NE103: Postharvest Physiology of Fruits

(Multistate Research Project)

Status: Inactive/Terminating

Project Menu

SAES-422 Reports

Annual/Termination Reports:

[04/08/2003] [06/24/2003]

Date of Annual Report: 04/08/2003

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 08/09/2002 - 08/11/2002
Period the Report Covers: 10/01/2001 - 09/01/2002

Participants

Seem, Bob (res4@cornell.edu)-Cornell, NYSAES;
Beaudry, Randy (beaudry@msu.edu)-MSU;
Fernaqdez-Trujillo;
Pablo Juan (jf68es@teleline.es)-University Polit. Cartagena;
Calvo, Gabriela (gcalvo@correo.inta.gov.as)-INTA, Argentina;
Harker, Roger (rharker@hortresearch.co.NZ)- Hort Research, New Zealand; Golding, John (john.golding@agra.nsw.gov.au)- NSW Agriculture, Australia; Fellman, John (fellman@wsu.edu)- WSU;
Chu, George (gchu@uoguelph.ca)- University of Guelph;
Weis, Sarah (sweis@pssci.umass.edu)- Univ. of Massachusetts;
Reed, Nate (anr2@psu.edu)- Penn State;
Whitaker, Bruce (whitakeb@ba.ars.usda.gov)- USDA/ARS Beltsville, MD;
Kader, Adel (aakader@ucdavis.edu)- UCDavis;
Kupferman, Gene (kupfer@wsu.edu)- WSU;
Lau, O.L. (Sam) (laus@agr.gc.ca)- PARC;
Summerland, B.C.;
Solomes, Theo (ts22@umail.umo.edu)- Dept N.R.S.L. Univ. MD;
Lurie, Susan (slurie@ucdavis.edu)- Volcani Center, ISRAEL;
Mueller, Ron (rmueller@uogrelph.ca)- Univ. of Guelph;
Maclean, Dan (maclean@uoguelph.ca)- Univ. of Guelph;
Livesque, Guy (glevesqu@uoguelph.ca)- Univ. of Guelph;
Perkins-Veazie, Penelope (pperkins-usda@lane.ag.org)- USDA, Lange, OK;
Chen, Paul (paul.chen@orst.edu)- Mid-Columbia Ag. Res. Ext.. Crt., OSU, Hood River, OR;
DeEll (JDeEll@omaf.gov.on.ca)- Ontario Ministry of Agric. and Food;
Murr, Dennis (dmurr@uoguelph.ca)- Univ. of Guelph;
McGlasson, Barry (b.mcglasson@uws.edu.au)- UWS;
Hrazdina, Geza (gh10@cornell.edu)- Cornell-Geneva;
Purvis, Albert (purvis@tifton.uga.edu)- Univ. of Georgia;
Watkins, Chris (cbw3@cornell)- Cornell Univ.;
Mitcham, Beth (ejmitcham@ucdavis.edu)- UCDavis

Brief Summary of Minutes

Minutes Attachment:

Attachment

Accomplishments

Six new apples varieties grown in MA, PA and NC were stored for up to 6 months in either air or CA conditions at Penn State and evaluated for internal ethylene, firmness and acidity after storage. A limited number of samples were treated with 1-methyl cyclopropene (1-MCP) (PA). Honeycrisp storage characteristics varied greatly. Arlet developed greasiness in storage. Shizuka continues to perform less well than Mutsu. Cameos flavor is that of a much improved Delicious and stores better, but it is not as attractive. Florina, a scab resistant cultivar, does not maintain its flavor well during storage (MA). Incidence of soft scald and soggy breakdown in Honeycrisp apples was enhanced by late harvest and low storage temperatures, and associated with accumulations of acetaldehyde, ethanol and ethyl acetate in the flesh. (NY, Ithaca). Collaborations with the NC-140 rootstock study showed that rootstock appears to influence the maturation rate of Gala apples. (NC) Stratagies to define and optimize the quality of Washington apples, determine the potential deterioration of apples during transport and distribution, and evaluate the quality of Washington apples in retail stores in the USA are being developed (WA). The later is a cooperative study with CA, PA., NY, NC, MI, and SC. Additional studies will utilize nondestructive methods to evaluate edible quality (WA). We are also determining the relationship of firmness and soluble solids to the acceptability of Gala and Red Delicious apples to consumers (WA, OR, NZ) A 30% CO2 atmosphere appears optimal for storage of cranberry (NY, Ithaca). Large genotypic variations in antioxidant activities of nectarines, peaches, and plums are closely related to their total phenolics content. (CA). The magnitude of difference between postharvest-life based on flavor and that based on appearance of strawberries varies among cultivars and storage atmospheres. (CA). The minimum safe temperature for plantains is 10˚C (as compared to 14˚C for bananas) (CA). The optimal atmosphere for storage of pomegranates is 5 kPa O2 + 15 kPa CO2 at 7.5˚C and 90-95% RH (CA). Anjou pears stored for up to 2 months at 30F could be pre-conditioned with 100 ppm ethylene in-transit for 7 days at 45F or 3 days at 60F. Pre-conditioned fruit arrived in the retail markets with proper ripeness and good dessert quality (OR). Consumer acceptance of peaches is highly related to SSC:TA rather than SSC or TA alone (CA). 1-MCP studies have focused on the effect of storage temperatures, with the aim of minimizing the risk of chilling injury, and on developing maturity recommendations that will result in maximum benefit of the compound. 1-MCP does not appear to allow higher storage temperatures to be employed (NY, Ithaca), although it did protect fruit from a temporary malfunction of refrigeration equipment (CA). 1-MCP delayed apple aroma formation relative to untreated fruit after storage. The delay was initially 30 days at room temperature and decreased to approximately 5 days after 5 months RA. Controlled atmosphere storage delayed aroma recovery even more severely. ReTain treatment prior to harvest did not alter the response of apple fruit to 1-MCP as long as ReTain-treated fruit and nontreated fruit were harvested at the same maturity (MI). Treatment of Golden Delicious apples with 1-MCP concurrently with ethylene at 65-190 ppm effectively delayed but did not prevent fruit ripening and controlled decay (MD-USDA). MCP was very effective in inhibiting scald development in Granny Smith apples kept at 1oC for 190 d. In addition, it greatly decreased the rate of fruit softening. Similar results concerning fruit texture were observed with "Gala" apples. In both fruits, 1-MCP suppressed the rise in -farnesene and conjugated trienol content (MD). The group also explored the benefits of 1-MCP treatment for fruit other than apples. Pre-storage treatment of 100 ppb 1- MCP inhibited the normal ripening process and the development of superficial scald disorder of dAnjou pears after storage in air at 30F for 5 months (OR). Multiple applications of 1-MCP during pear storage can extend the effects on fruit ripening if repeat applications are put on before the 1-MCP effects are completely lost (CA). The efficacy of 1-MCP in delaying ripening of partially-ripe bananas was too inconsistent for commercial application (CA). Use of 1-MCP on harvested fruit to inhibit maturation can predispose fruit to decay, but heat treatment or application of a biological