S02 S02.003 Prediction of Spinach Quality Based POSTHARVEST TECHNOLOGY on Pre- and Postharvest Conditions IN THE GLOBAL MARKET Gutiérrez-Rodríguez, E.; Lieth, H.; Jernstedt, J.; Cantwell, M.; Suslow, T. One Shields Avenue, University of California, Department of Plant Sciences, Davis, California, 95616, S02.001 United States Deficit Irrigation of Iceberg Lettuce Improves Despite advances in production and post-production processes for spinach, sig- Shelf-Life of Fresh-Cut Product nificant quality problems persist related to agronomic practices and storage con- ditions. Nitrogen amendments and water availability have a significant effect on Martínez-Sánchez, A.; Luna, C.; Tudela, J. A.; de Vogelaere, L.; the nutritional quality of spinach and yet their specific influence on overall post- Tiebergijn, L.; Allende, A.; Gil, M. I. harvest quality is poorly understood. Current agronomic practices in California CEBAS-CSIC, Campus de Espinardo, 30100, Espinardo, Murcia, Spain include the application of 100 to 350 kg/ha total N. Preharvest and postharvest As a result of increased water scarcity, the main producer countries of fresh produce trials with field- and hydroponically-grown spinach were conducted to describe are requested to reduce water consumption. However, as far as we known, a good how these agronomic practices influence quality. Additionally, quantitative evalu- water management has not been established yet. This is a priory for countries such ations were performed to identify predictors of post-production quality at harvest as Spain with limited water sources. What is more, there is still a lack of information and during storage. Preharvest nitrogen doses higher than 100ppm coupled with regarding the impact of deficit irrigation strategies on the quality of fresh produce. high temperature, and light quality reduced the overall quality of hydroponic In the present study we evaluated the impact of 5 irrigation strategies on the quality spinach. Color (hue) of spinach grown under various N rates and stored at 7.5 ºC and shelf-life of iceberg lettuce. The irrigation treatments applied during the growing (in perforated plastic packaging) did not predict the key phytonutrient composi- season of iceberg lettuce at commercial conditions were two deficit treatments, -50% tion and shelf life adequately. Shelf life was defined as a combination of visual (910.2 m3/ha) and -25% (1395.6 m3/ha), two excess treatments, +50% (2730.6 m3/ hedonic quality score ≥ 6.5 (on a 9 point scale), decay < 1 %, and ascorbic acid ha) and +25% (2305.8 m3/ha) and the regular amount of water applied by the farm- concentrations ≥ 35 mg/ 100gfwt. Ammonium accumulation, in part, more reli- ers of the southeast area of Spain, control (1820.4 m3/ha). The impact of the differ- ably anticipated the reduction of quality during storage. More accurate quality ent irrigation treatments was evaluated in fresh-cut lettuce processed following the retention projections were achieved by combining ammonium concentrations commercial conditions applied by the fresh-cut industry and stored under active with measurements of glutamine synthetase activity at harvest. Changes in respi- modified atmosphere packaging until the end of the shelf-life. The relative water ration rates, chlorophyll and carotenoid concentrations during storage were poor content in the vegetable tissue significantly increased in lettuce irrigated with +50% indicators of postharvest shelf life. Total organic acids and sugar content >3.5mg/ of water when compared to -50%. However, no significant differences were observed gfwt were negatively correlated with quality retention. Cuticle thickness from for the crispiness coefficient (CC), determined using the texturometer TA-XTPlus all N treatments was identical and had no discernible correlation with shelf life. (Stable Micro Systems Ltd, UK) equipped with a Kramer cell. When the shelf-life Although storage temperatures significantly affect quality retention in spinach, of fresh-cut lettuce was evaluated, it was observed that lettuce irrigated with a deficit the initial quality at harvest is the main factor that influences postharvest out- irrigation showed higher shelf-life than lettuce irrigated with an excess amount of comes. Spinach pre- and postharvest quality is best predicted by analysis of total water. Thus, it was determined that the use of deficit irrigation strategies in leafy veg- organic acids, sugar concentrations and the relationship between ammonium and etables can be beneficial not only from an environmental point of view, but also from glutamine synthetase. the consumer point of view due to its impact on the quality of fresh-cut produce. S02.004 S02.002 Tree Age Affects Kinnow Mandarin Peel Effect of Six Apple Rootstocks on Storage Span and Fruit Quality of Apple cv. Golab Kohanz Khalid, S., Malik, A. U.; Khan, A. S.; Khalid, M. S.; Amin, M.; Kargar, M.1; Ramin, A. A.2; Fallahi, E.3; Pyrmoradian, M.4 Saleem, B. A. 1Department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture, Isfahan University of Techology, ,Department