TOLERANCE OF NECTARINE AND PEACH CULTIVARS TO INSECTICIDAL CONTROLLED ATMOSPHERES
in HortScienceThe tolerances (based on time before detection of off-flavor) of nectarine and peach cultivars to an insecticidal controlled atmosphere of 0.25% O2 (balance N2) at 20C were 2.8, 4.0, 4.0, 4.4, 5.1, and 5.3 days for `John Henry' peaches, `Fantasia' nectarines, `Five Red' peaches, `O'Henry' peaches, `Royal Giant' nectarines, and `Flamekist' nectarines, respectively. The greater sensitivity of `John Henry' peaches to low O2 stress was associated with a higher respiration rate; faster accumulation rates of acetaldehyde, ethanol, and ethyl acetate; and a more mature and larger fruit. The tolerances of `Fairtime' peaches to 0.21% O2 + 99% CO2 at 20C, 0.21 O2 + 99% CO2 at 0C, and 0.21% O2 at 20C were 3.8, 5.0, and 6.0 days respectively. There was a good correlation between tolerance of nectarines and peaches to insecticidal atmospheres and the accumulation rates of acetaldehyde (r=-0.94, p<0.01) and ethanol (r=-0.88, p,0.01).