antagonist are capable of preventing this increase in decay. The antagonist was most effective in controlling bitter rot, whereas heat treatment was better for control of blue mold (MD-USDA). Modified atmosphere packaging and a mixture of biocontrol organisms maintained postharvest life of red raspberries. Aroma retention was particularly sensitive to MA (WA, Pullman). Treatment of blueberries with UV-C light does not decrease decay (OK). Apricots and plums stored at 00C do not benefit from pre-storage fumigation of thymol vapor (ONT). Neither incidence nor severity of brown rot was affected by constant ethylene exposure on stone fruits wound inoculated with Monilinia fructicola. Similarly, ethylene did not affect gray mold nesting ability on table grapes artificially inoculated with Botrytis cinerea (CAEthyoxyquin and diphenylamine were most effective among a group of antioxidants and fruit coatings at reducing Bartlett pear fruit susceptibility to skin browning from vibration damage. A series of treatments are under exploration for control of insect pests that interfere with trade of fresh fruit. Treatment of table grapes with Silwet L-77 can provide effective control of numerous surface pests without harm to grape quality. Treatment of Bing sweet cherries with hot water to control codling moth larvae was fairly well tolerated, but stem quality problems will likely limit the use of this treatment method. Radio frequency treatments show more promise. Antisense ACS ‘Royal Gala‘ fruits had reduced ethylene production and softening indicating improved storability (NY, Geneva). When 1-MCP was used to inhibit the onset of the climacteric, the accumulation of ACS transcripts was completely inhibited while there was no effect on expression of the ACO gene. Expression of the ers1 ethylene receptor was also inhibited (MD). Bicarbonate and ascorbic acid activation of 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate (ACC) oxidase has been characterized (MI). Several studies are addressing the development of aroma in apples. ‘Redchief Delicious‘ apple fruit tissue was analyzed for the ability to metabolize 1-pentanol and synthesize constitutive esters and alcohols under anoxic and aerobic conditions. The biosynthetic rates of all esters increased as a result of air exposure (WA, Pullman). ADH is up-regulated in stressed tissue and particularly under anaerobic or low O2 levels. ADH has broad substrate specificity for alcohols and aldehydes and may serve to detoxify noxious metabolites in concert with the activity of alcohol acetyl transferase (MI). Banana fruit produced esters well after the biosynthetic capacity developed. It appears that alcohol supply initially limits ester production. Late in ripening, unsaturated esters increase, suggesting membrane breakdown helps supply precursors during senescence (MI). Apples receiving the most postharvest light produced the most anthocyanins. Optimal color development after harvest was achieved at 20-25 C, while at lower temperatures, color development was slowed. Reversibility of lychee pericarp red color in relation to pericarp pH, activity of polyphenol oxidase, and particle size of brown pigment is under study (ONT). Following CA storage analytical and sensory trials were conducted on fruit that were exposed to naturally occurring volatile components. Sensory panels were able to detect a significant difference between treated and control fruit but had no preference (PA). A consumer sensory evaluation of 1-MCP treated Red Delicious resulted in no significant flavor differences between treatments but a significantly higher texture associated with 1-MCP treatment was found (PA). Our studies suggest that insects damage plant organs using cell wall-degrading enzymes, much like pathogens do and that plant defenses to attacks that involve wall-digesting enzymes like PG may be similar in the plant-pathogen and plant-insect interactions (CA). Studies of the signaling roles of pectin-derived oligosaccharides (PDOs) in regulating fruit ripening and plant responses to insects and pathogens (CA). Studies with tomato fruit having transgenically suppressed PG and expansin gene expression indicate that the fruits have modified cell wall digestion and soften slightly less than wild-type fruit. Studies of mealy texture during the ripening of chilled peaches are examining ripening-related cell wall metabolism in terms of polysaccharide structure change and enzyme activities (CA). Activities of antioxidant enzymes have been studied in relation to susceptibility of fruit to superficial scald. No consistent relationships were identified (NY, Ithaca). To determine how synthesis of α-farnesene in apple fruit is regulated, genes encoding key enzymes of the biosynthetic pathway are being cloned and characterized (MD-USDA). Work has continued to understand the mechanism by which DPA reduces superficial scald (a form of chilling injury). DPA inhibited oxygen, decreased membrane potential, and negated the uncoupling effect of 1040DNP (GA). Use of a chromotropic nitrone spin trapping agent showed the presence of two principal farnesyl-nitrone adducts is related to development of scald in apples (WA). Several tomato lines transformed with an antisense construct of a phospholipase D (PLD cDNA bore fruit with 75-80% lower PLD mRNA than wild-type fruit (MD-USDA). Data indicate that HMGR1 is not a regulatory step in -farnesene biosynthesis, and its expression is greatly enhanced by low O2 (MD). A clinical feeding trial indicated that watermelon lycopene is bioavailable to humans without a heat treatment (OK). Future Work We will continue work evaluating materials from the NE-183 cultivar trials, and emphasis on postharvest handling of Honeycrisp will continue. An emphasis on reducing storage disorders and improving the flavor and nutritional quality of fruit will guide our studies. We will continue to evaluate the benefits and risks of using 1-MCP on apples, pears and other fruits to extend storage life, reduce handling costs and improve fruit quality. Alternative methods to control decay and insects on fruit crops after harvest will continue to be studied, including sanitation measures, safer chemicals, controlled atmospheres, heat treatments and biological control. The biology underlying the various fruit characteristics and disorders will continue to be studied to increase our understanding so as to improve our ability to develop effective control measures, such as development of resistant cultivars.

