Fresh blueberries are very susceptible to mechanical damage, which limits postharvest life and fi... more Fresh blueberries are very susceptible to mechanical damage, which limits postharvest life and firmness. Softening and susceptibility of cultivars " Duke " and " Brigitta " to developing internal browning (IB) after mechanical impact and subsequent storage was evaluated during a 2-year study (2011/2012, 2012/2013). On each season fruit were carefully hand-picked, segregated into soft (<1.60 N), medium (1.61–1.80 N), and firm (1.81–2.00 N) categories, and then either were dropped (32 cm) onto a hard plastic surface or remained non-dropped. All fruit were kept under refrigerated storage (0 • C and 85–88% relative humidity) to assess firmness loss and IB after 7, 14, 21, 28, and 35 days. In general, regardless of cultivar or season, high variability in fruit firmness was observed within each commercial harvest, and significant differences in IB and softening rates were found. " Duke " exhibited high softening rates, as well as high and significant r 2 between firmness and IB, but little differences for dropped vs. non-dropped fruit. " Brigitta, " having lesser firmness rates, exhibited almost no relationships between firmness and IB (especially for non-dropped fruit), but marked differences between dropping treatments. Firmness loss and IB development were related to firmness at harvest, soft and firm fruit being the most and least damaged, respectively. Soft fruit were characterized by greater IB development during storage along with high soluble solids/acid ratio, which could be used together with firmness to estimate harvest date and storage potential of fruit. Results of this work suggest that the differences in fruit quality traits at harvest could be related to the time that fruit stay on the plant after turning blue, soft fruit being more advanced in maturity. Finally, the observed differences between segregated categories reinforce the importance of analyzing fruit condition for each sorted group separately.
Fresh blueberries are very susceptible to mechanical damage, which limits postharvest life and fi... more Fresh blueberries are very susceptible to mechanical damage, which limits postharvest life and firmness. Softening and susceptibility of cultivars " Duke " and " Brigitta " to developing internal browning (IB) after mechanical impact and subsequent storage was evaluated during a 2-year study (2011/2012, 2012/2013). On each season fruit were carefully hand-picked, segregated into soft (<1.60 N), medium (1.61–1.80 N), and firm (1.81–2.00 N) categories, and then either were dropped (32 cm) onto a hard plastic surface or remained non-dropped. All fruit were kept under refrigerated storage (0 • C and 85–88% relative humidity) to assess firmness loss and IB after 7, 14, 21, 28, and 35 days. In general, regardless of cultivar or season, high variability in fruit firmness was observed within each commercial harvest, and significant differences in IB and softening rates were found. " Duke " exhibited high softening rates, as well as high and significant r 2 between firmness and IB, but little differences for dropped vs. non-dropped fruit. " Brigitta, " having lesser firmness rates, exhibited almost no relationships between firmness and IB (especially for non-dropped fruit), but marked differences between dropping treatments. Firmness loss and IB development were related to firmness at harvest, soft and firm fruit being the most and least damaged, respectively. Soft fruit were characterized by greater IB development during storage along with high soluble solids/acid ratio, which could be used together with firmness to estimate harvest date and storage potential of fruit. Results of this work suggest that the differences in fruit quality traits at harvest could be related to the time that fruit stay on the plant after turning blue, soft fruit being more advanced in maturity. Finally, the observed differences between segregated categories reinforce the importance of analyzing fruit condition for each sorted group separately.
