Influence of Depth of Pack on Quality of Grapes Stored in Unvented Containers

¹ Department of Viticulture and Enology, University of California, Davis, California 95616.

`Emperor' grapes, packed 6, 9, and 12 inches deep in invented corrugated containers equipped with top and bottom two-stage SO₂ generators, were vibration-settled and stored at 33°F for as long as 5 months. At intervals, containers were withdrawn from storage, given a simulated transit vibrationshock treatment, and then evaluated for keeping quality. The concentration of SO₂ that reached the center was appreciably less in the 12-inch pack than in the 6-inch pack. Control of decay was related directly to SO₂ concentration. The initial density of the packs was 50.2 in.³/lb. By 184 days of storage this had increased to respectively 38.9, 36.8, and 32.6 in.³/lb for the 6-, 9-, and 12-inch packs. The percentage of injured pedicel attachments was not affected significantly by either depth of pack or length of storage. Cracking of berries was not increased by depth of pack. Depth of pack significantly increased shatter (detached berries) per container but did not significantly influence shatter per pound of fruit.