Abstract
Sulfur dioxide (SO2) content of fresh table grapes after SO2 fumigation was determined by ion exchange chromatography (IC) and pararosaniline colorimetry (PRAC). Results of these methods were not significantly different when residues of five lots of fumigated Thompson Seedless grapes were compared. The coefficient of variation for PRAC (28.7%) was higher than IC (17.1%). Table grapes contained 5 to 20 µg/g total SO2 immediately after fumigation for 30 minutes with 0.5% SO2. Residues decreased rapidly after fumigation; the SO2 half-life was 24 to 36 hours at 0°C. Grapes fumigated at warmer temperatures accumulated more SO2, but residues were less persistent. Immature grapes accumulated more SO2 than mature grapes in three of four cultivars evaluated. Grapes injured by cuts or infected with Botrytis cinerea accumulated up to seven times more sulfite than sound grapes. Sulfur dust applied preharvest left no detectable sulfite residues. Residues can be minimized by the selection of mature grapes free from rot and injuries, use of minimal SO2 fumigant doses, and post-fumigation storage of several days duration so that residue can diminish before marketing.
- sulfur dioxide
- fumigation
- sulfur dioxide residues
- decay
- Botrytis cinerea
- table grapes
- ion chromatography
- tetrachloromercurate
- pararosaniline
- Received September 1989.
- Copyright 1990 by the American Society for Enology and Viticulture
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