Publications

Baritelle, A.L., G.M. Hyde, J.K. Fellman and J.Varith 2001.Using 1-MCP to inhibit the influence of ripening on impact properties of pear and apple tissue. Postharvest Biol.Technol. 23:153-160. Beaudry, R.M. 2002 Modified Atmosphere Packaging. In The Commercial Storage of Fruits, Vegetables, and Florist and Nursery Stocks, USDA Handbook 66, K. Gross, ed. (in press). Beaudry, R.M. 2002 Modified Atmosphere Packaging. In The Commercial Storage of Fruits, Vegetables, and Florist and Nursery Stocks, USDA Handbook 66, K. Gross, ed. (in press). Blom, T.J., W. Brown, C.L. Chu, W.T. Liu, L. Skog. 2002. Easter lilies react differently to short- or long-term exposure of ethylene or methane at different stages of forcing. HortTechnology 12:91-94. Boyhan, G. E., W. M. Randle, A. C. Purvis, P. M. Lewis, R. L. Torrance, D. E. Curry and D. O. Linton. 2001. Evaluation of growth stimulants on short-day onions. HortTechnology 11:38-42. Camara Hurtado M., Greve LC, Labavitch JM. 2002. Changes in cell wall pectins accompanying tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) paste manufacture. J. Agric. Food Chem. 50:273-278. Chardonnet, C.O., Sams, C.E., Conway, W.S., Mount, J.R., Draughon, F.A. 2001. Osmotic dehydration of apple slices using a sucrose/CaCl2 combination to control spoilage caused by Botrytis cinerea, Colletotrichum acutatum, and Penicillium expansum. J. Food Prot. 64:1425-1429. Chardonnet, C.O., Sams, C.E., Conway, W.S., Draughon, F.A., Mount, J.R. 2002. Osmotic dehydration of apple slices with CaCl2 and sucrose limits decay caused by Penicillium expansum, Colletotrichum acutatum, and Botrytis cinerea and does not promote Listeria monocytogenes or total aerobic population growth. J. Food Prot. 65:172-177. Chen, P.M., D.M. Varga and C.F. Seavert. 2002. Developing a Value-added Fresh-cut ‘D‘Anjou‘ Pear Product. HortTechnology (Submitted). Chu, C.L. and S.L. Wang. 2001. Effect of cutting style, low-oxygen atmosphere and cold temperature on the respiration rate of minimally processed vegetables. Acta Horticulturae 553(2):691-692. Chu, C.L., W.T. Liu, and J.H. Ma. Use of individual wrap with a food packaging film to extend the postharvest life of radishes. Postharvest Unlimited Conference. Leuven, Belgium, June 11-14, 2002. PH2. (Abst.). Poster. Chu, C.L., W.T. Liu, and T. Zhou. 2001. Fumigation of sweet cherries with low levels of thymol and acetic acid to reduce postharvest brown rot and blue mold rot. Fruits 56(2):123-130. Chu, C.L., W.T. Liu, and J.H. Ma. Use of individual wrap with a food packaging film to extend the postharvest life of radishes. Acta Horticulturae (Accepted). Clayton, M., W.V. Biasi, I.T. Agar, S.M. Southwick, and E.J. Mitcham. 2002. Postharvest quality of Bing cherries following preharvest treatment with hydrogen cyanimide, calcium ammonium nitrate, or gibberellic acid. HortScience (in press). Dilley, D.R., Wang, Zhenyong and Kadyrzhanova, D.K. 2002. Mechanism of bicarbonate and ascorbic acid activation of 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate oxidase. Fellman, J.K., Miller, T.W., Mattinson, D.S., and Mattheis, J.P. 2000. Factors that influence biosynthesis of volatile flavor compounds in apple fruits. HortScience 35:1026-1033. Fernandez-Trujllo, J. P., Nock, J.F., Watkins, C.B. 2001. Superficial scald, carbon dioxide injury, and changes of fermentation products and organic acids in Cortland and Law Rome apple fruit after high carbon dioxide stress treatment. J. Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci. 126: 235-241. Fish, W.W., Perkins Veazie, P., and Collins, J.K. 2002. A quantitative assay for lycopene that utilizes reduced volumes of organic solvents. J. Food Composition Analysis, 15:309 317. Golding, J.B., Wang, Z. and Dilley, D.R. 2001. Role alcohol dehydrogenase in preventing superficial scald in apples. Acta Horticultrae ( in press ). Golding, J.B., Wang, Z. and Dilley, D.R. 2001. Effects of 1-methylcyclopropene and light on postharvest color development in apples. Acta Horticultrae ( in press ). Gunes, G., Watkins, C.B., Hotchkiss, J.H. 2001. Physiological responses of fresh-cut apple slices under high CO2 and low O2 partial pressures. Postharvest Biol. Technol. 22: 197-204. Gunes, G., Hotchkiss, J.H., Watkins, C.B. 2001. Effects of gamma irradiation on the texture of minimally processed apple slices. J. Food Sci. 66:63-67. Hernandez, M.S., Fernandez-Trujllo, J.P., Martinez, O., Barrera, J., Watkins, C.B. 2001. Modified atmosphere packaging of Araza (Eugenia stipitata Mc Vaugh) fruit. Refrigeration Sci. Technol. Proc. 2: 666-672 Holley, S.L., C.G. Edwards, J.H. Thorngate, J.K. Fellman, D.S. Mattinson, E.J. Sorensen, and R.H. Dougherty. 2000. Chemical characterization of different lines of Daucus carota L. roots. J. Food Qual. 23(5): 487-502 Hrazdina, G., Kiss, E., Galli, Z., Rosenfield,C.L., Norelli, J.L. Aldwinckle, H.S. (2002) Down regulation of ethylene production in Royal Gala apples. Acta Horticulturae, In Press Jayanty, S., J. Song, N.M. Rubinstein, A. Chong, and R.M. Beaudry. 2002. Temporal relationship between ester biosynthesis and ripening events in banana fruit. J. Amer. Soc. Hortic. Sci. (In Press). Legnani, G., Watkins, C.B., Miller, W.B. 2002. Use of low-oxygen atmospheres to inhibit sprout elongation of dry-sale Asiatic lily bulbs. Acta Horticulturae 570:183-189. Kader, A.A. 2001. Quality assurance of harvested horticultural perishables. Acta Horticulturae 553:51-55. Kader, A.A. (editor) 2001. CA bibliography (1981-2000) and CA recommendations (2001) CD ROM. University of California, Postharvest Technology Center, Postharvest Horticulture Series No. 22. Kader, A.A., (editor) 2002. Postharvest technology of horticultural crops. Third edition. University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources, Publication 3311, 535p. Kader, A.A. 2002. Fruits in the global market. p. 1-16, in: M. Knee (editor). Fruit quality and its biological basis. Sheffield Academic Press, Sheffield, UK. Kader, A.A. 2002. Opportunities in using biotechnology to maintain postharvest quality and safety of fresh produce. HortScience 37:467-468. Kader, A.A. 2002. Modified atmospheric storage, p. 504-505, in: Encyclopedia of Pest Management, Marcell Dekker, Inc., New York. Leung, S.K., C.L. Chu, and M. Kawaji. Effect of anthocyanin, polyphenol oxidase, and the pH of pericarp on the fresh appearance of lychee. Acta Horticulturae (Accepted). Leung, S.K., C.L. Chu, and M. Kawaji. Effect of anthocyanin, polyphenol oxidase, and the pH of pericarp on the fresh appearance of lychee. Postharvest Unlimited Conference. Leuven, Belgium, June 11-14, 2002. PA52. (Abst.). Poster. Leverentz, B., Conway, W.S., Alavidze, Z., Janisiewicz, W.J., Fuchs, Y., Camp, M.J., Chighladze, E., Sulakvelidze, A. 2001. Examination of bacteriophage as a biocontrol method for Salmonella on fresh-cut fruit: A model study. J. Food Prot. 64:1116-1121. Liu, W.T., C.L. Chu, and T. Zhou. 2002. Thymol and acetic acid vapors reduce postharvest brown rot of apricots and plums. HortScience 37:151-156. Ma, S.S and P. M. Chen. 2002. Storage Disorder and Ripening Behavior of Doyenne du Comice Pears in Relation to Storage Conditions. J. Postharvest Biology and Technology (Accepted). Mattheis, J., J.K. Fellman. 2000. Impacts of modified atmosphere packaging and controlled atmospheres on aroma, flavor, and quality of horticultural commodities. HortTechnology 10: 507-510. Maw, B. W., A. C. Purvis and B. G. Mullinix. 2002. Enhancing the performance of the CPES sweet onion harvester. Appl. Eng. in Agri. 18:23-28. Mir, N., and R.M. Beaudry 2002 Atmosphere Control Using Oxygen and Carbon Dioxide. In Fruit Quality and its Biological Basis M. Knee, ed. Sheffield Academic Press, Sheffield, U.K. Mir, N. and R.M. Beaudry. 2001. Use of 1-MCP to reduce the requirement for refrigeration in the storage of apple fruit. Proc. 4th Intl. Conf. on Postharvest Physiology, Acta Hort, 553:577-580. Mir, N. and R.M. Beaudry. 