STORAGE BEHAVIOUR OF PLUMS

The storage behaviour of the plum variety 'Bühler Frühzwetsche' was tested in modified atmospheres with simultaneous O₂ reduction and CO₂ increase or CO₂ increase alone. After 4 weeks in CA-store with 12% CO₂ and 2% O₂ at 1°C the plums showed a good appearance and a satisfying fruit firmness without any disadvantageous taste or damages. In CA conditions with higher O₂ and lower CO₂ or in atmosphere which was only enriched with CO₂ (12%, 18%, 24%), the delay of ripening was more ineffective and the plums get riper than in 12% CO₂ and 2% O₂. Although plums are generally considered as a CO₂ sensitive fruit, plums of 'Bühler Frühzwetsche' didn't show any CO₂ damage till 16% CO₂. But in higher concentrations the fruits increasingly showed cracked tips.