Fresh blueberries are very susceptible to mechanical damage, which limits postharvest life and fi... more Fresh blueberries are very susceptible to mechanical damage, which limits postharvest life and firmness. Softening and susceptibility of cultivars "Duke" and "Brigitta" to developing internal browning (IB) after mechanical impact and subsequent storage was evaluated during a 2-year study (2011/2012, 2012/2013). On each season fruit were carefully hand-picked, segregated into soft (<1.60 N), medium (1.61-1.80 N), and firm (1.81-2.00 N) categories, and then either were dropped (32 cm) onto a hard plastic surface or remained non-dropped. All fruit were kept under refrigerated storage (0 • C and 85-88% relative humidity) to assess firmness loss and IB after 7, 14, 21, 28, and 35 days. In general, regardless of cultivar or season, high variability in fruit firmness was observed within each commercial harvest, and significant differences in IB and softening rates were found. "Duke" exhibited high softening rates, as well as high and significant r 2 between firmness and IB, but little differences for dropped vs. non-dropped fruit. "Brigitta," having lesser firmness rates, exhibited almost no relationships between firmness and IB (especially for non-dropped fruit), but marked differences between dropping treatments. Firmness loss and IB development were related to firmness at harvest, soft and firm fruit being the most and least damaged, respectively. Soft fruit were characterized by greater IB development during storage along with high soluble solids/acid ratio, which could be used together with firmness to estimate harvest date and storage potential of fruit. Results of this work suggest that the differences in fruit quality traits at harvest could be related to the time that fruit stay on the plant after turning blue, soft fruit being more advanced in maturity. Finally, the observed differences between segregated categories reinforce the importance of analyzing fruit condition for each sorted group separately.
Bitter pit (BP) is one of the most relevant post-harvest disorders for apple industry worldwide, ... more Bitter pit (BP) is one of the most relevant post-harvest disorders for apple industry worldwide, which is often related to calcium (Ca) deficiency at the calyx end of the fruit. Its occurrence takes place along with an imbalance with other minerals, such as potassium (K). Although the K/Ca ratio is considered a valuable indicator of BP, a high variability in the levels of these elements occurs within the fruit, between fruits of the same plant, and between plants and orchards. Prediction systems based on the content of elements in fruit have a high variability because they are determined in samples composed of various fruits. With X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometry, it is possible to characterize non-destructively the signal intensity for several mineral elements at a given position in individual fruit and thus, the complete signal of the mineral composition can be used to perform a predictive model to determine the incidence of bitter pit. Therefore, it was hypothesized that usi...
Fresh fruit from northern highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum) and rabbiteye blueberry (Vacc... more Fresh fruit from northern highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum) and rabbiteye blueberry (Vaccinium ashei) are highly perishable, so reaching distant markets while maintaining superior quality and value is a challenge. Although firmness is one of the most critical traits of blueberries (Vaccinium sp.), most of the industry relies on a subjective-tactile assessment or on the use of low-cost texture analyzers, whereas scientists tend to rely on the FirmTech II instrument. In the present study, the FirmTech II was evaluated as a texture analyzer and compared with tactile estimation, two other FirmTech II devices, and three relatively inexpensive durometers (Penefel, Durofel, and DM1600). Tests were run for fruit previously segregated by tactile (T) measurements into three classes of firmness: Soft-T, Moderate-T, and Firm-T; fruit were classified into instrument-based (I) categories of texture: Soft-I, Moderate-I, and Firm-I using the FirmTech II instrument. The level of coincidence ...
Effect of DPA and 1-MCP on chemical compounds related to superficial scald of Granny Smith apples
Spanish Journal of Agricultural Research, 2010
Research was carried out to study the mode of action of diphenylamine (DPA) and 1-methylcycloprop... more Research was carried out to study the mode of action of diphenylamine (DPA) and 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP), on control of superficial scald of Granny Smith apples (Malus domestica Borkh.), and its relation with chemical compounds. Fruit was harvested from a commercial orchard in Chile, 182 and 189 days after full bloom and received the following treatments: DPA (2,000 ppm); 1-MCP (1.2 ppm) and control (no treatment). All fruit was stored for 4 or 6 months at 0°C. A completely randomized factorial design was used (2 harvest dates by 3 postharvest treatments). Monthly measurements were made on maturity indices, ethylene production rate (EPR), scald related compounds [α-farnesene (AF), conjugated trienes (CT), total anti-oxidants (AO)], and cell membrane stability. Following 4 and 6 months of storage, plus 7 days at 20°C, scald was evaluated. After 6 months, DPA-treated fruit, from both harvests, showed similar firmness, EPR and AO, compared to the control. However, AF and CT were lo...
