to evaluate the harvest and post-storage quality of various strains of Gala apples was completed. Recommendations have been developed to guide the industry as to the most appropriate harvest maturity depending on the length of storage intended [CA].<br /> <br /> The postharvest quality of blueberry cultivars grown in the San Joaquin County of California were evaluated and indicated differences among the cultivars, particularly in sensory quality. Blueberry cultivars with low TA, despite acceptable SSC had lower consumer acceptance than cultivars with moderate to high TA. Reveille was the cultivar with highest SSC, firmness and consumer acceptance according to an in-store test. Antioxidant capacity was highest in Misty and Reveille [CA].<br /> <br /> Crispness of apple fruit from multiple apple genotypes was measured using a TAXT.2 texture analyzer between harvest and storage for 8 weeks at 0 ºC. The softening phenotype was highly correlated (one genotype was an exception) with the presence of an 11 base pair deletion in the 3'untranslated region of the Expansin A2 gene. RNA accumulation of this gene increases during ripening of apple fruit. Unfortunately, the allele does not seem to affect RNA or protein accumulation of ExpA2. Using the above PCR method to test progeny of Honeycrisp and MN1702 (maintains crispness), it was found that there was an 18:12 ratio of progeny that do not produce the PCR band to those that do. This is statistically closer to a 1:1 ratio (p value = 0.27) than to a 3:1 ratio (p = 0.06), suggesting that only one rather than both of the parents is heterozygous, but the 3:1 ratio cannot be thrown out entirely. If this correlation is supported by further testing, it will provide a novel, quick method to screen breeding lines for maintenance of fruit crispness without waiting for the trees to actually bear fruit [MN].<br /> <br /> Internal ethylene was related to quality attributes in Ambrosia and Empire apples. Strong positive correlation occurred between IEC and peel greasiness, but negative correlation between IEC and SSC, and between firmness and peel greasiness in both cultivars. There was a negative correlation between IEC and firmness in Empire. Increased IEC in Ambrosia was related to greater incidence of core browning and lenticel damage, but lower incidence of internal browning. In Empire, higher IEC was associated with greater incidence of internal browning [ON].<br /> <br /> Production Practices<br /> <br /> Lenticel breakdown appears on apple fruit after packing when all financial inputs have been made. It can cause 50-60% cullage in fruit from certain orchards in addition to the cost of re-packing. Our research has shown that orchard is one of the dominant factors so we are turning our attention to determine orchard factors (climate, mineral content, strain, irrigation, etc.) that increase risk. Factors such as fruit/water temperature, chemical use, and type of packing line all have been determined to play a role in the development of LB [WA].<br /> <br /> Harvesting at later dates to improve color can sometimes lead to losses due to cracking of the fruit. Gala susceptibility to rain cracking was worse with later harvest date, but strain did not affect cracking [MD].<br /> <br /> Nutritional Quality<br /> <br /> Grafted melons had increased lycopene and amino acid content compared with ungrafted melons. Mice given a high fat diet with a supplement of mango powder had delayed fat accumulation and more lean mass than without supplement. Mango powder increased bone density [OK].<br /> <br /> <br /> Objective 5. To Expand Fundamental Knowledge of Fruit Biology Required for Development of Improved and New Technologies for Maintenance and Enhancement of Fruit Quality.<br /> <br /> Crispness / Firmness<br /> <br /> Firmness loss over nine days was recorded in mature green WT and non-ripening mutant whole tomato and slices exposed to air or ethylene. Ethylene promoted softening, even in the non-ripening lines. Changes in whole-fruit firmness did not closely reflect those in slice firmness. Slices of mutant lines softened much more than whole fruit after ethylene exposure [USDA-MD].