This work was conducted to evaluate the effect of temperature and CA storage conditions on the quality of 'Royal Gala' apples. The experiemtal desig was completely randomized with 4 replications of 25 fruits. Evaluated temperatures were --0,5ºC and 0ºC combined with following O2 and CO2 partial pressures: 1kPa O2/ 2kPa CO2, 1,2kPa O2/ 2kPa CO2, 1kPa O2/ 3 kPa CO2 and 1,2kPa O2/ 3kPa CO2. Fruit quality was assessed after 9 months of storage, at the openning of the chanbers and after 7 days of shelf life at 20ºC. Results showed that 0ºC fruit had higher titratable acidity at the openning of the chambers and higher pulp fiirmness, lower mealness and internal breakdown incidence after 7 days of shelf life. The best CA conditions was 1,2kPa O2 with 2 and 3kPa CO2 wich presented highest titratable acidity and less incidence of rot and physiological disorders.
controlled atmosphere; quality; physiological disorder; Malus domestica.