On the other hand, postharvest fungicides are frequently applied to fruits in order to avoid rott... more On the other hand, postharvest fungicides are frequently applied to fruits in order to avoid rotting during storage. Main apple postharvest diseases in Chile are grey mold and calyx end rot (Botrytis cinerea); blue mold (Penicillium expansum); moldy core (Alternaria spp.) and recently Gloeosporium or bitter rot (Colletotrichum gloeosporioides). The usual practice of spraying the orchard with fungicides would probably not substantially affect the susceptibility to decay or reduce the amount of inoculum, which may help reduce postharvest losses. Therefore, natural and synthetic chemicals have to be used to control postharvest decay. However, there are relatively few effective chemicals available for postharvest treatments, besides in apples there is only one fungicide (thiabendazole) registered. Both diphenylamine (DPA) and fungicides are commonly applied in water solution by drenching the fruit for 30 to 40 seconds. Efficacy of the treatments is based on adequate concentration at the...
Hydrangea macrophylla subsp. macrophylla var. macrophylla has been widely cultivated as a garden ... more Hydrangea macrophylla subsp. macrophylla var. macrophylla has been widely cultivated as a garden and potted plant. In addition, cut flower cultivars have been developed and have been recently introduced in Chile for export to the United States. Currently, cut flowers are air-shipped in cartons with their stems placed into individual water tubes. There is little information about postharvest management. This study was conducted to explore the feasibility of exporting hydrangea cut flower stems via sea freight at the classic harvesting stage, also called antique stage. Flower stems were obtained from a commercial grower located in Central Chile. Four treatments were established: precooling (stems placed at 0.5 °C before packing), precooling + fungicide pyrimethanil or sodium bisulphite, and a non-precooled group of flowers (immediate packing). Water tubes were placed in the stem ends. The stems were packed in cartons and placed in a 0.5 °C cold room. After 20 days of storage at 0.5 °C...
Effect of DPA Reapplication by Thermofogging on Scald Control in Apples
IX International Controlled …, 2005
... Very little scald was developed on 'Granny Smith' apples this season (less than 2% ... more ... Very little scald was developed on 'Granny Smith' apples this season (less than 2% on control treatments that were stored along with treated ... These high concentrations resulted in toxicity of fruits of some specific replicates (Meheriuk et al., 1994; Ingle and D'Souza, 1989); it is ...
INTRODUCTION The apple production in Chile (40.0000 ha) is concentrated from Rancagua (34o 5 Sout... more INTRODUCTION The apple production in Chile (40.0000 ha) is concentrated from Rancagua (34o 5 Southern Lat.; 70o40 Western Lat.) to Linares, in 200 km, being almost 50% in the VII Region (34o50 Southern Lat., 71o30 Western Lat.). Chile produces 1,000,000 tons of apples (13 in the world), and it is placed in 4 position as an exporter country, with 550,000 tons of fresh apples (Table 1). The main varieties grown in Chile are: Red Delicious, Granny Smith, Gala, Fuji and Braeburn, (Figure 1).
There is great interest in growing blueberries in Chile. Although only a few hundred hectares are... more There is great interest in growing blueberries in Chile. Although only a few hundred hectares are now planted, thousands of hectares are predicted by the turn of the century. There are many areas in the country that are adaptable to blueberry culture, and labor costs are extremely low. Chileans feel they have a golden opportunity to make a profit by producing blueberries during the North American off-season.
Performance of seven apple (Malus ×domestica Borkh.) cultivars (‘Brookfield®Gala’, ‘Galaxy’, ‘Sup... more Performance of seven apple (Malus ×domestica Borkh.) cultivars (‘Brookfield®Gala’, ‘Galaxy’, ‘Super Chief’, ‘Granny Smith’, ‘Fuji Raku Raku’, ‘Cripp's Pink’, and ‘Braeburn’) on M.M.106 and M.9 EMLA rootstocks during their first 6 years was evaluated on a multisite trial in Chile. Second-leaf trees were planted in experimental blocks inside commercial orchards located in five major apple-producing areas in Chile (Graneros, San Clemente, Chillan, Angol, and Temuco). Tree height and volume, trunk cross-sectional area (TCA), fruit yield and size distribution, crop load, and tree phenology were assessed annually. In general, tree growth rates by the end of the third year, when they reached the desired height, were similar in all block locations. M.9 EMLA rootstock reduced tree height by ≈20% in ‘Brookfield® Gala’, ‘Fuji’, ‘Galaxy’, and ‘Granny Smith’. This rootstock also had 50% smaller TCAs than M.M.106’s at Year 6 in most cultivars. The highest productions in ‘Brookfield®Gala’, ‘Ga...