<br /> <br /> The genes that encode two lygus bug (Lygus hesperus) salivary PG genes have been sequenced. A proteomic approach has been developed to identify these salivary PG in the diet the insect feeds on [CA].<br /> <br /> Flavor<br /> <br /> Introgression of novel fruit flavor attributes from wild and domesticated species into Capsicum annuum affords new opportunities to improve bell pepper fruit flavor. In preliminary studies, Capsicum accessions with unique aroma and flavor qualities were identified. Some accessions with unique flavor characteristics were distinct from other accessions, particularly C. annuum cultivars, in having relatively high concentrations of various esters with fruity or other aromas, and various sesquiterpenes with spicy, woody, fruity, or other aromas. Genes that influence flavor quality in Capsicum are being identified via analysis of segregating intra- and interspecific populations [USDA-MD].<br /> <br /> Changes in the branched-chain amino acid isoleucine are reflected in the production of esters derived from 2-methylbutyrate or 2-methylbuanol, both products of isoleucine degradation. A microarray was constructed with approximately 200 known and 10,000 unknown gene products. Expression analysis revealed approximately 700 gene products to be of interest, and these were sequenced. A putative alpha-keto decarboxylase may be involved in the degradation of the transamination precursor product of isoleucine to form branched-chain alcohol precursors for esters [MI].<br /> <br /> Ripening, Senescence and Abcission<br /> <br /> Sterol 22-desaturase expression was linked with increase in ripening-specific stigmasterol formation in tomatoes. Stigmasterol is formed from sitosterol. Non-ripening mutant tomatoes did not accumulate stigmasterol during ripening to the same extent that it increased in WT tomatoes. Implications re-22-desaturation may relate to membrane fluidity and permeability. Sterol 22-desaturase deficient yeast cultures do not grow as well under adverse salt levels. Stigmasterol accumulation in chilled and rewarmed tomato fruit may relate to chilling injury [USDA-MD].<br /> <br /> There may be a relationship between ethylene and abscission in accessions in the Geneva germplasm collection, but exceptions indicate the propensity to abscise is more complex than simple ethylene responses. Some non-abscising accessions respond to ethephon, but all respond to fruit clipping. Approximately 100 apple species and cultivars of M. domestica were evaluated for timing of fruit drop relative to fruit internal ethylene concentration. Among both domestica cultivars and wild species, accessions were noted that failed to abscise fruit at the end of the season. This trait was not clearly associated with lack of ethylene production in the fruit, presence of dysfunctional ACS alleles, or a block in fruit ripening suggesting this it is controlled by an abscission-specific mechanism downstream from ethylene signaling [MI].<br /> <br /> Gene sequences from apple were subjected to bioinformatic analysis to identify those with potential roles in transcriptional regulation, biosynthesis or response to basic phytohormones, aroma production, cell wall metabolism, flowering, and abscission. A microarray representing 2,200 of these genes was designed and is now available to researchers through Combimatrix Corp. This will allow parallel analysis of the activity of thousands of key genes in developmental processes such as ripening, senescence, and abscission [MI].<br /> <br /> Genetic characterization of the green-flesh (gf) and chlorophyll retainer (cl) mutants of tomato and pepper revealed the presence of SNPs in a homolog of the STAY-GREEN (SGR) gene of rice that is required for chlorophyll degradation. These SNPs result in the substitution of highly conserved amino acids that disrupt protein function. Screening of heirloom tomato varieties that resemble gf led to the identification of four novel mutant alleles in GF [MI].