122 MODERN FRUIT MARKETING 
to the influence of the fertilizing constituents. Nitrogen 
in abundance tends to produce overgrowth of vegetation 
and under-coloring of the fruit, while phosphorus and 
potassium develop the flavors and aroma. characteristics 
of the fruit and the high colors that are necessary for 
good keeping. This is one reason why old, neglected 
orchards or those badly run down produce fruit that 
Fig. 91—FRUIT STORED IN OPEN BOXES 
This is not desirable if it must be repacked before selling. 
keeps poorly and is lacking in the right flavor and 
texture. 
The temperature of the fruit at packing time infiu- 
ences its keeping in storage. Fruit that is allowed to 
stand at a high temperature for two or three weeks will 
advance in the ripening stages much more rapidly after 
being put in storage than when transferred at once 
from the trees to the cold storage house. All fruits in- 
tended for storage are preferably graded and packed 