Institute of Horticultural Sciences, University of Agriculture, Jail Road, Faisalabad (38040), Punjab, of Horticulture, College of Agriculture, 8415683111, Isfahan, Islamic Republic of Iran Pakistan 2Isfahan University of Technology, College of Agriculture, Department of Horticulture, Isfahan Peel quality is indispensable to the external appearance and marketability of citrus Iran, Islamic Republic of Iran fruit. Among many factors affecting citrus peel quality, tree age is the most impor- 3University of Idaho, 29630 U of ILane, Parma, Idaho 83660, USA, United States 4Isfahan Research Center for Agricultural Science and Natural Resources, Isfahan Iran, Islamic tant one, but remains unexplored so far. Present study was aimed at investigating Republic of Iran the effect of tree age on peel and fruit quality of Kinnow mandarin (Citrus reticu- The effect of six apple rootstocks on fruit quality attributes and storability of ‘Ko- late Blanco). Fruit harvested from trees of different age (3, 6, 18 and 35 years), hanz’ apple after four months of regular storage at 2 °C with 85% relative humidity growing at a commercial orchard in main citrus growing district (Sargodha, Paki- was studied. The 9-year old experimental trees on ‘Kohanz’ seedling (a commercial stan), were analyzed for various physico-chemical quality characteristics as well as rootstock for Kohanz cultivar in Iran), B9, M9, M26, MM106, and MM111 were nutrient contents (macro and micro) in fruit peel. Tree age showed a pronounced located at the Agricultural Research Station in Semirom (31° 25’ N and 51° 34’ E, effect on peel quality (smoothness, thickness and percentage), internal fruit con- Iran). Rootstock had significant impacts on storage life of fruit. Fruits from tree on tents (rag %, juice %, seed number and percentage) and fruit bio-chemical charac- B9 had the highest (5.46%) while those on MM106 the least (3.71%) water loss af- teristics (acidity, pH, TSS, TSS: acidity, vitamin C, reducing sugars, non reducing ter storage. Reduction of quality attributes such as percentage of juice, soluble solids sugars, and total sugars). Analysis of fruit nutrient contents also revealed differ- concentration, and firmness was lower in the fruits from trees on MM106 as com- ences in nutrient constituents of peel of fruit from different age group. Fruit from pared to those on all other evaluated rootstocks in this experiment. This study could trees of different age groups were also compared for their respiration and ethylene have a major potential for storage and marketing strategy among ‘Kohanz’ apple production rates. A correlation matrix was developed for nutrient contents in peel growers. MM106 is a free-standing rootstock which is readily available in Iran. By and fruit quality characteristics. This paper describes the detailed account of tree prolonging storage life of ‘Kohanz’ apple on MM106, this cultivar can be marketed age in relation to peel and fruit quality of Kinnow, the commercial mandarin when there is lower supply and thus, higher demand in the market and more profit. cultivar from Pakistan.

77 last century it started to be processed by food industries. For this reason breed- S02.005 ers selected and improved many varieties in order to satisfy industries needs like Pre- and Post-Harvest Management Practices yield aspects, harvest resistance, maturation time, shape uniformity and resistance to Extend Shelf Life of Sweet Cherry to pests and diseases. In the last years, instead, breeders focused their attention (Prunus avium L. cv. Lapin) to qualitative aspects because of the increasing awareness of consumers. Therefore they started to study how to increase the content of antioxidants, ascorbic acid, dry 1 1 1 2 Puniran, N. ; Bound, S. ; Close, D. C. ; Whiting, M. D. matter, pH and sugar content etc. This experience was aimed to study if mulch 1 Tasmanian Institute of Agricultural Research, Private Bag 98, 7001, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia and planting date could affect the qualitative properties of different cultivar of 2Irrigated Agriculture Research and Extension Center, Department of Horticulture and L. A., Washington State University, Prosser, United States processing tomato. Four varieties (AUG, NPT, SAF and TIZ), four planting date The island state of Tasmania, Australia enjoys a cool, maritime climate well suited for (T1, T2, T3 and T4) and two mulching treatments were compared. Samples were production of quality cherries that mature over the mid-December to late-February pe- analyzed to determine peel resistance and flesh consistence, pH, titatrable acidity, riod. The cherry industry in Tasmania has increased from boutique status, producing ascorbic acid, phenols, total antioxidant activity, sugars and cations and anions. 