Chilling Injury and Decay of Grapefruit as Affected by Thiabendazole, Benomyl, and CO21

Abstract

Abstract Chilling injury (CI) of ‘Marsh Seedless’ grapefruit was reduced by a preharvest spray of benomyl (Benlate) but not of Vapor Gard (VG) pinolene antitranspirant Postharvest treatments with benomyl and thiabendazole (TBZ) also reduced CI. The effect of high CO 2 atmospheres (up to 20%) induced under 0.0254 mm (1 mil) PVC film varied sharply with picking date. CI was almost eliminated in such atmospheres in early and midseason pickings but accentuated in the late (postbloom) picking. Modified atmospheres tended to increase decay regardless of picking date.