1a.Objectives (from AD-416)
1. Identify volatile compounds that accumulate during CA storage. 2. Characterize volatile compound dynamics during storage in atmospheres that induce low O2 and/or high CO2 injury. 3. Determine if recognition of changes in volatile compound production during low O2 or high CO2 stress has utility for CA system management. 4. Develop sampling protocols to enable detection of biomarkers for scald and other disorders.

1b.Approach (from AD-416)
An untargeted analysis of volatile compounds in controlled atmosphere chambers and rooms will be conducted using current analytical technologies. Impacts on volatile production from pre-storage treatments (DPA, SmartFresh), as well as timing and duration of O2 and/or CO2 stress will be evaluated. Analyses will primarily be conducted using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry which provides highly informative qualitative and quantitative results with high sensitivity. Documents Trust with WA Tree Fruit research Commission. Log 40948.

3.Progress Report

This project relates to objective 1 of the associated in-house project which seeks to identify factors that influence postharvest fruit quality and development of market limiting physiological disorders. Additional details of research can be found in the report for the parent CRIS 5350-43000-005-00D, Quality enhancement, storage optimization and loss reduction for increased marketability of deciduous tree fruits. The project’s objective is to characterize volatile compounds produced by apple fruit during storage in controlled atmospheres known to induce physiological disorders. Funds were received May, 2010 and planning for research to begin at harvest is underway.