200 tonnes in the late 1990’s, to ca. 3000 tonnes in the 2008/9 season. Significant new From a quality point, results showed that TIZ was the best cultivar with interesting plantings underpin forecasts of production increasing to 6000 tonnes in the 2012/13 properties for processing. Mulch technique seemed to decrease the content of total season. Tasmanian growers enjoy area freedom from fruit fly status and currently ex- phenols and the consistence of tomato fruits. Plots without mulch showed lower port via air-freight to selective markets such as: Taiwan, Hong Kong, Japan, USA, Eu- content of ascorbic acid. Also planting date affected tomato quality. T4 fruits, in rope, India, Singapore, Malaysia and the Middle East. With significant new plantings fact showed the higher content of phenols, antioxidant activity, dry matter and bearing fruit in the near future industry are looking to increasingly utilise sea freight. colour. Structural properties of T4 fruits were good but lightly lower than T1 fruits. The broad objective of our work is to investigate pre- and post-harvest management practices that may prolong the shelf life of sweet cherries. Further, the long term goal S02.008 of this work is to identify characteristics of fruit at harvest that relate to shelf life and Maturity Index and Cold Storage Effects on therefore suitability for sea freight. In the present study we report on the role of fruit Postharvest Quality of ‘Packham’s Triumph’ and size and mesocarp cell density on fruit shelf life. In the 2009/2010 season we manipu- lated crop load of entire trees by dormant bud thinning to leave one, two or three floral ‘Rocha’ Pears buds per spur along with an unthinned control to create a range in fruit size. Fruit Antoniolli, L. R.1; Czermainski, A. B. C.1; Moro, L.2 will be harvested at commercial maturity and stored at 0 °C and 5 °C. Fruit quality 1Embrapa Uva e Vinho, Livramento Street, 515, 95700-000, Bento Goncalves, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil attributes (e.g., weight, firmness, exocarp colour, total soluble solids, and acidity) will 2Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia do Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil be assessed at weekly intervals over a 5-week period. In addition, at harvest, fruit meso- Pears have been grown in the South region of Brazil, where the climate conditions carp cell number and size will be assessed and related to fruit weight. The relationships favour plants development and fruit set. The aim of this work was determine the among fruit weight, mesocarp cell size and number, and shelf-life will be discussed. harvest maturity index as well as maximum storage period of ‘Packham’s Triumph’ and ‘Rocha’ pears that provide quality attributes maintenance. The fruit were har- S02.006 vested in commercial orchard every seven days (January, 27, February, 03 and 10, 2009) and flesh firmness was used as a maturity index (MI1: 76, MI2: 67 e MI3: 58 Assuring Organoleptical Quality of Apricots N). The fruit were stored at 1 ± 1 ºC and 90-95% RH for 15, 30, 45 and 60 days Lurie, S.; Weksler, A.; Zutahi, Y.; Kaplunov, T. and evaluated at the end of each storage period and after five days at room condition Agricultural Research Organization, P.O. Box 6, 50250, Bet Dagan, Israel (24 ± 1 ºC), simulating shelf-life period. Flesh firmness, water loss, peduncle dehy- Apricots are one of the earliest summer fruits harvested, and command high prices dration, epidermis colour, soluble solids, titratable acidity and ratio were measured. in the market. As a result often the fruit is picked before it is fully mature and has ‘Packham’s’ pears harvested at 1 and 2 maturity index have showed firmness loss from inferior flavour when ripe. To counteract this tendency, a study was made of maturity the first 30 days of cold storage, whereas fruit harvested at 3 maturity index kept the parameters to be used to determine the harvest of apricots in Israel. Three cultivars initial values, resulting in firmer fruit after the 60 days of cold storage (P<0.001). were taken from orchards in different parts of the country from multiple harvests and Fruit harvested in MI3 showed smaller percentual firmness loss after being 5 days of different maturity as defined by their peel background color. They were examined at room condition, mainly after 45 and 60 days of cold storage. ‘Rocha’ pears har- for size, soluble solids content, titratable acidity, firmness and taste at harvest and vested in MI1 and MI2 showed flesh firmness reduction during cold storage, which after ripening, either with or without 2 or 3 weeks of storage. Storage at 0 ºC and 1 was intensified at room condition. Maximum values of water loss were around 6%. ºC were compared. In addition, the effect of a degreening treatment with ethylene Fruit peduncles of both varieties dehydrated after 60 days of cold storage, but their on early harvested fruit was examined. The results indicate that for acceptable taste colour remained green, independent of harvest maturity index. ‘Packham’s Triumph’ the fruits should be harvested with a soluble solids content of at least 11.5%, and that and ‘Rocha’ pears harvested at MI3 and MI2, respectively, showed better quality the ratio of soluble solids to titratable acidity at the time of consumption must be attributes maintenance after 60 days of cold storage