Postharvest Decay of Muscadine Grapes (Carlos) in Relation to Storage Temperature, Time, and Stem Condition

Abstract

Muscadine grapes (Carlos) (Vitis rotundifolia Michx.) decayed twice as fast at 20°C as at 10°C and three times as fast at 10°C as at 0°C. Decay potential and percent of grapes with dry (untorn) stem scars varied according to source (grower). Grapes stored for short periods (one week) at 0°C had little decay, regardless of stem condition. Grapes with torn stem scars, stored for one week at 10°C or three weeks at 0°C, had six to ten times more decay than grapes with dry stem scars. Storage for two weeks at 10°C or for one week at 20°C is not recommended since most of these Carlos grapes decayed regardless of stem scar condition. The stem scars of muscadine (Carlos) grapes appear to be a prime site for entrance of pathogens.