ISHS Acta Horticulturae 368: International Symposium on Postharvest Treatment of Horticultural Crops
ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS AFFECTING THE SHELF LIFE OF FLAME SEEDLESS GRAPES |
| Authors: | A. Hegazi, El. Barkoki |
| Abstract:
Bunches of the table grape cultivar Flame Seedless grown in sandy soil, on newly reclaimed desert land, and those of the same cultivar but grown in a clay soil, Delta old land, were examined for their shelf life under room temperature conditions. Bunches from both districts were kept in cardboard boxes, plastic baskets and the commonly used date-palm rib boxes. The bunches in all the three types of containers were either unwrapped, wrapped in non-perforated polyethylene, or wrapped in perforated polyethylene. Grapes sent from the desert land travelled about 200 km, while those brought from the Delta travelled 15 km only. The bunches were held for various periods at room temperature up to 15 days after picking. The average room temperature during this period was 25°C. Environmental factors played an important role in the keeping quality or the shelf life of the bunches. Those brought from the desert land were far superior since the percentage of losses in weight, juice volume or due to decay were negligible under any treatment after one week at room temperature. The best treatment was keeping the bunches in plastic baskets wrapped in perforated polyethylene. Water loss after 10 days was 0.3–0.5 % and juice volume was 70–80 %. The fruits were commercially acceptable since they ensured a satisfactory appearance. Grape bunches brought from the Delta clay soil showed more losses in weight and juice volume. Fungal attack was rapid, especially in the bunches wrapped in non-perforated polyethylene in the card-board boxes. The suitable environmental conditions of soil and climate in the desert produced grapes of better keeping quality. This justifies the restrictions on growing more fruit crops in the Delta, and intensifying the growing of many fruit types especially grapes in this area. | |
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