Increased Risk of Diffuse Skin Browning in Goldens in 2018
Increased Risk of Skin Browning in Golden Delicious this Season
Prompt removal of field heat and SmartFreshTM treatment is generally good advice for Eastern storage operators. However, handling practices for Golden Delicious this season may provide an exception. Golden Delicious are susceptible to a surface browning disorder identified as "diffuse skin browning" (DSB). These skin browning symptoms appear early in storage and may be considered a "chilling disorder" since rapid field heat removal increases the disorder.
Control of DSB in Goldens is a regular concern in warmer growing regions, but is seldom seen in New York. This pattern of appearance implies that Goldens may be more susceptible to DSB following warm seasons such as this one. The disorder is successfully controlled by slowing field heat removal after harvest and delaying SmartFresh treatment.
SmartFresh use recommendations for Golden Delicious suggest:
- Maintaining air discharge temperatures at evaporators above 36o F
- Delay SmartFresh treatment until fruit has reached 40o F, but within 8 days of harvest
- Vent storage rooms to prevent the buildup of CO2 during temperature pull down
- Gradually reduce fruit temperature to holding temperature of 33 - 34o F
- In CA rooms, maintain less than 1% CO2 during the first six weeks of storage
Note: that the suggested slowed cooling rate and delay of SmartFresh treatment applies only to Golden Delicious.
Upcoming Events
Outfield Demo at Cornell AgriTech
March 28, 2024
Geneva, NY
Join Outfield's founders Jim and Oli as they demonstrate the system and share the experience of growers using Outfield last year to make more high value fruit, reduce costs, and improve sales with accurate advanced yield forecasts.
2024 Respirator Fit Testing Clinic
April 3, 2024 : Orleans CCE Fit Testing - afternoon
Albion, NY
The New York Center for Agricultural Medicine and Health (NYCAMH) and Cornell Cooperative Extension of Orleans County are pleased to provide respirator fit testing clinics for agricultural businesses in your region on April 3rd.
April 4, 2024 : Orleans CCE Fit Testing - morning
Albion, NY
The New York Center for Agricultural Medicine and Health (NYCAMH) and Cornell Cooperative Extension of Orleans County are pleased to provide respirator fit testing clinics for agricultural businesses in your region on April 4th.
2024 DEC Special Permit Handler Training - Wayne County
April 9, 2024
Newark, NY
Special Permit Training (SPT) for 2024 will be held in person at the Cornell Cooperative Extension Office.