Effect of Postharvest Calcium Treatment on Decay of Delicious Apples

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Abstract
Delicious apples were treated with 0, 2, 4, 6 or 8% solutions of calcium chloride by dipping, vacuum infiltration and pressure infiltration. After 3 mo. at 0.degree. C, the fruits were removed from storage, wounded on 2 sides and inoculated with a conidial suspension of Penicillium expansum. Following additional holding at 20.degree. C for 7 days, the apples were rated for decay severity by calculating the area of decay at the inoculation sites. Fruit tissue was also analyzed after storage for Ca content. The least decay and the highest concentration of Ca in tissues were found in those apples pressure infiltrated with 8% calcium chloride. Effectiveness in decay reduction increased as the concentration of calcium chloride in the infiltrated solution increased.