Influence of Package on Post-harvest Quality of Oklahoma and Arkansas Table Grapes

Abstract

The introduction of new cultivars from Vitis labruscana 5 V. vinifera crosses has resulted in an expansion of table grape production in the midwest region. Little is known about the post-harvest storage life of these new varieties and effective packaging has not been achieved. The grape cultivars Venus, Reliance, and Saturn were stored for six weeks at 3°C in seven types of consumer packages without sulfur dioxide (SO₂) fumigation to evaluate post-harvest changes. Venus grapes had the highest weight loss and berry shatter after six weeks of storage while Saturn grapes had the least weight loss and berry shatter. Covered packages with lids best controlled weight loss for all cultivars. Regardless of package, disease reduced the quality of Reliance grapes after six weeks storage. Rachis browning was unacceptable for all grape cultivars held for six weeks in packages other than plastic boxes or boxes with shrink-wrap. Venus and Reliance table grape cultivars should be stored no longer than four weeks without SO₂ fumigation while Saturn may be held up to six weeks. Consumer packages for interspecific table grape cultivars should be selected for restriction of air flow and reduced cluster movement.