SOME EFFECTS OF GAMMA RADIATION ON THE STORAGE LIFE OF FRESH STRAWBERRIES

Abstract

The effects of gamma radiation doses of 110,000, 220,000, and 330,000 rad on the storage life and quality of two varieties of strawberries stored at 40°, 55°, and 70° F were studied. Results indicated that a dose of 330,000 rad prevented fungal development of the Redcoat variety stored for 26 days at 40° F. The fungal-free period was sharply reduced at lower radiation doses or at higher storage temperatures. Under the conditions of this trial there was no apparent effect of radiation on appearance or texture of fruit.In organoleptic tests in the first two weeks of storage observers were not able to differentiate between radiation treatments. There was some preference for treated berries as the storage period increased. After 20 days the flavor of the fruit deteriorated very rapidly and it soon became commercially unacceptable.