Submitted to: HortScience
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: February 15, 1999
Publication Date: July 1, 1999
Citation: Magee, J.B., Smith, B.J. 1999. Disease control spray program affects storage quality of 'summit' muscadine grapes. Hortscience.34:836 Technical Abstract: As part of a larger study, 'Summit' muscadine plants were treated throughout the 1998 growing season under a systematic fungicide spray program recommended by the Mississippi Cooperative Extension Service. The objectives of the study was to determine the effects of the spray program on berry diseases, berry quality and storage and the relationship between disease incidence and resveratrol content. Fungicide-treated fruit were larger and had a lower total disease score, more berries without disease symptoms and fewer inedible berries than control fruit. After 12 days storage in plastic clam-shell retail containers at 4-5C and 87-92% RH, control fruit lost more mass from the retail unit and had a higher percent loss of firmness than treated fruit. Quality factors pH, fructose, glucose, total sugars, malic acid, citric acid and total acids were not affected (P<0.05) by spray treatments or storage. Control fruit were higher in soluble solids, sucrose, titratable acidity and tartaric acid. On additional storage, the useable storage life of fungicide-treated fruit was 18 days vs. 15 for control fruit.