Calcium Infiltration of Golden Delicious Apples and Its Effect on Decay

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Abstract
''Golden Delicious'' apples were treated with 0, 2, 4, 8 or 12% solutions of CaCl2 by dipping, vacuum infiltration (250 torr), or pressure infiltration (68.95 kPa [kilopascal]). One lot of apples was inoculated with a conidial suspension of Penicillium expansum immediately after treatment, and a 2nd lot was placed in storage for 5 mo. at 0.degree. C, removed and inoculated in the same manner as the 1st lot. Inoculated apples were stored for 7 days at 20.degree. C, then were rated for decay severity and analyzed for Ca content and water-soluble polyuronides. The smallest area of decay, the fewest water-soluble polyuronides, and the highest amount of calcium in tissues were found in the apples that were pressure infiltrated with 12% CaCl2. However, apples stored for 5 mo. after treatment by vacuum or pressure infiltration of 8 or 12% solutions of CaCl2 showed peel injury. The optimum treatment, which reduced the area of decay by 30% and resulted in no peel injury, was pressure infiltration of a 4% CaCl2 solution.