2001. Use of a gas-release patch to regulate ethylene-mediated plant responses. Proc. 4th Intl. Conf. on Postharvest Physiology, Acta Hort, 553:581-582. Mir, N. and R.M. Beaudry. 2001. Interplay of O2 and C2H4 on climacteric respiration. Proc. 4th Intl. Conf. on Postharvest Physiology, Acta Hort, 553:651-655. Palou, L., Crisosto, C. H., Garner, D., Basinal, L. M. 2002. Effect of continuous exposure to exogenous ethylene during cold storage on postharvest decay development and quality attributes of stone fruits and table grapes. Postharvest Biol. Technol. In press. Palou, L., Crisosto, C. H. 2002. Postharvest treatments to reduce the harmful effects of ethylene on apricots. Acta Hort. In press. Pechous, S.W., Whitaker, B.D. 2002. Cloning and bacterial expression of a 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase cDNA (HMG1) from peel tissue of apple fruit. J. Plant Physiol. 159:907-916. Perkins-Veazie, P. and J.K. Collins. Contributions of nonvolatile phytochemicals to nutrition and flavor. HortTechnology 11(4):25-32, 2001. Perkins-Veazie, P., and Collins, J.K. 2002. Quality of erect-type blackberry fruit after short intervals of controlled atmosphere storage. Postharvest Biol.Technol. 25:235-239. Perkins-Veazie, P., Collins, J.K., Pair, S. and Roberts, W. 2001. Lycopene content differs among red-fleshed watermelon cultivars. J. Sci. Food Agric.81:983-987. Popov, V. N., A. C. Purvis, V. P. Skulachev and A. M. Wagner. 2001. Stress-induced changes in ubiquinone concentration and alternative oxidase in plant mitochondria. Biosci. Rep. 21:369-379. Prusky, D., McEvoy, J.L., Leverentz, B., Conway, W.S. 2001. Local modulation of host pH by Colletotrichum species as a mechanism to increase virulence. Mol. Plant-Microbe Interact. 14:1105-1113. Purvis, A. C. 2001. Regulation and role of the alternative oxidase in chilling injury of green bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L.). Acta Hort. 553:289-291. Purvis, A. C. 2002. Diphenylamine reduces chilling injury of green bell pepper fruit. Postharvest Biol. Technol. 25:41-48. Purvis, A. C. 2001. Reduction of superoxide production by mitochondria oxidizing NADH in the presence of organic acids. J. Plant Physiol. 158:159-165. Purvis, A. C. 2002. How respiring plant cells limit the production of active oxygen species. In: D. M. Hodges (ed.) Postharvest Oxidative Stress in Horticultural Crops. Chap. 8. Haworth Press/Food Products Press, NY. (in press). Purvis, A. C. and J. Brock. 2002. Does Botrytis allii spread from infected onions to sound onions in controlled atmosphere storage? Acta Hort. (in press). Reed, A.N. 2002. Packing. In: T.A. Baugher and S. Singha (eds.). Concise encyclopedia of temperate tree fruit. The Haworth Press, New York. In press. Reed, A.N. 2002. Storing and Handling Fruit. In: T.A. Baugher and S. Singha (eds.). Concise encyclopedia of temperate tree fruit. The Haworth Press, New York. In press. Reed, A.N. 2002. Harvest and Postharvest Handling. In: R. M. Crassweller (ed.) 2002 2003 Pennsylvania Tree Fruit Production Guide. Penn State University. pp 213-223. Reed, A. N. 2001. Fruit Postharvest Problems and Solutions Facing the Industry. Pennsylvania Fruit News 81(4):28-37 Reed, A. N. 2002. Harvest Maturity of Apples and Predictive Modeling. Pennsylvania Fruit News 82(2):38-43. Reed, A. N. 2002. Effects of SmartFresh (1-MCP) and Controlled Atmosphere Storage on Eight Apple Varieties. Pennsylvania Fruit News 82(2):43-48. Reed, A. N. 2002. Progress Report on Storage of York Imperial as Affected by 1-MCP and Controlled Atmosphere Storage. Pennsylvania Fruit News 82(2):49. Rudell, D.R., Mattinson, D.S., Mattheis, J.P. and Fellman, J.K. 2000. The progression of ethylene production and respiration in the tissues of ripening Fuji apple fruit. HortScience 35:1300-1303. Simpson, T., V. Bikoba, E. J. Mitcham. Submitted May 2002. Effects of acetaldehyde on fruit quality and target pest mortality for harvested strawberries. Postharvest Biol. Technol. Skog, L. and C.L. Chu. 2001. Effect of Ozone on Qualities of Fruits and Vegetables in Cold Storage. Can. J. Plant Sci. 81:773-778 Skog, L. and C.L. Chu. 2001. Ozone technology for shelf life extension of fruits and vegetables. Acta Horticulturae 553(2):431-432. Sozzi GO,., FraschinaAA, Navarro AA, Cascone O, Greve LC, Labavitch JM. 2002. -L-arabinofuranosidase activity during development and ripening of normal and antisense ACC synthase tomato fruit. HortSci. 37:564-566. Sozzi GO, Greve LC, Prody GA, Labavitch JM. 2002. Gibberellic acid, synthetic auxins, and ethylene differentially modulate -L-arabinosidase activities in antisense ACC synthase tomato pericarp discs. A high molecular-weight isoform is a zinc-dependent enzyme. Plant Physiol. 129:1330-1340. Tipping, C., V. Bikoba, G.J. Chander, and E.J. Mitcham. In final review July 2002. Efficacy of Silwet L-77 against several arthropods pests of table grape. J. Econ. Entomol. Tomas-Barbearn, F.A., M.I. Gil, P. Cremin, A.L. Waterhouse, B. Hess-Pierce, and A.A. Kader. 2001. HPLC-DAD-ESIMS analysis of phenolic compounds in nectarines, peaches, and plums. J. Agric. Food Chem. 49:4748-4760. Wang, S., J. Tang, J.A. Johnson, E. Mitcham, J.D. Hansen, R.P. Cavalieri, J. Bower and B. Biasi. 2002. Process protocols based on radio frequency energy to control field and storage pests in in-shell walnuts. Postharvest Biol. Technol. (in press) Wszelaki, A.L. and E.J. Mitcham. 2002. Effect of combinations of hot water dips, biological control and controlled atmospheres for control of gray mold on harvested strawberries. Postharvest Biol. Technol. (in press) Zhou, T., C.L. Chu, W.T. Liu, and K.E. Schneider. 2001. Postharvest control of blue mold and gray mold on apples using isolates of Pseudomonas syringae. Can. J. Plant Pathology 23:246-252. Zhu, M., C.L. Chu, S.L. Wang, and R.W. Lencki. 2002. Predicting oxygen and carbon dioxide partial pressures within modified atmosphere packages of cut rutabaga. J. Food Sci. 67(2) 714-720. Wang, Z. and Dilley, D.R. 2001. Aminoethoxyvinylglycine, combined with ethephon, can enhance red color development without over-ripening apples. HortScience. 36:328-331. Dilley, D.R., Kadyrzhanova, D. and Wang. Z. 2001. Mechanism of carbon dioxide activation of 1- aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate(ACC) oxidase. Acta Horticulturae 553:143-144.. Wang, Z and Dilley, D.R. 2001. Initial low oxygen stress controls scald of apples without postharvest chemical treatments. Acta Horticulturae 553:261-266. Villavicencio, L., S.M. Blankenship, D.C. Sanders, and W.H. Swallow. 2001. Ethylene and carbon dioxide production in attached fruits of pepper cultivars during ripening. Scientia Hort. 1644: 1-8. Vlachonasios, K., Kadyrzhanova, D.K. and Dilley, D.R. 2001. Heat treatment prevents chilling injury of tomato fruits: Involvement of heat shock genes and and heat shock proteins in the resistance of tomato fruit to low temperatures. Acta Horticulturae 553:543-547. Wyllie, S.G., and J.K. Fellman. 2000. Formation of branched-chain esters in bananas (Musa sapientum L.). J. Agr. Food Chem.. 48:3493-3496. Wang, Z. and Dilley, D.R. 2001. ReTain (AVG), combined with ethephon, can enhance red color development without over-ripening apples. Proc. Mich. State Hort. Soc. 130:123-130. Watkins, C.B. 2002. Ethylene synthesis, mode of action, consequences and control. In: Fruit Quality and its Biological Basis. Knee, M. (ed). Sheffield Academic Press. p180-224. Watkins, C.B., Pritts, M.P. 2001. The influence of cultivar on postharvest performance of fruits and vegetables. Acta Horticulturae 553:59-63. Watkins, C.B., Fernandez-Trujillo, J.P, Nock, J.F. 2001. Fermentation products and succinate in two apple cultivars with different tolerances to carbon dioxide. Acta Horticulturae 553:273-274. U.S. Patent No. 6,284,483. Modified Synthetases to Produce Penicillins and Cephaolsporins under Control by Bicarbonate. Dilley, D.R., Kadyrzhanova, D.K, Wang, Zhenyong and Warner, T.M.. 9/5/01.