<br /> <br /> The expression of genes associated with ethylene perception and biosynthesis in Bartlett pear fruit have been documented in fruit recovering from treatment with SmartFresh; however additional work with the ethylene receptor proteins is needed to determine the limited factor in the recovery of ripening capacity. This knowledge will assist in development of better treatments to delay and promote fruit ripening [CA].<br /> <br /> Quality Loss and Decay<br /> <br /> Chlorophyll fluorescence shifts at the anaerobic compensation point (ACP). It is possible ACP is subject to acclimation. Fluorescence was used to indicate chilling of 'Honeycrisp' apples and was demonstrated to be responsive to moisture loss in grapes. On 'Golden Delicious' apples, a long-term upward trend in fluorescence occurred. Elevated CO2 improved fruit storability and increased fluorescence slightly [NS].<br /> <br /> No consistent relationships occurred between the expression of selected genes and the degree CO2-induction of fermentation in strawberry [NY].<br /> <br /> A cellular hypothesis for development of calcium deficiency disorders in fruit, including blossom end rot in tomato and bitter pit in apple is under investigation. Advanced knowledge in this area will allow better control of calcium deficiency disorders in commercial production and guide efforts to breed resistance cultivars [CA].<br /> <br /> Analysis of the peel metabolome revealed associations among scald status, light exposure duration, and individual metabolites from multiple pathways, including isoprenoids and phenylpropanoids directing attention to a number of light-enhanced metabolites that may impact scald incidence and severity. Principal component analysis of metabolites extracted from pear peel indicated changes in the metabolomes of CA- and UA-stored pears diverge from RA pears within the first month after harvest. Primary metabolites, sterols, ethylene precursors, and antioxidants fluctuate according to storage environment and/or storage duration [USDA-WA].<br /> <br /> The genetic regulation of mealiness and internal browning development in stone fruit and genetic control of resistance to brown rot fungi is under investigation. An understanding of these systems will aid in development of superior cultivars of stone fruits and reduce postharvest losses [CA].<br /> <br /> Mature-green tomato fruit exhibit an active defense against the gray mold. This includes a salicylic acid-dependent production of a lignin- and suberin-enriched "dark ring" of tissue surrounding the infection point that restricts pathogen development. Infected red-ripe tomatoes do not show this response [CA].<br />

Publications

NOTE: This list is for the final year of the project (2007-2008). Publications from prior years are listed with each annual report.<br /> <br /> Badenes, M.L., G. Llacer, and C.H. Crisosto. 2007. Mejora de la calidad de frutales de hueso. In: G. Llacer, J.J Diez, J.M. Carrillo, and M.L. Baedenes (eds), Mejora genetica de la calidad en frutales De Hueso.<br /> <br /> Barry, C.S., McQuinn, R.P., Chung, M.-Y., Besuden, A. and Giovannoni, J.J. 2008. Amino acid substitutions in homologs of the STAY-GREEN protein are responsible for the green-flesh and chlorophyll retainer mutations of tomato and pepper. Plant Physiology 147:179-187.<br /> <br /> Beaudry, R.M. 2007. Overview of Research and Education Strategies - Postharvest Perspective. Proc. Expert Consultation Meeting to Strengthen Linkages between Postharvest & Biotechnology, Hammamet, Tunesia, 12-14 Sept. 2006, FAO Regional Office for the Near East, p. 107-114.<br /> <br /> Bryla, D.R., E. Dickson, R. Shenk, R.S. Johnson, C.H. Crisosto, and T.J. Trout. 2005. Influence of irrigation method and scheduling on patterns of soil and tree water status and its relation to yield and fruit quality in peach. HortScience 40(7):2118-2124.