The fruit of 51 strawberry genotypes were scored for 52 descriptors in a broad study to identify traits that correlate with postharvest quality loss during storage for 5 days at 0 degreesC followed by 2 days at 20 degreesC. Traits that correlated with postharvest quality loss were identified, including achene colour, berry size, berry shine, several surface colour measurements, and several firmness measurements. Postharvest bruise development was correlated with firmness at harvest (r = -0.31) and skin toughness following storage (r = -0.60). The correlation between bruising and skin toughness at harvest was weak (r = -0.19). In a second study, thirteen genotypes, chosen to express a wide range of postharvest quality, were evaluated for their response to two standard bruising treatments. Fruit firmness and skin toughness were measured before and after storage. Fruit firmness was determined by penetration using a Chatillon DFIS 10 digital force gauge (Chatillon, Greenboro, NC) with a 6 mm o.d. v-notched tip. Firmness before and after storage was highly correlated (r > 0.7) with both bruising treatments. The genotype with the least bruising was K91-10, followed by K93-4 and 'Northeaster'.
