This study aimed to evaluate the effect of different numbers of calcium chloride (CaCl2) application in the orchard during the fruit formation on the physico-chemical qualities of 'Fuji' apples after storage in controlled atmosphere (CA). The experiment was conducted in completely randomized design with five replications of 12 fruit. The evaluated treatments were: control, three, six and 9 applications of CaCl2 (0.6%). Fruits were stored in AC with 1.2kPa of O2 and 0.0kPa of CO2 during 9.5 months at -0.5°C. The production of ethylene and respiration were measured at the 6th day at 20°C and the other parameters after 7 days exposure at 20°C. The number of CaCl2 applications did not influence the acidity and fruit respiration. Nine applications provide greater flesh firmness and less decay incidence. The decay incidence showed inverse relationship with the flesh firmness. The increase in applications number of CaCl2 decreased the ethylene production and increase the total solids soluble (TSS) of 'Fuji' apples after 9,5 months in CA.
Malus domestica; ethylene; controlled atmosphere; respiration