Impact Statements

Information generated should help the apple industry fine tune their postharvest practices and increase the quality of fruit sent to market
Because PGIP can provide a degree of biological enhancement of resistance to pathogens and, perhaps, amelioration of insect damage, use of PGIP (either through molecular approaches or as a selection guide in conventional breeding programs) may reduce the use of chemical control agents in the field and postharvest.
Learning the best time to harvest these new cultivars for flavor and storage potential and their probable storage lives makes it less risky for apple growers to try new cultivars which appeal to consumers. Disease resistance in some new cultivars benefits growers as well
Reduction of postharvest application of chemicals and drenches reduces costs and also benefits the environment.
Increasing calcium concentration in apples improves quality and storage life.

Date of Annual Report: 06/24/2003

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 06/11/2003 - 06/12/2003
Period the Report Covers: 10/01/2002 - 09/01/2003

Participants

Mitcham, Elizabeth (ejmitcham@ucdavis.edu)- UCDavis, Pomology;
Beaudry, Randy (beaudry@msu.edu)- Michigan State Univ.;
Lee, Yuen (yLee@udc.edu)- Univ. of D.C.;
Rao, Ram (rrao@csrees.usda.gov)- CSREES-USDA;
Blankenship, Sylvia (sylvia_blankenship@ncsu.edu)- NC State Univ.;
Rosenberger, Dave (dar@cornell.edu)- Cornell's Hudson Valley Lab;
Chu, George (gchu@uoguelph.ca)- Univ. of Guelph;
Fellman, John (fellman@wsu.edu)- WSU, Pullman;
Purvis, Al (purvis@tifton.uga.edu)- Univ. of Georgia;
Whitaker, Bruce (whitakeb@ba.ars.usda.gov)- USDA-ARS Beltsville, MD;
Stotz, Hennik (stotahe@science.orgeonstate.edu)- Oregon State Univ.;
Prange, Robert (Pranger@agr.gc.ca)- AAFC-AFHRC, Kentville, N.S;
Hrazdina, Geza (gh10@cornell.edu)- Cornell, Geneva;
Zheng, Desen (DZ19@cornell.edu)- Cornell, Geneva;
DeEll, Jennifer (JDeEll@omaf.gov.on.ca)- OMAF, Simcoe, ONT;
Lurie, Susan (slurie@ucdavis.edu)- UCDavis;
Solomes, Theo (tse@mail.umd.edu)- Univ. Maryland;
Lau, O.L. (Sam) (laus@agr.gc.ca)- Okanagan Federated Shippers Assoc., B.C.; Weis, Sarah (sweis@pssci.umass.edu)- Univ. of Massachusetts

Brief Summary of Minutes

Minutes Attachment:

Attachment

Accomplishments

Several are working with Honeycrisp apples, focusing on crop load, harvest maturity, delayed cooling, storage temperature and CA regimes (NS). A postharvest delay in cold storage treatment has been developed for Honeycrisp apples that will eliminate soft scald and soggy breakdown development (MA, NY-Ithaca, NS). Evaluation of storage potential of Golden Supreme, Shizuka, Cameo, Ambrosia and Pink Lady continue (MA, BC). Polyphenolics from six plum cultivars applied to two human cancer cell lines showed antiproliferative activities in a dose-dependent manner. French Damson plums showed the highest growth inhibitory effects, whereas Stanly showed the lowest. There was a good correlation between total phenolics and IC50 values (NY-Geneva). During storage of Bartlett pears, if fruit were stored at -1:C, there was no need to scrub ethylene from the environment. (CA). Harvest maturity of Gala effects fruit response to 1-MCP (NC). It has been shown that delays before treatment of up to 8 days can reduce but not eliminate the effectiveness of 1-MCP on maintenance of fruit quality (NY-Ithaca). For British Columbia apples, 1-MCP had to be applied early to be effective. 1-MCP reduced scald in air-stored Granny Smith, Delicious, McIntosh, Spartan and Fuji and was less effective than CA storage in controlling scald. 1-MCP increased soft scald in CA-stored fruit (BC). 1-MCP can be effective on both McIntosh and Cortland apples; contrary to some previous reports. Its efficacy on both cultivars is not improved with a second application (NS). 1-MCP treatment substantially reduced superficial scald development on McIntosh and Cortland, and eliminated it on Delicious, thus eliminating the need for chemical control of scald through post harvest drenches (MA) . Hydrophobic volatile production in 1-MCP-treated Delicious apples was similar or exceeded the control after storage, while it was non-existent in 1-MCP-treated Gala. Superficial scald development in Delicious was reduced significantly by 1-MCP. (ONT). A split application of ReTain has more effect on maturity of Gala than a single application. When 1-MCP is applied to ReTain treated fruit the effects are greater than when either compound is used alone (NC). No significant benefit from pre-harvest ReTain application has been observed on Empire over the past 4 years. Use of DPA to control CO2 injury could be eliminated provided Empire apple fruit were harvested at proper maturity, treated with 1-MCP and stored in low O2 CA with levels of CO2 below the recommended 2% (ONT). There was no significant difference in disease incidence between 1-MCP-treated and non-treated apples that had been wounded and inoculated with P. expansum or TBZR Botrytis cinerea. However, in wounded non-inoculated Empire apples variable natural decays were observed. With the exception of apples stored in air, a higher percentage of decays were observed in 1-MCP-treated apples. No significant antagonistic interaction was observed between 1-MCP and SCHOLAR and MERTECT treatments, and better control of blue mold was achieved with SCHOLAR on 1-MCP treated apples (ONT). Decay of wound-inoculated Golden Delicious apples by Colletotrichum acutatum or Penicillium expansum during and after 0 0C storage was prevented by heat treatment at 38 0C for four days in combination with a heat tolerant biocontrol agent (yeast species). Sodium bicarbonate alone had no benefit but improved the efficacy of the biocontrol agents without heat treatment (USDA-MD). For 1-MCP treatment of Bartlett pears, it is critical that fruit be harvested and treated with 1-MCP at optimum maturity (ONT). Harvest maturity influences the response of Bartlett pears to 1-MCP, but fruit can be treated after a period of cold storage if they have not initiated the climacteric (CA). The lack of any 1-MCP effect on the two highbush blueberry cultivars studied shows that 1-MCP is not beneficial to all horticultural crops (NS). Tests of diffusion of 1-MCP through fiberboard boxes and plastic liners containing tray packed apples showed that 16 hours was sufficient for the 1-MCP to reach all apples in all trays. Smoke machines were used to test air tightness of tractor trailers for 1-MCP treatment. Doors seals had to be improved to achieve at tight container (NC). Researchers in Nova Scotia have discovered that chlorophyll fluorescence can be used to determine the lowest acceptable oxygen concentration in chlorophyll-containing fruits. A chlorophyll fluorescence system (HarvestWatch) has been developed with a commercial partner (Satlantic Inc.) that can be used to continuously