<br /> <br /> Cantu D.A., Vicente A.R., Greve L.C., Dewey F.M., Bennett A.B., Labavitch J.M., Powell A.L.T. 2008. The intersection between cell wall disassembly, ripening and susceptibility to Botrytis cinerea. PNAS USA 105:859-864.<br /> <br /> Cantín, C.M., C.H. Crisosto, and K.R. Day. 2008. Evaluation of the effect of different modified atmosphere packaging box liners on the quality and shelf life of 'Friar' plums. HortTechnology 18(2):161-165.<br /> <br /> Cantin, C., M.W. Fidelibus, and C.H. Crisosto. 2007. Application of abscisic acid (ABA) at veraison advanced red color development and maintained postharvest quality of Crimson Seedless grapes. Postharvest Biology and Technology 46(3)237-241.<br /> <br /> Crisosto, C.H., G.M. Crisosto, G. Echeverria, and J. Puy. 2007. Segregation of plum and pluot cultivars according to their organoleptic characteristics. Postharvest Biology and Technology 44:271-276.<br /> <br /> Crisosto, C.H., C. Valero, and D.C. Slaughter. 2007. Predicting pitting damage during processing in Californian clingstone peaches using color and firmness measurements. American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers 23(2):189-194.<br /> <br /> Davis, A.R., Webber III, C. L., and Perkins-Veazie, P. 2007. Impact of cultivar and production practices on yield and phytonutrient content of organically grown watermelon. J. Vegetable Sci. 12:83-91. <br /> <br /> Davis, A., Collins, J.K., Perkins-Veazie, P., and Levi, Amnon. 2008. LSW-177 and LSW-194; Red-fleshed watermelon lines with low total soluble solids. HortScience 43:538-539.<br /> <br /> Davis, A.R., Perkins-Veazie, P., Sakata, Y., López-Galarza, S., Maroto, J.V., Lee, S.-G. , Huh, Y.-C., Sun, Z., Miguel, A., King, S.R., Cohen, R., Lee, J.-M. 2008. Cucurbit grafting. Critical Reviews in Plant Science 27:50-74.<br /> <br /> De Castro, E., B. Biasi, S. Tustin, D. Tanner, J. Jobling, E.J. Mitcham. 2007. Carbon dioxide-induced flesh browning in Pink Lady apples. J. Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci. 132:713-719.<br /> <br /> De Castro, E., B. Biasi, and E.J. Mitcham. 2007. Quality of Pink Lady apples in relation to maturity at harvest, prestorage treatments, and controlled atmosphere during storage. HortScience 42:605-610.<br /> <br /> De Castro, E., D. M Barrett, J.Jobling, E.J Mitcham. 2008. Biochemical factors associated with a CO2-induced flesh browning disorder of Pink Lady apples. Postharvest Biology and Technology 48:182-191.<br /> <br /> DeEll, J.R., D.P. Murr, and B. Ehsani-Moghaddam. 2008. Quality changes of 'Shiro' yellow plums in response to treatment with 1-methylcyclopropene. J. Food Quality 31:514-525.<br /> <br /> Fan, L., Song, J., Beaudry, R.M., and Hildebrand, P.D. 2007. Effect of hexanal vapor on the growth of postharvest pathogens and fruit decay. J. Food Sci. 71(3):105-109.<br /> <br /> Fawbush, F., J.F. Nock, and C.B. Watkins. 2008. External carbon dioxide injury and 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) in the 'Empire' apple. Postharvest Biol. Technol. 48:92-98.<br /> <br /> Fernandez-Trujillo, J.P., J.F. Nock, and B.B. Watkins. 2007. Antioxidant enzyme activities in strawberry fruit exposed to high carbon dioxide atmosphere during cold storage. Food Chem. 104:1425-1429.<br /> <br /> Granatstein, D., E.M. Kupferman, 2008. Sustainable horticulture in fruit production. Acta Hort. 767:295-308.<br /> <br /> Granell, A., C. Pons, C. Martí, J. Forment, C. Royo, T.M. Gradziel, C.P. Peace, E. Ogundiwin, and C.H. Crisosto. 2007. Genomic approaches - innovative tools to improve quality of fresh cut produce. Acta Horticulturae 746:203-212.<br /> <br /> Gunterus, A., L.V. Roze, R. Beaudry, and J.E. Linz. 2007. Ethylene inhibits aflatoxin biosynthesis in Aspergillus parasiticus grown on peanuts. Food Microbiol. 24:658-663.<br /> <br /> Harker, R.F., E.M. Kupferman, A.B. Marin, F.A. Gunson and C.M. Triggs. 2008. Eating quality standards for apples based on consumer preferences. Postharvest Biol. Technol. 