Fresh blueberries are very susceptible to mechanical damage, which limits postharvest life and fi... more Fresh blueberries are very susceptible to mechanical damage, which limits postharvest life and firmness. Softening and susceptibility of cultivars " Duke " and " Brigitta " to developing internal browning (IB) after mechanical impact and subsequent storage was evaluated during a 2-year study (2011/2012, 2012/2013). On each season fruit were carefully hand-picked, segregated into soft (<1.60 N), medium (1.61–1.80 N), and firm (1.81–2.00 N) categories, and then either were dropped (32 cm) onto a hard plastic surface or remained non-dropped. All fruit were kept under refrigerated storage (0 • C and 85–88% relative humidity) to assess firmness loss and IB after 7, 14, 21, 28, and 35 days. In general, regardless of cultivar or season, high variability in fruit firmness was observed within each commercial harvest, and significant differences in IB and softening rates were found. " Duke " exhibited high softening rates, as well as high and significant r 2 between firmness and IB, but little differences for dropped vs. non-dropped fruit. " Brigitta, " having lesser firmness rates, exhibited almost no relationships between firmness and IB (especially for non-dropped fruit), but marked differences between dropping treatments. Firmness loss and IB development were related to firmness at harvest, soft and firm fruit being the most and least damaged, respectively. Soft fruit were characterized by greater IB development during storage along with high soluble solids/acid ratio, which could be used together with firmness to estimate harvest date and storage potential of fruit. Results of this work suggest that the differences in fruit quality traits at harvest could be related to the time that fruit stay on the plant after turning blue, soft fruit being more advanced in maturity. Finally, the observed differences between segregated categories reinforce the importance of analyzing fruit condition for each sorted group separately.
Fresh blueberries are very susceptible to mechanical damage, which limits postharvest life and fi... more Fresh blueberries are very susceptible to mechanical damage, which limits postharvest life and firmness. Softening and susceptibility of cultivars " Duke " and " Brigitta " to developing internal browning (IB) after mechanical impact and subsequent storage was evaluated during a 2-year study (2011/2012, 2012/2013). On each season fruit were carefully hand-picked, segregated into soft (<1.60 N), medium (1.61–1.80 N), and firm (1.81–2.00 N) categories, and then either were dropped (32 cm) onto a hard plastic surface or remained non-dropped. All fruit were kept under refrigerated storage (0 • C and 85–88% relative humidity) to assess firmness loss and IB after 7, 14, 21, 28, and 35 days. In general, regardless of cultivar or season, high variability in fruit firmness was observed within each commercial harvest, and significant differences in IB and softening rates were found. " Duke " exhibited high softening rates, as well as high and significant r 2 between firmness and IB, but little differences for dropped vs. non-dropped fruit. " Brigitta, " having lesser firmness rates, exhibited almost no relationships between firmness and IB (especially for non-dropped fruit), but marked differences between dropping treatments. Firmness loss and IB development were related to firmness at harvest, soft and firm fruit being the most and least damaged, respectively. Soft fruit were characterized by greater IB development during storage along with high soluble solids/acid ratio, which could be used together with firmness to estimate harvest date and storage potential of fruit. Results of this work suggest that the differences in fruit quality traits at harvest could be related to the time that fruit stay on the plant after turning blue, soft fruit being more advanced in maturity. Finally, the observed differences between segregated categories reinforce the importance of analyzing fruit condition for each sorted group separately.