monitor fruits under CA conditions and control the oxygen at its lowest acceptable concentration (NS). Diphenylamine and ethyoxyquin were shown to reduce skin browning of Bartlett pears subjected to vibration. Susceptibility to skin browning is related to fruit firmness (CA). Various alternative treatments to control insects after harvest are under investigation. Radio frequency heating controls insect pests in walnuts and almonds with no negative effects on kernel quality (CA). Hot water treatments control codling moths in sweet cherry but stem browning may limit application. Radio frequency heating may show more promise (CA). A GRAS fumigant, ethyl formate, shows promise for control of insect pests on table grapes; when used immediately following SO2 fumigation, grape tolerance is good (CA). Objective 3: To expand fundamental knowledge to improve and create new technologies to assure high quality and wholesomeness of fruit and enhance market opportunities A comparison of the effects of MCP, 1.5% O2, and MCP + 1.5% O2 showed that the latter treatment was more effective in inhibiting the onset of the ethylene climacteric and suppressing ACS and ERS1 transcripts. The combined application of MCP and 1.5% O2 was very effective in retarding the onset of the climacteric in Granny Smith apples held at 6˚C for 203 days, and inhibiting the accumulation of ACS transcripts. Treatment of apples with MCP, 1.5% O2 and MCP plus 1.5% O2 at different stages showed that the latter treatment was more effective in inhibiting the rate of C2H4 evolution and suppression of accumulation of ACS and ERS1 transcripts. None of the treatments affected the expression of ACO (MD). Data suggest that our strategy to extend storage life of apples through down regulation of ethylene production provides a viable alternative to controlled atmospheric storage (NY-Geneva). Suppression of tomato fruit PG or Expansin synthesis improves the consistency characteristics of processed juice (i.e., paste). Interestingly, over-expression of Expansin also improves paste consistency. Several monoclonal antibodies that recognize cell wall pectin epitopes have been used in immunohistochemical studies to characterize cell wall changes in peaches that are ripening normally and those that are ripening to a mealy texture (CA). In order to elucidate the functions and regulation of the PKS genes in raspberry, we are determining the number of aromatic polyketide synthases expressed during raspberry fruit ripening by molecular and proteomic studies. (NY-Geneva). Partial cDNAs encoding one phospholipase D (PLD) and two lipoxygenase (LOX) genes were cloned from muskmelon. Transcript levels of these genes as well as PLD and LOX enzyme activities in muskmelon fruit tissues were evaluated over the course of development and postharvest storage. PLD and LOX are thought to be involved in loss of membrane integrity during muskmelon fruit ripening and senescence (USDA-MD). Studies on the mechanism of chilling injury and involvement of the electron transport chain in the mitochondria in oxidative stress reactions continued. A 4-fold increase in the size of the ubiquinone pool was seen in mitochondria isolated from green bell peppers stored at 1 C compared to those stored at 20 C. Most of the increase was in ubiquinone-6. Ubiquinones may also be involved in stabilizing membranes in much the same manner as the sterols, such as cholesterol, and the lipid soluble antioxidants, such as α-tocopherol (GA). A terpene synthase cDNA from scald-prone Law Rome apple was functionally expressed in E. coli and proven to encode an α-farnesene synthase. A complete genomic clone was obtained for HMG2 from Law Rome, a gene thought to encode an isozyme of hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA reductase that initiates α -farnesene synthesis in apple peel tissue. Knock outs of these genes will prove or disprove the hypothesis that α -farnesene and its oxidation products are directly involved in induction of superficial scald on apple fruit (USDA-MD). Use of a chromotropic nitrone spin trapping agent determined the role of active oxygen species in apple scald development. Occurrence of reacted spintrap appears to be correlated with scald severity. Two major species of nitrone-trapped radicals related to farnesene oxidation were noted with the highest seen in fruit from RA storage that scalded severely. The amount of radicals trapped needs to reach a certain level before symptoms occur. Inhibition of apple farnesyl protein transferase, a major signal transduction protein resulted in increased levels of farnesene (WA). Differential display analysis between Granny Smith, a scald sensitive cultivar, and Gala, a resistant one, resulted in the isolation of cysteine protease cDNA which is expressed only in the peel of Granny Smith fruit (MD). Researchers in Oregon and California are generating Botrytis-resistant tomato plants using the resistant nightshade Solanum lycopersicoides. They expect that introgression of Botrytis resistance will reduce the use of fungicides to control a pathogen that is resistant to a variety of chemicals. They hope to identify QTL and eventually genes that confer disease resistance (OR). An assortment of pectin-derived oligosaccharides has been isolated from lesions caused by B. cinerea development on tomato fruits. These are to being structurally characterized and will be tested for biological activity (CA). Separate transgenic tomato lines with suppressed and over-expressed endogenous PGIP genes have been generated to test the idea that PGIP interaction with pathogen PGs leads to the production of oligosaccharide defense signals (CA). Future Plans Our new project proposal includes two new objectives that increase the focus on fruit flavor and nutritional quality and developing recommendations for the use of 1-MCP. We will continue to evaluate new and existing cultivars to determine the best methods of postharvest handling. This will include collaboration with NE183 trials and an emphasis on Honeycrisp and Ambrosia, two popular apples with postharvest challenges. We will continue to evaluate the benefits of 1-MCP application to apples and increasingly to other fruit. Commercial application methods for small-scale growers will be refined. We will continue to evaluate transgenic apple fruit with reduced ethylene synthesis and will explore the relationship between ethylene production and flavor volatile synthesis. The effects of postharvest handling and cultivar on fruit flavor and nutritional value will be explored. We will continue our study of the biology of storage scald to understand the difference between susceptible and resistant cultivars. There will continue to be emphasis on developing safer chemical or non-chemical methods to control disease and insects after harvest to improve the safety and quality of fruit.

