The experiment was conducted with the aim to evaluate the effects of the high CO2, and ultra-low O2, (ULO) concentrations on the fruit quality and incidence of physiological disorders and rots during controlled atmosphere (CA) storage of 'Golden Delicious'. Fruits were stored at-0.5°C and +0.5°C, with 97% relative humidity. The CA conditions were: 1.0% of O2, and 6.0% of CO2,.1.5% of O2, and 6.0% of CO2; 1.0% of O2, and 4.0% of CO2,; 2.0% of O2, and 4.0% of CO2,; 3.0% of O2, and 4.0% of CO2,. After 8.5 months of storage and 14 days after chamber opening (seven days of cold storage plu s seven days at shelf life)firmness, total soluble solids, titratable acidity, scald, internal breakdown and rot were evaluated. The ULO storage conditions (1.0% of O2, and 4.0% of CO2 resulted in betterfruit quality and no sympton of fermentation was observed. ULO conditions with 6.0% of CO2, at +0.5°C did not cause damage on fruits, but a storage temperature of -0.5° C caused internal breakdown and superficial scald.
'Golden Delicious' apple; controlled atmosphere; qualit