Fresh blueberries are very susceptible to mechanical damage, which limits postharvest life and fi... more Fresh blueberries are very susceptible to mechanical damage, which limits postharvest life and firmness. Softening and susceptibility of cultivars "Duke" and "Brigitta" to developing internal browning (IB) after mechanical impact and subsequent storage was evaluated during a 2-year study (2011/2012, 2012/2013). On each season fruit were carefully hand-picked, segregated into soft (<1.60 N), medium (1.61-1.80 N), and firm (1.81-2.00 N) categories, and then either were dropped (32 cm) onto a hard plastic surface or remained non-dropped. All fruit were kept under refrigerated storage (0 • C and 85-88% relative humidity) to assess firmness loss and IB after 7, 14, 21, 28, and 35 days. In general, regardless of cultivar or season, high variability in fruit firmness was observed within each commercial harvest, and significant differences in IB and softening rates were found. "Duke" exhibited high softening rates, as well as high and significant r 2 between firmness and IB, but little differences for dropped vs. non-dropped fruit. "Brigitta," having lesser firmness rates, exhibited almost no relationships between firmness and IB (especially for non-dropped fruit), but marked differences between dropping treatments. Firmness loss and IB development were related to firmness at harvest, soft and firm fruit being the most and least damaged, respectively. Soft fruit were characterized by greater IB development during storage along with high soluble solids/acid ratio, which could be used together with firmness to estimate harvest date and storage potential of fruit. Results of this work suggest that the differences in fruit quality traits at harvest could be related to the time that fruit stay on the plant after turning blue, soft fruit being more advanced in maturity. Finally, the observed differences between segregated categories reinforce the importance of analyzing fruit condition for each sorted group separately.
Bitter pit (BP) is one of the most relevant post-harvest disorders for apple industry worldwide, ... more Bitter pit (BP) is one of the most relevant post-harvest disorders for apple industry worldwide, which is often related to calcium (Ca) deficiency at the calyx end of the fruit. Its occurrence takes place along with an imbalance with other minerals, such as potassium (K). Although the K/Ca ratio is considered a valuable indicator of BP, a high variability in the levels of these elements occurs within the fruit, between fruits of the same plant, and between plants and orchards. Prediction systems based on the content of elements in fruit have a high variability because they are determined in samples composed of various fruits. With X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometry, it is possible to characterize non-destructively the signal intensity for several mineral elements at a given position in individual fruit and thus, the complete signal of the mineral composition can be used to perform a predictive model to determine the incidence of bitter pit. Therefore, it was hypothesized that usi...
Fresh fruit from northern highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum) and rabbiteye blueberry (Vacc... more Fresh fruit from northern highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum) and rabbiteye blueberry (Vaccinium ashei) are highly perishable, so reaching distant markets while maintaining superior quality and value is a challenge. Although firmness is one of the most critical traits of blueberries (Vaccinium sp.), most of the industry relies on a subjective-tactile assessment or on the use of low-cost texture analyzers, whereas scientists tend to rely on the FirmTech II instrument. In the present study, the FirmTech II was evaluated as a texture analyzer and compared with tactile estimation, two other FirmTech II devices, and three relatively inexpensive durometers (Penefel, Durofel, and DM1600). Tests were run for fruit previously segregated by tactile (T) measurements into three classes of firmness: Soft-T, Moderate-T, and Firm-T; fruit were classified into instrument-based (I) categories of texture: Soft-I, Moderate-I, and Firm-I using the FirmTech II instrument. The level of coincidence ...
Effect of DPA and 1-MCP on chemical compounds related to superficial scald of Granny Smith apples
Spanish Journal of Agricultural Research, 2010
Research was carried out to study the mode of action of diphenylamine (DPA) and 1-methylcycloprop... more Research was carried out to study the mode of action of diphenylamine (DPA) and 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP), on control of superficial scald of Granny Smith apples (Malus domestica Borkh.), and its relation with chemical compounds. Fruit was harvested from a commercial orchard in Chile, 182 and 189 days after full bloom and received the following treatments: DPA (2,000 ppm); 1-MCP (1.2 ppm) and control (no treatment). All fruit was stored for 4 or 6 months at 0°C. A completely randomized factorial design was used (2 harvest dates by 3 postharvest treatments). Monthly measurements were made on maturity indices, ethylene production rate (EPR), scald related compounds [α-farnesene (AF), conjugated trienes (CT), total anti-oxidants (AO)], and cell membrane stability. Following 4 and 6 months of storage, plus 7 days at 20°C, scald was evaluated. After 6 months, DPA-treated fruit, from both harvests, showed similar firmness, EPR and AO, compared to the control. However, AF and CT were lo...
