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Abstract
Crisphead lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) located in the top layer of packed lettuce boxes sustained a significant increase in the incidence of physical injury during closing of the box under usual commercial practice. In the bottom layer, the trend was similar, but the differences were not statistically significant.
Abstract
Broccoli (Brassica oleracea L., Italica Group) was held at 5°C in a stream of humidified air (control) or of humidified 14% O2/10% CO2 (CA), or it was wrapped with a nonperforated flexible polyvinylchloride (PVC) film and held in a humidified (90% to 95% RH) or nonhumidified (40% to 45% RH) stream of air for 3 weeks. Water loss was reduced 17% by the CA treatment and 50% by wrapping the broccoli. Broccoli stored in CA or wrapped in film retained quality significantly better than the controls. Atmosphere composition within packages reached equilibrium within the first 24 hr and did not change significantly over the 3 weeks. Self-generated atmosphere modification was greater within packages held in humidified air than within those held in nonhumidified air (7.8% vs. 13.2% O2; 9.0% vs. 6.7% CO2, respectively). The steady state of atmospheres within packages allowed the calculation of respiration rates of wrapped broccoli by monitoring changes in the air surrounding the package. Oxygen consumption and CO2 production by samples held in CA or in films were reduced 30% to 40% relative to the controls. The respiratory quotient for the CA and humidified wrapped samples was about 1.30, but 1.15 in the control and nonhumidified wrapped samples.
Abstract
Excessive temperatures recorded within flower boxes on transcontinental refrigerated trucks were avoided by using an integrated system of preshipment cooling with forced-air, standardized containers and appropriate stacking pattern. The longevity and quality of flowers shipped from California to Florida by refrigerated trucks were comparable to or better than that of air-shipped flowers. Preshipment conditioning treatments did not improve flower longevity of shipped roses, carnations or gladioli. Preconditioning chrysanthemum stems in AgNo3 solution eliminated the need to recut stems after shipment. Carnations and gladioli handled dry lasted as long as conditioned flowers. Floral preservative used on roses and carnations after shipping had a more positive affect on longevity than any other handling treatment.