EFFECT OF DIFFERENT POSTHARVEST APPLICATIONS ON STORAGE OF ‘VALENCIA’ ORANGES

‘Valencia’ orange fruits are harvested in March and April. After this date, citrus fruit cannot be found in local markets. Based on previous research, we can store this late season variety to provide consumers with fresh oranges during the summer months. Our aim was to improve the processing done in the packinghouse by using applications that can substitute the use of postharvest chemicals. It has been reported that the application of hot water at 50-53°C for 2-3 minutes decreased decay in oranges and mandarins (Ben-Yehoshua, et al., 1994).