Winter Pear (`Anjou' and `Bosc') Response to Methyl Bromide Fumigation

Abstract

MeBr fumigation of `Anjou' pears reduced external skin color values and increased the incidence of scald whether applied immediately after harvest or after 5 months of controlled-atmosphere (CA) storage. MeBr treatment did not influence external color of `Bosc' pears (Pyrus communis L.). Internal discoloration of `Bosc' pears was apparent only in fruit from CA storage and those that were not in good physiological condition before fumigation. Internal discoloration was apparent by either objective or subjective procedures. Firmness values of `Bosc' pears increased with MeBr fumigation and treated pears softened as readily as nonfumigated pears. Reaction of these winter pears to MeBr fumigation was not dose-dependent. Chemical name used: methylbromide (MeBr).