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ARS Home » Pacific West Area » Wenatchee, Washington » Physiology and Pathology of Tree Fruits Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #422724
Research Project: Enhancement of Apple, Pear, and Sweet Cherry Quality

Location: Physiology and Pathology of Tree Fruits Research

Title: Controlled atmosphere, temperature management, and harvest timing to mitigate 'Gem' pear internal breakdown development [abstract]

Author
item Leisso, Rachel
item Turner, Janet
item McMurtrey, Shawn
item Imler, Christopher
item Dowell, Kristal
item Rudell Jr, David
item Klarer, Emmi
item DONG, YU - Qinghai University

Submitted to: Acta horticulturae
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 2/3/2025
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary: A postharvest physiological disorder of 'Gem' pear can render flesh inedible. This on-going study evaluates storage management factors influencing internal breakdown incidence. Preliminary results indicate cooling delay (representing a delay of cold temperature establishment at storage facility), rapid Controlled atmosphere (CA) establishment (1 day after harvest), high carbon dioxide (5 kPa) CA, and greater fruit maturity increase disorder incidence. One year of data indicates that rapid cooling, storage at -1.1 °C, and delaying CA (1.5 kPa O2, <0.1 kPa CO2) to 8 d postharvest reduces disorder incidence relative to delayed cooling or rapid CA.

Technical Abstract: ‘Gem’ pear is a relatively new European pear cultivar with good fire blight resistance. Fruit can be eaten without ripening, either at harvest or upon removing from cold storage, when still crisp and juicy, or can be expected to ripen to a buttery melting texture after 30-60 days of regular-air (RA) storage (~30 °F). Although research initially indicated ‘Gem’ could be stored in RA conditions for 5 months with good quality retention, in practice ‘Gem’ storage has proven more challenging, primarily due to a physiological disorder called internal breakdown which can appear as early as 2 months after storage, either in air storage or controlled atmosphere (CA) conditions. Additionally, with increasing commercial production of ‘Gem’, there is industry interest in extending storage beyond 5 months. This on-going study evaluates storage management factors influencing internal breakdown incidence. Preliminary results indicate cooling delay (representing a delay of cold temperature establishment at storage facility), rapid CA establishment (1 day after harvest), high carbon dioxide (5 kPa) CA, and greater fruit maturity increase disorder incidence. One year of data indicates that rapid cooling, storage at -1.1 °C, and delaying CA (1.5 kPa O2, <0.1 kPa CO2) to 8 d postharvest reduces disorder incidence relative to delayed cooling or rapid CA.