High-CO2 controlled atmospheres reduce decay incidence in Thompson Seedless and Red Globe table grapes

The efficacy Of CO2-enriched atmospheres on decay control of organically-grown 'Thompson Seedless' and 'Red Globe' table grapes was evaluated during storage at 0 degreesC. Grapes in the treatments with controlled atmosphere (CA) were inoculated with a Botrytis cinerea culture (10 000 conidia per ml) at the beginning of the experiments. Control treatments were stored in air with or without SO2-generating metabisulphite pads and either with or without Botrytis inoculation. Fruit quality attributes including soluble solids, titratable acidity, incidence of decay, stalk and pedicel appearance were measured on removal from 0 degreesC and during subsequent shelf-life at 18-20 degreesC. CAs with CO2 at 15% or higher resulted in as good control of Botrytis as using metabisulphite pads. Stalks and pedicels were greener when metabisulphite pads were included. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.