Harvest Date Influences Superficial Scald Development in Granny Smith Apples During Long Term Storage.

The effects of harvest dates on superficial scald development and postharvest quality in 'Granny Smith' apples (Malus domestica Borkh.) were investigated. Apples were harvested at 15-day intervals during 2 consecutive years (2000-2001) and stored at 0°C with 90% relative humidity for 8 months. At the end of the 8 - month storage period plus an additional 1 week at 20°C the percentage of superficial scald was lower (24.4%) in late harvested (November 15) apples than in apples harvested early (October 15), which was 85.4%. The apples harvested late reached a climacteric maximum quicker than those harvested early. The percentage of weight loss, soluble solids, titratable acidity and flesh firmness varied among the different harvest dates. Delaying harvest achieved an increase in soluble solids percentage. Flesh firmness, titratable acidity and soluble solids remained at acceptable levels regardless of harvest dates and storage durations. Loss of chlorophyll was slower in apples harvested late than in those harvested early. The percentage of decay was lower in fruit harvested early. We conclude that 'Granny Smith' apples could be stored for 8 months with minimal scald incidences (0% to 14.2% depending on storage length) if they are harvested in November in Korkuteli, Antalya ecological conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]