Characterization and Quantification of Postharvest Losses of Apple Fruit Stored under Commercial Conditions

The objectives of this study were to characterize and quantify postharvest losses apples under commercial conditions in Santa Catarina state, Brazil. Two experiments conducted using ‘Gala’ ‘Fuji’ apples. first experiment was the most important causes loss fruit treated or not with 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) then held controlled atmosphere (CA) storage. This storage facilities from 2007 2010. In each year, 10 samples ?380 kg for 400 collected bins commercially harvested 15 17 orchards. Half orchard 1-MCP at harvest. Fruit stored CA, 0.7 °C, 150 300 days. After storage, one subsample 100 disorder-free selected sample 22 °C 7 days simulate shelf-life conditions. analyzed after CA shelf life incidence disorders. second 2011 identify main fungi causing decay during study, rooms 180 240 symptoms sorting line. A total decayed taken throughout period cultivar room. fungal decays identified by visual on fruit. Total apple varied 3.9% 12.1% 6.6% 8.4% ‘Fuji’, depending year treatment. During deterioration caused ?60% 80% respectively. life, additional ranged 17.6% 12.4% 27.2% year. Senescent breakdown superficial scald major physiological treatment had no effect due decay. Bull’s-eye rot, blue mold, gray alternaria rot prevalent symptoms, accounting 52%, 27%, 9% 10% 42%, 25%, 18% 5% losses, Sources variability among years orchards is discussed.