PICKING TIME AND POSTHARVEST COOLING EFFECTS ON PEACH WEIGHT LOSS, IMPACT PARAMETERS, AND BRUISING

摘要: ABSTRACT Fruit handlers need better methods to extend shelf-life and thus expand their alternatives provide high quality fresh peaches. This study investigated the effect of picking time (morning vs. afternoon) various cooling storage treatments. The treatments included: hydrocooled stored in 4° C (39° F)/93% RH air, 6° (43° F)/68% no cooling, i.e., at 23° (73° F)/50-60% air. Other independent variables were stage ripeness storage. During a two-week period after harvest, measurements made fruit weight loss, drop impact parameters, bruise diameter resulting from single 15 cm (5.9 in.) impact. Impact parameters determined contact time, peak force, time-to-peak absorbed energy, skewness force versus curve. Results confirmed beneficial effects air humidity on quality.