This experiment was carried out aiming to evaluate the effect of periodical removal of the atmosphere of controlled atmosphere chambers with fresh air and the use of dynamic atmosphere on quality of 'Gala' apples. Evaluated treatments were: (1) control (without air renovation); (2) daily atmosphere renovation during fruit cooling; (3) daily atmosphere renovation during cooling and monthly during controlled atmosphere storage of fruits; (4) monthly atmosphere renovation; (5) 50µL L-1 ethylene inside chamber; and (6) dynamic atmosphere (N2 injection to remove CO2). After eight months of storage, daily atmosphere renovation during cooling and monthly during controlled atmosphere storage maintained fruit firmness. None of the evaluated techniques allowed ethylene levels below 5µL L-1 inside the storage chambers. Probably, ethylene scrubbing has an equal or higher benefit than air renovation, with lower costs, because atmosphere renovation involves higher costs with nitrogen purchase.
storage; Malus domestica Borkh.; postharvest; ethylene
