VAPOR-PHASE HYDROGEN-PEROXIDE INHIBITS POSTHARVEST DECAY OF TABLE GRAPES

The potential use of vapor phase hydrogen peroxide (VPHP) to prevent decay caused by Botrytis cinerea Pers. ex Fr. in table grapes (Vitis vinifera L.) was investigated. 'Thompson Seedless' and 'Red Globe' grapes, inoculated with Botrytis cinerea spores, were placed in polyethylene bags and flushed for 10 minutes with VPHP generated from a 30% to 35% solution of liquid hydrogen peroxide at 40C. Immediately after treatment, bags were sealed and held at 10C. Vapor phase hydrogen peroxide significantly reduced the number of germinable Botrytis spores on grapes. The number of germinable spores on 'Thompson Seedless' and 'Red Globe' grapes had been reduced 81% and 62%, respectively, 24 hours following treatment. The incidence of decay on inoculated 'Thompson Seedless' and 'Red Globe' grapes was reduced 33% and 16%, respectively, after 8 days of storage at 1OC compared with control fruit. Vapor phase hydrogen peroxide reduced the decay of noninoculated 'Thompson Seedless' and 'Red Globe' grapes 73% and 28%, respectively, after 12 days of storage at 10C. Treatment with VPHP did not affect grape color or soluble solids content.