Delayed Controlled Atmosphere Storage Related to the Development of Internal Storage Disorders in Apples and Pears: A Review

The delay in the establishment of the controlled atmosphere (CA) conditions has been shown to be an effective storage procedure in alleviating or even preventing the occurrence of internal storage disorders (ISD) in apples and pears during long-term CA storage. Apples and pears respond differently to this practice in relation to the prevention of ISD during long-term CA storage and/or in keeping quality traits such as flesh firmness, soluble solids, acidity and skin color. Therefore, the responsiveness of these pome fruits varies either in relation to the effectiveness in alleviating the occurrence of ISD or regarding the exposition time of fruit in air at low temperature before long-term CA storage. This review aims to discuss everything from the initial experimental trials using this procedure with apple and pear to the current results and commercial application for the storage of pears. The possible mode of action of delayed CA in reducing the occurrence of ISD in apples and pears as well as the benefits of the rapid CA (secondarily) is also discussed.