even after 5 days of shelf-life. above 5. Storing the fruit at 1 ºC rather than 0 ºC for 20 days shortened the shelf life to 1 day at 20 ºC rather than 3 to 4 days. Degreening of the fruit did not alter fruit S02.009 internal quality, and so if the soluble solids were not high enough at harvest, the fruit New Foliar Calcium Treatments had inferior taste. The recommendation for harvesting is to include soluble solids content to the already accepted measurements of fruit size and peel color. to Improve Shelf-Life and Quality of ‘Calanda’ Late Season Peach Cultivars S02.007 Fernandez, V.; Diaz, A.; Del Rio, S.; Del Rio, V.; Blanco, A.; Influence of Planting Date and Mulching on Val, J. Some Qualitative Traits of Processed Tomato Estación Experimental de Aula Dei (CSIC), Avda Montañana 1005, 50059-Zaragoza, Spain ( Mill.) Vitrescent dark spot is the main calcium-related physiological disorder observed in Lycopersicon esculentum late season peach cultivars in the Ebro River Basin, Spain. This alteration implies Sambo, P.; Santagata, S.; Elsayed, M.; Zanin, G.; Nicoletto, C. the development of localised translucent and dark brown areas in the fruit meso- University of Padova, Dept. of Agronomy, Via dell’Università 16, 35020, Legnaro, Pd, Italy carp with no external symptoms to be seen until long after harvest. Late season Tomato is one of the most important vegetable in the world and it was introduced peach cultivars are characterised by having a higher value and outstanding quality in Europe in the XVI century. This crop can be used as fresh vegetable and in the since they grow in bags, which are placed around them after fruit thinning. In this

78 study, Calanda peaches (cv. Calrico) were sprayed with calcium-containing solu- five nitrogen doses (43.6; 261.6; 436.0; 697.0 e 828.0 kg×ha-1), applied by using a tions four times, every 15 days, since the beginning of May to the end of June just random block design with three replications. A Plan Puebla III matrix scheme with before bagging in 2009. The formulations applied to the fruit surface consisted two factors and five levels per factor was used. There was no significant difference of 120 mM Ca supplied as CaCl2 or Ca-Propionate in combination with: (1, 2) among soluble solids (SS), tritatable acidity (AT), ratio (SS/AT) and pH means. 0.02% of a commonly applied polysorbate surfactant, (3, 4) 0.05% of an organo- There was no effect of the different water depths and nitrogen doses on the quality silicon surfactant (OSS), (5, 6) 0.5% of a “food additive adjuvant” (FAA) and (7) parameters of banana fruits, on the other hands, differences in physical characteris- control fruits. Following the application of treatments, samples were collected after tics were noticed in the fruits of the treatments. 7 days and Ca, Mg and K concentrations were determined in the mesocarp and exocarp of fruits after wet digestion and by Atomic absorption/Emission Spectros- S02.012 copy. After one month storage at 0 ºC, the external appearance was ranked as well Radiation, Yield, and Fruit Quality of ‘Gala’ as the development of vitrescence and internal browning. With regard to peel and pulp calcium concentrations, significant increases were only recorded for OSS and Apples Grown under White Hail Protection Nets th 1 1 2 FAA, CaCl2 treated peaches on July 26 . One month after cold storage, the fruits Amarante, C. V. T. ; Steffens, C. A. ; Argenta, L. C. 1 from FAA CaCl2 foliar applications led to the lowest vitrescent dark spot incidence Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina (UDESC), Departamento de Agronomia, Av. Luiz de Camões, as derived from the low index recorded for this treatment. Besides, regarding chill- 2090, CEP 88520-000, Lages, Santa Catarina, Brazil 2 ing injuries, in general, all treatments excepting Ca-propionate plus polysorbate, Empresa de Pesquisa Agropecuária e Extensão Rural de Santa Catarina (EPAGRI), Estação Experimental de Caçador. Rua Abílio Franco, 1500, Bairro Bom Sucesso, CEP 89500-000, Caçador, Santa Catarina, Brazil were effective in reducing the browning index value. Damages caused by hail storms on apple trees can be avoided by covering them with nets. However, the net might change the amount and quality of the light S02.010 supplied to the trees and, therefore, it can affect yield and quality of the fruit. This Compositional, Optical and Physical Quality research was carried out to assess these aspects on 12-15 years old apples trees of Change Postharvest in Grafted Watermelon ‘Gala’/MM111 rootstock. The work was conducted along three growing seasons [Citrullus lanatus (Thunb) Matsum & Nakai] Cultivars (2003/04 to 2005/06) in a low density orchard (at a spacing of 5.5 x 3.0m), in São Joaquim, State of Santa Catarina, Southern Brazil. The experiment followed Kyriacou, M. C.; Soteriou, G. A. a completely randomized block design, with two treatments (uncovered/control Agricultural Research Institute, P.O. Box 22016, 1516, Nicosia, Cyprus plants, and plants covered with white nets) and five replications (with the plant Change in physical, optical