- D. Lemmer, F.J. Kruger, T.R. Malumane, and Y. Nunxdu
- ARC-Institute for Tropical and Subtropical Crops, Private Bag X 11208, Nelspruit 1200
- 2003
During the 2000-2001 season, a semi-wet quaternary ammonium compound (QAC) treatment packed in modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) and stored at 1°C, showed promise in terms of the inhibition of funal growth as well as the retention of skin colour. During the 2001-2002 season, three QA C’s (Prasin® Desogerme® and Sporekill®) were applied to McLean’s Red fruit for different time and concentrations before being packed and stored in Everfresh® MAP bags. Effective inhibition of fungal growth and retention of colour was obtained at a Prasin® and Desogerme® concentration of 1ml/l and an application time of 1 minute. All treatments exhibited signs of phytotoxic damage when dipped for longer than 1 minute. Further trials involved the addition of a range of food additives, fungicides, food coatings and S02 pads. Theses methods gave mixed results. The QAC/MAP application described above show considerable potential, especially for the problematic McLean’s Red cultivar.