50:70-78.<br /> <br /> Hotchkiss, J.H., C.B. Watkins, and D.G. Sanchez. 2007. Release of 1-methylcyclopropene from heat pressed polymer films. J. Food Sci. 72:E330-E334.<br /> <br /> Kadzere, I., C.B. Watkins, I.A. Merwin, F.K. Akinnifesi and J.D.K. Shaka. 2007. Harvest date affects color and soluble solids concentrations (SSC) of Uapaca kirkiana (Muell. Afg.) fruits from natural woodlands. Agroforest. Syst. 60:167-173.<br /> <br /> Lin, S.F. and C.S. Walsh. Studies of the "Tree factor" and its role in the maturation and ripening of Gala and Fuji apples. Postharvest Biol. Technol. 46:99-106.<br /> <br /> Manganaris, G.A., A.R. Vicente, and C.H. Crisosto. 2008. Effect of pre-harvest and post-harvest conditions and treatments on plum fruit quality. CAB Reviews: Perspectives in Agriculture, Veterinary Science, Nutrition and Natural Resources 3(9), 10 pp. doi:10.1079/PAVSNNR20083009<br /> <br /> Manganaris, G.A., A.R. Vicente, C.H. Crisosto, and J.M. Labavitch. 2008. Cell wall modifications in chilling injured plum fruit Prunus salicina. Postharvest Biol. Technol. 48:77-83.<br /> <br /> Manganaris, G.A., A.R. Vicente, C.H. Crisosto, and J.M. Labavitch. 2007. Effect of dips in a 1-methylcyclopropene-generating solution on Harrow Sun plums stored under different temperature regimes. J. Agric. Food Chem. 55:7015-702.<br /> <br /> Manganaris, G.A., C.H. Crisosto, V. Bremer, and D. Holcroft. 2008. Novel 1-methylcyclopropene immersion formulation extends shelf life of advanced maturity 'Joanna Red' plums (Prunus salicina Lindell). Postharvest Biol. Technol. 47:429-433.<br /> <br /> Mann, Harpartap, Jennifer J. Alton, Soo Hee Kim, and Cindy B.S. Tong. 2008. Differential expression of cell-wall-modifying genes and novel cDNAs in apple fruit during storage. J. Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci. 133(1):152-157. <br /> <br /> Mattheis, J.P. and D.R. Rudell. 2008. Diphenylamine metabolism in 'Braeburn' apples stored under conditions conducive to development on internal browning. J. Agric. Food Chem. 56:3881-3885.<br /> <br /> Moore, P., Perkins-Veazie, P., Weber, C.A., and Howard, L. 2008. Environmental effect on antioxidant content of ten raspberry cultivars. Acta Hortic. 777:499-503.<br /> <br /> Muller, I. and Fellman, J.K. 2007. Pre-harvest application of soybean oil alters epicuticular wax crystallization and resistance to weight loss in 'Golden Delicious' apples during storage. J. Hort. Sci. and Biotechnol. 82:207-216.<br /> <br /> Nanthachai, N., Ratanachinakorn, B., Kosittrakun, M., and R. Beaudry. 2007. Absorption of 1-MCP by fresh produce. Postharvest Biol. Technol. 43:291-297.<br /> <br /> Ogundiwin, E.A., C.P. Peace, C.M. Nicolet, V.K. Rashbrook, T.M. Gradziel, F.A. Bliss, D. Parfitt, and C.H. Crisosto. 2008. Leucoanthocyanidin dioxygenase gene (PpLDOX): a potential functional marker for cold storage browning in peach. Tree Genetics and Genomes 4(3):543-554.<br /> <br /> Ogundiwin, E.A., C.P. Peace, T.M. Gradziel, A.M. Dandekar, F.A. Bliss, and C.H. Crisosto. 2007. Molecular genetic dissection of chilling injury in peach fruit. Acta Hortic. 738:633-638.<br /> <br /> Palou, L., and C.H. Crisosto. 2007. Emisión mínima de anhídrido sulfuroso necesaria para el control de la podredumbre gris en uva de mesa conservada en frío. Fruticultura Profesional 165:27-36.<br /> <br /> Perkins-Veazie, P. 2007. Carotenoids in watermelon and mango. Acta Hortic. 746:259-264.<br /> <br /> Perkins-Veazie, P., Collins, J.K., Clevidence, B., and Wu, G. 2007. Watermelons and health. Acta Hortic. 731:121-127.<br /> <br /> Perkins-Veazie, P., Roberts, W., and Collins, J.K. 2007. Lycopene content among organically produced tomatoes. J. Vegetable Sci. 12:93-106.<br /> <br /> Perkins-Veazie, P., Collins, J.K., and Howard, L. 2008. Blueberry fruit response to postharvest application of ultraviolet radiation. Postharvest Biol. Technol. 47:280-285.<br /> <br /> Perkins-Veazie, P. and Lester, G. 2008. Postharvest challenges for organically grown orchard fruit. HortScience. 