Publications

Bedford, K.E., S.C. Probert, P.L. Sholberg, and O.L. Lau. 2002. Studies on the control of postharvest decay of apples by Penicillium expansum and Botrytis cinerea. (Abstr.) Can. J. Pathol. 24:86. Bedford, K.E., S.C. Stokes, P.L. Sholberg, and O.L. Lau. 2002. Effects of 1-MCP on postharvest decay of apples caused by Penicillium expansum and Botrytis cinerea. (Abstr.) Can. J. Plant Pathol. 24: 381 Berger, S., T. Mitchell-Olds, H.U. Stotz, (2002) Local and differential control of vegetative storage protein expression in response to herbivore damage in Arabidopsis thaliana. Physiol. Plantarum 114: 85-91. Blankenship, S.M., and J.M. Dole. 2003. 1-Methylcyclopropene: A review. Postharvest Biol. Tech. 28:1-25. Bower, J., W.V. Biasi and E.J. Mitcham. 2003. Effects of ethylene and 1-MCP on the quality and storage life of strawberries. Postharvest Biol. Technol. 28:417-423. Bower, J.H., W.V. Biasi and E.J. Mitcham. 2003. Effect of ethylene in the storage environment on quality of`Bartlett pears. Postharvest Biol. Technol. 28:371-379. Boyhan, G. E., D. B. Langston, A. C. Purvis, and C. R. Hill. 2003. Optimum plot size and number of replications with short-day onions for yield, seedstem formation, number of doubles, and incidence of foliar diseases. J. Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci. 128:409-424. Carvalho Filho, C.D., S. L. Honsrio, C. Vigneault, G.S.V. Raghavan and R.K. Prange. 2002. Tinicas de Armazenagem com a Atmosfera Modificada e Controlada. Chap. 18 (pp. 385 - 409) In: L.A.B. Cortez, S. L. Honsrio and C. L. Moretti, eds. Resfriamento de Frutas e Hortaligas. Embrapa Informagco Tecnolsgica, Brasilia, DF Brasil. 428 pp. (In Portugese). Chardonnet, C.O., G.S. Charron, C.E. Sams, W.S. Conway. 2003. Chemical changes in the cortical tissue and cell walls of calcium-infiltrated Golden Delicious apples during storage. Postharvest Biol. Technol. 28:97-111. Crisosto, C.H. and G.M. Crisosto. 2002. Understanding American and Chinese consumer acceptance of ‘Redglobe‘ table grapes. Postharvest Biology and Technology 24:155-162. Crisosto, C.H. and J.M. Labavitch. 2002. Developing a quantitative method to evaluate peach (Prunus persica) flesh mealiness. Postharvest Biology and Technology 25:151-158. 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. Crisosto, C.H., G.M. Crisosto, and M.A. Ritenour. 2002. Testing the reliability of skin color as an indicator of quality for early season ‘Brooks‘ (Prunus avium L.) cherry. Postharvest Biology and Technology 24:147-154. DeEll, J.R. and P.M.A. Toivonen. 2003. Use of chlorophyll fluorescence in postharvest quality assessments of fruits and vegetables, p. 203-242. In: J.R. DeEll and P.M.A. Toivonen (eds.), Practical Application of Chlorophyll Fluorescence in Plant Biology. Kluwer Academic Publishers, Boston, Massachusetts. DeEll, J.R., D.P. Murr, L. Wiley, and M.D. Porteous. 2003. 1-Methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) increases CO2 injury in apples. Acta Hort. 600:277-280. DeEll, J.R., D.P. Murr, M.D. Porteous and H.P.V. Rupasinghe. 2002. Influence of temperature and duration of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) treatment on apple quality. Postharvest Biol. Technol. 24: 349-353. DeEll, J.R., R.K. Prange and H. Peppelenbos. 2003. Postharvest Physiology of Fresh Fruits and Vegetables. Chapter 4 (pp. 455-483). In: A. Chakraverty, A.S. Mujumdar, G.S.V. Raghavan and H.S. Ramaswamy (Eds.) Handbook of Postharvest Technology - Cereals, Fruits, Vegetables, Tea and Spices. Marcel Dekker Inc., New York. DeLong, J.M. and R.K. Prange. 2003. Superficial Scald- A Postharvest Oxidative Stress Disorder. Chapter 5 (pp. 91-112). In: (M. Hodges, ed.) Postharvest Oxidative Stress in Horticultural Crops. Food Products Press, Haworth Press, Inc. DeLong, J.M., R.K. Prange, C. Bishop and P.A. Harrison. 2003. 1-MCP does not influence the postharvest quality of highbush blueberry. HortScience. 38: (in press). DeLong, J.M., R.K. Prange, C.J. Bishop and P.A. Harrison.2002. The influence of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) on storage quality of apple fruit. Plant Growth Regulator Society of America Annual Meeting. (Abstract - Poster presentation). DeLong, J.M., R.K. Prange, D.M. Hodges, C.F. Forney, M.C. Bishop and M. Quilliam. 2002. Using a modified ferrous oxidation-xylenol orange (FOX) assay for detection of lipid hydroperoxides in plant tissue. J. Agric. Food Chem. 50:248-254. Diaz-Perez, J. C., A. C. Purvis, and J. T. Paulk. 2003. Bolting, yield, and bulb decay of sweet onion as affected by nitrogen fertilization. J. Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci. 128:144-149. Embree, C.G., D.S. Nichols, J.M. DeLong and R.K. Prange. 2001. Certain chemical thinning treatments advance maturity of Paulared apple. Can. J. Plant Sci.81:499-501. Gil, M.I., F.A. Tomas-Barberan, B. Hess-Pierce, and A. A. Kader. 2002. Antioxidant capacities, phenolio compounds, carotenoids, and vitamin C contents of nectarine, peach, and plum cultivars from California. J. Agric. Food Chem. 50: 4976-4982. Goyette, B., C. Vigneault, N.R. Markarian, and J.R. DeEll. 2002. Design and implementation of an automated controlled atmosphere storage facility for research. Can. Biosystems Eng. 44(3):35-40. Greene, D. and S. Weis. 2001. Evaluation and Growing of Honeycrisp. International Dwarf Fruit Tree Assn.34(4) Gunes, G., .H., Liu, C.B. Watkins. 2002. Controlled atmosphere effects on postharvest quality and antioxidant activity of cranberry fruits. J. Agric. Food Chem. 50: 5932-5938. Hess-Pierce, B. and A. A. Kader. 2003. Responses of Wonderful pomegranates to controlled atmospheres. Acta Hort. 600: 751-757. Hrazdina, G., E. Kiss, Z. Galli, C. Rosenfield, J.L. Norelli, H.S. Aldwinckle, D.P. Murr and J.R. DeEll. 2003. Down regulation of ethylene production in Royal Gala apples. Acta Hort.: (in press). Hui, C.K.P., D.I. LeBlanc, C. Vigneault, J.R. DeEll and S.A. Sotocinal. 2003. Transportation and handling of fresh fruits and vegetables, p. 555-584. In: A. Chakraverty, A.S. Mujumdar, G.S.V. Raghavan and H.M. Ramaswamy (eds.), Handbook of Postharvest Technology. Marcel Dekker Inc., New York. Kader, A.A. 2003a. Physiology of CA treated produce. Acta Hort. 600: 349-354. Kader, A.A. 2003b. A summary of CA requirements and recommendations for fruits other than apples and pears. Acta Hort. 600: 737-740 Kim, D. O., Lee, K. W., Lee, H. J. and Lee, C. Y. Vitamin C equivalent antioxidant capacity (VCEAC) of phenolic phytochemicals. Journal of Agricultural and Food chemistry 50:3713-3717, 2002. Lee, K. W., Lee, H. J., Kang, K. S., Lee, C. Y. Preventive effects of vitamin C on carcinogenesis. The Lancet 359:172, 2002. Lee, K. W., Lee, H. J. and Lee, C. Y. Antioxidant activity of black tea vs. green tea. (letter) Journal of Nutrition 132(4): 785, 2002. Liu, M., Li, X. Q., Weber, C., Lee, C. Y., Brown, J. and Liu, R. H. Antioxidant and antiproliferative activities of raspberries. Journal of Agricultural and food chemistry 50:2926-2930, 2002. Lee, Ki Won and Lee, C. Y. Vitamins, diet, and cancer prevention. (letter). American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 75:1122-1123, 2002. 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. Leverentz, B., W.S. Conway, W.J. Janisiewicz, R.A. Saftner, M. J. Camp. 2003. Effect of combining MCP treatment, heat treatment, and biocontrol on redulction of postharvest decay of Golden Delicious apples. Postharvest Biol. Technol. 27:221-233. Liu, W.T., C.L. Chu and T. Zhou. 2002. Thymol and acetic acid vapors reduce postharvest brown rot of apricots and plums. HortScience 37:151-156. MacLean, D.D., D.P. Murr and J.R. DeEll. 2003. A modified TOSC assay for antioxidants in plant tissues. Postharvest Biol. Technol.: (in press). Morrelli, K.L., B.M. Hess-Pierce and A.A. Kader. 2003. Genotypic variation in chilling sensitivity of mature-green bananas and plantains. HortTechnology 13: 328-332. Palou, L., C.H. Crisosto, J.L. Smilanick, J.E. Adaskaveg and J.P. Zoffoli. 