On the other hand, postharvest fungicides are frequently applied to fruits in order to avoid rott... more On the other hand, postharvest fungicides are frequently applied to fruits in order to avoid rotting during storage. Main apple postharvest diseases in Chile are grey mold and calyx end rot (Botrytis cinerea); blue mold (Penicillium expansum); moldy core (Alternaria spp.) and recently Gloeosporium or bitter rot (Colletotrichum gloeosporioides). The usual practice of spraying the orchard with fungicides would probably not substantially affect the susceptibility to decay or reduce the amount of inoculum, which may help reduce postharvest losses. Therefore, natural and synthetic chemicals have to be used to control postharvest decay. However, there are relatively few effective chemicals available for postharvest treatments, besides in apples there is only one fungicide (thiabendazole) registered. Both diphenylamine (DPA) and fungicides are commonly applied in water solution by drenching the fruit for 30 to 40 seconds. Efficacy of the treatments is based on adequate concentration at the...
Hydrangea macrophylla subsp. macrophylla var. macrophylla has been widely cultivated as a garden ... more Hydrangea macrophylla subsp. macrophylla var. macrophylla has been widely cultivated as a garden and potted plant. In addition, cut flower cultivars have been developed and have been recently introduced in Chile for export to the United States. Currently, cut flowers are air-shipped in cartons with their stems placed into individual water tubes. There is little information about postharvest management. This study was conducted to explore the feasibility of exporting hydrangea cut flower stems via sea freight at the classic harvesting stage, also called antique stage. Flower stems were obtained from a commercial grower located in Central Chile. Four treatments were established: precooling (stems placed at 0.5 °C before packing), precooling + fungicide pyrimethanil or sodium bisulphite, and a non-precooled group of flowers (immediate packing). Water tubes were placed in the stem ends. The stems were packed in cartons and placed in a 0.5 °C cold room. After 20 days of storage at 0.5 °C...
Effect of DPA Reapplication by Thermofogging on Scald Control in Apples
IX International Controlled …, 2005
... Very little scald was developed on 'Granny Smith' apples this season (less than 2% ... more ... Very little scald was developed on 'Granny Smith' apples this season (less than 2% on control treatments that were stored along with treated ... These high concentrations resulted in toxicity of fruits of some specific replicates (Meheriuk et al., 1994; Ingle and D'Souza, 1989); it is ...
INTRODUCTION The apple production in Chile (40.0000 ha) is concentrated from Rancagua (34o 5 Sout... more INTRODUCTION The apple production in Chile (40.0000 ha) is concentrated from Rancagua (34o 5 Southern Lat.; 70o40 Western Lat.) to Linares, in 200 km, being almost 50% in the VII Region (34o50 Southern Lat., 71o30 Western Lat.). Chile produces 1,000,000 tons of apples (13 in the world), and it is placed in 4 position as an exporter country, with 550,000 tons of fresh apples (Table 1). The main varieties grown in Chile are: Red Delicious, Granny Smith, Gala, Fuji and Braeburn, (Figure 1).
There is great interest in growing blueberries in Chile. Although only a few hundred hectares are... more There is great interest in growing blueberries in Chile. Although only a few hundred hectares are now planted, thousands of hectares are predicted by the turn of the century. There are many areas in the country that are adaptable to blueberry culture, and labor costs are extremely low. Chileans feel they have a golden opportunity to make a profit by producing blueberries during the North American off-season.
