Vol. 119 (2006): Proceedings of the Florida State Horticultural Society
Handling & Processing

BASF Freshseak® post-harvest coating reduces shrivel and decay of tomato (solanum lycopersicum )

Huating Dou
BASF Corporation

Published 2006-12-01

Keywords

  • fruit wax,
  • fruit decay,
  • fruit shrivel

Abstract

During the past two seasons, the effect of BASF FreshSeal post-harvest coating was the subject of investigations conducted under the observation of packinghouse management for eight commercial trials. Specifically, the incidence of shrivel and decay along with the overall color development of mature green fruit were evaluated; all are post-harvest concerns that greatly affect commercial shipping operations. During five trials conducted in Virginia in August-September, 2005, FreshSeal treatment reduced total post-harvest losses (i.e., the aggregate of shrivel and decay) by 60% on average compared to mineral oil wax treatment after 12-15 days including gassing at 68F and storage at 55F and 85% relative humidity. During three trials conducted in South Florida in January, 2006, FreshSeal treatment reduced total post-harvest loss by 46% on average compared to mineral oil wax treatment after 17-22 days including gassing at 68F and storage at 55F and 85% RH. The data demonstrates that treatment with FreshSeal CHC resulted in approximately 6 additional, saleable tomatoes per carton. Moreover, the add-on value within FreshSeal treated cartons continues to increase directly with price per carton throughout the entire marketing chain including second handlers, wholesalers, re-wholesalers, and retailers. In addition, FreshSeal treatment accelerated fruit maturity by one color stage compared to mineral oil wax treatment; this feature benefits shippers as well as second handlers during the postharvest marketing period. 3 2