EFFECT OF HARVEST METHODS AND STORAGE TEMPERATURES ON THE QUALITY OF BLUEBERRY (Vaccinium ashei R.)

Abstract

Harvesting methods and storage temperatures may influence fruit quality of blueberries (Vaccinium ashei R). In this research we evaluated the effect of hand (C-MA) and mechanical (C-ME) harvesting methods, for blueberry, and post-harvest storage temperatures (1 °C and 22 °C) on fruit weight loss, firmness and fruit respiration. There was a significant interaction between harvesting methods and temperatures for the studies traits. Firmness of C-ME blueberries was diminished by 30.2 % as compared to C-MA berries. At the beginning of the study the fruit weight loss was greater in the mechanical harvesting-ambient storage temperature treatment. C-ME berries stored at 22°C had a weight loss rate of 2.3 % d ^–1, which triplicated the rate loss of 0.8 % d ^–1 observed on the C-MA at the same temperature. The refrigeration treatment diminished fruit respiration by 73.8 % compared to ambient temperature. Mechanical harvesting increased fruit respiration, both under refrigerated and ambient storage temperatures. Hand harvested fruits, had better quality under the conditions of this study.