2002. Effects of continuous 0.3 ppm ozone exposure on decay development and physiological responses of peaches and table grapes in cold storage. Postharvest Biology and Technology 24:39-48. Pelayo, C., E.V. Vilas-Boas, M. Benichou, and A.A. Kader. 2003b. Variability in responses of partially ripe bananas to 1-methyl-cyclopropene. Postharv. Biol. Technol. 28: 75-78. Pelayo, C., S E. Ebeler, and A.A. Kader. 2003a. Postharvest life and flavor quality of three strawberry cultivars kept at 5C in air or air + 20 kPa CO2 . Postharv. Biol. Technol. 27: 171-183. Prange, R., J. DeLong and P. Harrison. 2003b. Delayed cooling controls Soft Scald and other disorders in ‘Honeycrisp‘ apple. ASHS Annual Conference (abstract). (in press). Prange, R., J. DeLong, J.C. Leyte and P.A. Harrison. 2002a. Storage of Honeycrisp apples. Nova Scotia Fruit Growers‘ 2001 Annual Report 138:25-27. Prange, R., J. DeLong, P. Harrison, J. Leyte, S. McLean, J. Scrutton and J. Cullen. 2001b. A Method and Apparatus for Monitoring a Condition in Chlorophyll Containing Produce. International Patent Application PCT/CA01/01039. Prange, R.K. and J.M. DeLong. 2003c. 1-Methylcyclopropene: The Magic Bullet for horticultural Products? Chron. Hort. 42 (1):11-14. (http://www.actahort.org/chronica/pdf/ch4301.pdf) Prange, R.K., J.M. Delong, J.C. Leyte and P.A. Harrison. 2002b. Oxygen concentration affects chlorophyll fluorescence in chlorophyll-containing fruits. Postharvest Biol.Technol. 24:201-205. Prange, R.K., J.M. DeLong, J.C. Leyte and P.A. Harrison. 2002b. Responses of six apple cultivars to storage atmosphere conditions dynamically controlled by chlorophyll fluorescence-based technology. International Horticultural Congress (abstract- poster presentation). Prange, R.K., J.M. DeLong, P.A. Harrison, J.C. Leyte and S.D. MacLean. 2001a. Oxygen concentration affects chlorophyll fluorescence in chlorophyll-containing fruits and vegetables. Proc. 8th Intl. Controlled Atmosphere Conference (abstract -oral presentation). Prange, R.K., J.M. DeLong, P.A. Harrison, J.C. Leyte and S.D. MacLean. 2003a. Oxygen concentration affects chlorophyll fluorescence in chlorophyll-containing fruits and vegetables. J. Amer Soc. Hort. Sci. 128: (in press). Purvis, A. C. 2003. How respiring plant cells limit the production of active oxygen species. In: D. M. Hodges (ed.) Postharvest Oxidative Stress in Horticultural Crops. Chap. 8. Haworth Press/Food Products Press, N.Y. pp. 151-164. Purvis, A. C. and J. Brock. 2003. Does Botrytis allii spread from infected onions to sound onions in controlled atmosphere storage? Acta Hort. 600:615-619. Purvis, A. C. and J. W. Gegogeine. 2003. Diphenylamine inhibits respiration of green bell peppers. J. Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci. 128 (in press). Renni, T., C. Vigneault, J.R. DeEll and P. Alvo. 2003. Cooling and storage, p.505-538. In: A. Chakraverty, A.S. Mujumdar, G.S.V. Raghavan and H.M. Ramaswamy (eds.), Handbook of Postharvest Technology. Marcel Dekker Inc., New York. Rudell, D.R., D.S. Mattinson, S.G. Wyllie and J.K. Fellman 2002. Investigations of aroma volatile biosynthesis under anoxic conditions and in different tissues of Redchief Delicious apple fruit (Malus domestica Borkh.) J. Agr. Food Chem. 50:2627-2632. Rudell, D.R., J.P. Mattheis, X. Fan and J.K. Fellman. 2002. Methyl jasmonate enhances anthocyanin accumulation and modified production of phenolics and pigments in Fuji apples. J. Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci. 127:435-441. Rupasinghe, H.P.V., G. Paliyath and D.P. Murr. 2003. Biosynthesis of isoprenoids in higher plants. Physiol. Mol. Biol. Plants 9(1): 1-11. Sholberg, P., O. Lau, K. Bedford and S. Stokes. 2002. Postharvest decay of stored apples in British Columbia in 1999. The Canadian Plant Disease Survey 82:123-127. Sholberg, P., O. Lau, K. Bedford and S. Stokes. 2003. Postharvest decay of stored apples in British Columbia in 2000. The Canadian Plant Disease Survey 83. In Press. Stotz H.U., R. Augustin, K. Khalturin, S. Kuznetsov, B. Rinkevich, J. Schrvder, T.C.G. Bosch. 2003) Novel approaches for the analysis of immune reactions in Tunicate and Cnidarian model organisms. In: The New Panorama of Animal Evolution, Pensoft Publishers, Sofia. Stotz, H.U., T. Koch, A. Biedermann, K. Weniger, W. Boland and T. Mitchell-Olds. 2002. Evidence for regulation of resistance in Arabidopsis to Spodoptera littoralis by salicylic and jasmonic acid signaling pathways. Planta 214: 648-652. Simpson, T. V. Bikoba and E.J. Mitcham. 2003. Effects of acetaldehyde on fruit quality and target pest mortality for harvested strawberries, Postharvest Biol. Technol. 28:405-416. Tipping, C., V. Bikoba, G. Chander and E.J. Mitcham. 2003. Efficacy of Silwet-L-77 against several arthropod pests of table grapes. J. Econ. Entomol. (in press) Toivonen, P.M.A. and J.R.. DeEll. 2002. Physiology of fresh-cut fruits and vegetables, p. 91-123. In: O. Lamikanra (ed.), Fresh-cut Fruits and Vegetables: Science, Technology and Market. Technomic Publishing Company, CRC Press, Boca Raton, Fl. Wang, L. F., Kim, D. M. and C. Y. Lee. Interaction of Flavonoids in Green Tea Extract during Heat Processing and Storage. In "Bioactive Compounds in Foods: Effects of Processing and Storage" Ed. by Lee, T-C. and Ho, C-T.. American Chemical Society Symposium Series 816, 58-72, 2002. American Chemical Society, Washington, D. C. Wang, S., J. Tang, J.A. Johnson, E. Mitcham, J.D. Hansen, G. Hallman, S.R. Drake and Y. Wang. 2003. Dielectric properties of fruits and insect pests as related to radio frequency and microwave treatments. Biosystems Engineering 85:201-212. Wang, S., J. Tang, J.A. Johnson, E. Mitcham, J.D. Hansen, R.P., Cavalieri, J. Bower and B. Biasi. 2002. Process protocols based on radio frequency energy to control field and storage pests in in-shell walnuts. Postharvest Biol. Technol. 26:265-274. Wargo, J. and C. Watkins. 2002. Is 1-MCP a missing piece to the Jonagold puzzle? Fruit Notes 02 (8):6-7. Warren, J.M., J.H. Bassman, D.S. Mattinson, J.K. Fellman, G.E. Edwards and R. Robberecht. 2002. Alteration of foliar flavonoid chemistry induced by enhanced UV-B radiation in field-grown Pinus ponderosa,Quercus rubra, and Pseudotsuga menziesii. J. Photochem. and Photobiol. B 66 : 125-133 . Watkins, C.B. 2002. Ethylene synthesis, mode of action, consequences and control. In: Fruit Quality and its Biological Basis, Chapter 8, p180-224. Knee, M. (ed). Sheffield Academic Press, Boca Raton, Florida. Watkins, C.B., D.A. Rosenberger. 2002. Cornell Fruit Handling and Storage Newsletter. 14pp. Weis, S.A. and W.J. Bramlage. 2002. 1-MCP: How Useful Can It Be on New England Apples? FruitNotes 67(3):5-9. Weis, S., D. Greene and W. Bramlage. 2002. Comparing the Harvest and Storage Characteristics of Mutsu and Shizuka Apples. FruitNotes 67(3):1-4. Wszelaki, A.L. and E.J. Mitcham. 2002. Effect of combinations of hot water dips, biological control and controlled atmospheres for control of gray mold on harvested strawberries. Postharvest Biol. Technol. 27:255-264.

Impact Statements

If delayed cold storage continues to reduce storage disorders of Honeycrisp apples, industry can proceed with further production and marketing of this highly profitable cultivar without fear of losing the crop due to disorders appearing after harvest.
Learning the best time to harvest new cultivars for flavor and storage potential and their probable storage lives makes it less risky for apple growers to try new cultivars which appeal to consumers.
Successful use of 1-MCP will reduce postharvest application of scald control drenches thereby reducing costs and also benefiting the environment. Longer maintenance of fruit firmness allows greater marketing flexibility and higher quality fruit for consumers.
2. The rapidly expanding pomegranate industry in California is using the results of our research in controlled atmosphere storage of pomegranates (5% O2 + 15% CO2 at 7.5oC and 90-95% relative humidity) to extend their marketing period.
Understanding the genetic basis of scald susceptibility in apples or mealiness development in peaches can lead to methods of control or development of resistant cultivars through genetic engineering or traditional breeding.