43: 35-37.<br /> <br /> Prange, R.K. and S. Bishop (eds.). 2008. Proceedings of the International Symposium on Sustainability through Integrated and Organic Horticulture. Acta Hortic. 767:1-464.<br /> <br /> Ramin, A.A., R.K. Prange, P.G. Braun and J. DeLong. 2008. Biocontrol of postharvest fungal apple decay at 20°C with Muscodor albus volatiles. Acta Hortic. 767:329-336.<br /> <br /> Rosenberger, D.A., Meyer, F.W., Rugh, A.L and Breth, D. I. 2008. Grower trial with preharvest sprays as a control for postharvest decays during long-term storage, 2006-07. Plant Disease Management Reports (online). Report 2:PF039. DOI:10.1094/PDMR02. The American Phytopathological Society, St. Paul, MN. <br /> <br /> Rosenberger, D.A., Meyer, F.W., and Rugh, A.L. 2008. Using preharvest sprays to control postharvest decays on Cameo apples, 2006-2007. Plant Disease Management Reports (online). Report 2:PF040. DOI:10.1094/PDMR02. The American Phytopathological Society, St. Paul, MN. <br /> <br /> Rosenberger, D.A., Meyer, F.W., Rugh, A.L., and Christiana, R.W. 2008. Controlling gray mold in stored apples with pyraclostrobin and boscalid used alone or in combinations, 2006-07. Plant Disease Management Reports (online). Report 2:PF042. DOI:10.1094/PDMR02. The American Phytopathological Society, St. Paul, MN. <br /> <br /> Rosenberger, D.A., Meyer, F.W., Rugh, A.L., and Christiana, R.W. 2008. Controlling blue mold in stored apples with pyraclostrobin and boscalid used alone or in combinations, 2006-07. Plant Disease Management Reports (online). Report 2:PF043. DOI:10.1094/PDMR02. The American Phytopathological Society, St. Paul, MN. <br /> <br /> Rosenberger, D.A., Meyer, F.W., Rugh, A.L., and Christiana, R.W. 2008. Effects of rate and mixing partners on efficacy of Scholar for controlling postharvest decays of apples, 2006-07. Plant Disease Management Reports (online). Report 2:PF044. DOI:10.1094/PDMR02. The American Phytopathological Society, St. Paul, MN. <br /> <br /> Rosenberger, D.A., Meyer, F.W., Rugh, A.L., and Christiana, R.W. 2008. Effectiveness of postharvest apple fungicides used alone or with Captec, 2006-07. Plant Disease Management Reports (online). Report 2:PF046. DOI:10.1094/PDMR02. The American Phytopathological Society, St. Paul, MN. <br /> <br /> Roze, L., Beaudry, R.M., Arthur, A.E., Calvo, A.M., and Linz, J. E. 2007. Aspergillus volatiles regulate aflatoxin synthesis and asexual sporulation in Aspergillus parasiticus. Appl. Env. Microbiol. 73:7268-7276.<br /> <br /> Rudell, D.R., J.P. Mattheis, and E.A. Curry. 2008. Pre-storage UV-white light irradiation alters apple peel metabolome. J. Agric. Food Chem. 56:1138-1147.<br /> <br /> Rushing, J.W. and C.S. Walsh. 2006. The United States Food and Drug Administrations approach to training international suppliers in food safety and security. HortTechnology. 16:566-569.<br /> <br /> Saladie, M., A.J. Matas, I. Tal, M.A. Jenks, S.M. Goodwin, K.J. Niklas, R. Xiaolin, J.M. Labavich, K.A. Shakel, A.R. Fernie, A. Lytovchenko, M.A. O'Neill, C.B. Watkins, and J. Rose. 2007. A re-evaluation of the key factors that influence tomato fruit softening and integrity. Plant Physiol. 144:1012-1028.<br /> <br /> Schotsmans, W., G. Braun, J. DeLong and R.K. Prange. 2008. Temperature and controlled atmosphere effects on efficacy of Muscodor albus as a biofumigant. Biol. Control 44:101-110.<br /> <br /> Shin, Y., R.H. Liu, J.F. Nock, D. Holliday, and C.B. Watkins. 2007. 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Impact Statements

1. Increased profitability can be achieved by production of higher quality varieties with greater resistance to decay and disorders.
2. Food safety can be increased by using less or non-toxic alternatives to control disease and insects.
3. Eating quality can be enhanced or maintained near optimum by selecting better varieties and by adopting new storage techniques.

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