Performance of seven apple (Malus ×domestica Borkh.) cultivars (‘Brookfield®Gala’, ‘Galaxy’, ‘Sup... more Performance of seven apple (Malus ×domestica Borkh.) cultivars (‘Brookfield®Gala’, ‘Galaxy’, ‘Super Chief’, ‘Granny Smith’, ‘Fuji Raku Raku’, ‘Cripp's Pink’, and ‘Braeburn’) on M.M.106 and M.9 EMLA rootstocks during their first 6 years was evaluated on a multisite trial in Chile. Second-leaf trees were planted in experimental blocks inside commercial orchards located in five major apple-producing areas in Chile (Graneros, San Clemente, Chillan, Angol, and Temuco). Tree height and volume, trunk cross-sectional area (TCA), fruit yield and size distribution, crop load, and tree phenology were assessed annually. In general, tree growth rates by the end of the third year, when they reached the desired height, were similar in all block locations. M.9 EMLA rootstock reduced tree height by ≈20% in ‘Brookfield® Gala’, ‘Fuji’, ‘Galaxy’, and ‘Granny Smith’. This rootstock also had 50% smaller TCAs than M.M.106’s at Year 6 in most cultivars. The highest productions in ‘Brookfield®Gala’, ‘Ga...
Chilean nurseries make important efforts to develop new native crops for landscaping, with emphas... more Chilean nurseries make important efforts to develop new native crops for landscaping, with emphasis on species suitable for water-saving conditions. Bromeliads are naturally adapted to low water soil conditions; the genus Puya is widely used as a garden plant. Worldwide, commercial bromeliads are forced to bloom by treating them with ethylene, either as a gas or liquid preparation. The family Bromeliaceae in Chile includes six genera with 24 species and five subspecies; the cultivated species are sold in nurseries mainly in the vegetative stage, and ethylene has not been tested to promote flowering. The capacity of ethylene to promote flowering in Fascicularia bicolor was investigated in a nursery near Santiago (33º21'13'' SL and 70º41'26'' WL) by spraying plants growing under a shading net or in a cool greenhouse with Ethylen® 48 SL (0, 2.5 ml L-1 or 5 ml L-1 ethephon) in autumn, 2012. A similar experiment was conducted by spraying in the middle of the winter, using different plants growing in the open with full sun and under a shading net with constant shade or with morning light, testing 0 and 2.5 ml L-1 ethephon. Untreated plants did not show any change in phenology, either in the autumn or winter spraying times. After some months all autumn-treated plants showed the bright red color that precedes flowering, although not all plants reached anthesis. The winter-treated plants did not turn red, but flowering was 100% after four months.
The use of modified atmosphere in the packaging of fresh blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum L. 'Br... more The use of modified atmosphere in the packaging of fresh blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum L. 'Brigitta') was studied as a function of harvest time and moment of bag sealing. In trial 1, four treatments were established considering harvest time (morning: am or afternoon: pm), and moment of bag sealing: before or after cooling at 0°C. In trial 2, the packaging system was compared to a control treatment, without bag, for am-and pm-harvested fruit. After harvest fruit were placed under shading and subjected to 6 h delay before sorting. Berries were stored for 30 and 45 d at 0°C and evaluated after 1 and 3 d at 18°C (30+1, 30+3, 45+1, 45+3). Evaluations included: %O 2 and %CO 2 evolution within the bags, berry firmness (g/mm) and fruit quality (% sound, rotten, dehydrated or mechanicallydamaged fruit). Results show that the use of bags increased the proportion of sound fruit (80-90%) with regards to controls (<60%), especially in the evaluations at 30+3, 45+1 and 45+3. Bagging increased the % of sound fruit in the am vs. pm; however, there was no effect of time of bag sealing. The main effect of bagging was a lower proportion of dehydrated fruit; which amounted to 4-10% in bag treatments vs. 20-30% for control fruit. Additionally bagging retained fruit firmness, both for AMand PM-harvested fruit. Since bagging had little effect on gas composition, its effect must be studied further. These results evidence a high potential for the use of modified atmosphere packaging for boat shipping of blueberries for distant markets.
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Papers by Claudia Moggia