STORAGE OP CALIFORNIA TABLE GRAPES. 7 



The minimum and maximum number of days before the develop- 

 ment of 5 per cent and 15 per cent of decay, as given in this table, 

 are the extremes found in the different years during which the work 

 was in progress. The wide variations are due partly to seasonal con- 

 ditions and partly to differences in the handling and shipping meth- 

 ods. In most cases the fruit was packed and sent to storage promptly, 

 a delay of only one day intervening between packing and storing. 

 During one or two seasons, however, there was an accidental delay 

 ranging from three to five days in placing the packed fruit under 

 refrigeration, and even this comparatively short interval had a mate- 

 rial influence upon the length of time during which the grapes re- 

 mained in sound condition. In interpreting the results it should be 

 borne in mind that the figures shown are extremes. The minimum 

 limit indicates the probability of success or failure in the storage 

 work. The higher figures are likely to be misleading if one expects to 

 accomplish the maximum every season or under all conditions of 

 culture, handling, and age of vines. The fact that there are extreme 

 ranges even under the best system of management and with the 

 most careful methods of handling emphasizes the great importance 

 of close attention to every detail. 



Table V shows the approximate dates of packing and the subse- 

 quent storage seasons of the principal varieties tested when packed 

 in redwood sawdust and stored at 32° F. These dates indicate the 

 possible marketing periods of the different varieties as produced 

 under present conditions in California. Later investigations may 

 modify these seasons to some extent, but they are not likely to be 

 shortened. 



Table V. — Packing and storage seasons of the principal varieties of California 

 taole grapes when packed in redwood saw, dust and stored at 32° F., showing 

 the approximate date when 5 per cent of deterioration developed and the 

 approximate extreme limit of storage. 



Varieties. 



Packing season. 



Approximate date 

 when 5 per cent of 

 deterioration devel- 

 oped. 



Approximate extreme 

 commercial limit of 

 storage. 





Oct. 10 to 25 ... . 





Feb. 15 to Apr. l.i 

 Jan. 1 to Feb. 1. 





Oct. 2 to 15 



Dec. 1 to 20 





Oct. 15 to 25 



Dec. 15 



Jan. 10 to 31. 





Oct. 10 to 15 



....do 



Jan. 15. 2 





Aug. 25 to Sept. 20 



Sent. 1 to 15 



Nov. 1 to 10 



Dec. 1 to 15. 3 





Oct. 1 to 15 



Nov. 15 to 25. 





Sept. 15 to Oct. 10 

 Sept. 25 to Oct. 25 

 Oct. 10 to 15 



Oct. 15 to 31 



Nov. 20 to Dec. 10 

 Dec. 1 



Nov. 15 to 30. 





Dec. 1 to Jan. I. 4 





Dec. 20 to Jan. 10. 











1 Under some exceptionally favorable conditions 15 per cent of deterioration did not develop in this 

 variety before May 15; in some cases this percentage was shown by January 1. The grapes used in the 

 tests were not of the best grade, the variety not being produced in commercial quantities in California. 

 With a wider range of grapes from which to select lots for storage, a more uniform showing may be expected. 



2 Only one season's test in redwood sawdust. 



a There seems to be considerable variation in this variety. In some cases the grapes held in first-class 

 condition until January 15; in others the storage limit was" reached before December 1. The bulk of the 

 grapes shipped as this variety aire of the latter class, and there seems to be sufficient ground to believe 

 that the variety widely planted under this name in California is not the true Malaga. 



1 There is wide variation in the quality of Flame Tokay grapes, depending upon the age of the vines 

 and the character of the soil upon which they are grown. Seasonal influences also play a very important 

 part in the behavior of this variety. 



