26 



CIRCULAR 659, U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 



Since it is due to auto-intoxication effects in storage, storage practices 

 must be adapted to prevent its occurrence. If it were practical to pro- 

 vide continuous aeration of every apple, the injurious odorous emana- 

 tions could be removed in this way and scald control could be obtained, 

 but it is not possible to do this in commercial packages or under com- 

 mercial cold-storage practices. The only feasible method of scald con- 

 trol is the use of oiled paper (fig. 12) as developed by Brooks, Cooley, 

 and Fisher {2) . The oiled paper can be used either in the form of fruit 

 wraps or shredded. It absorbs the odorous emanations from the fruit 

 and at the same time reduces moisture loss from the fruit. Its use is 

 recommended for all fall and winter varieties of apples. For best re- 

 sults the apples should be packed in the oiled paper as soon as possible 

 after harvest. Oiled paper for this purpose is now obtainable in all 

 apple-growing districts, but growers should make sure that it is properly 

 prepared and properly used. It should carry at least 15 percent of its 

 dry weight in an odorless and tasteless mineral oil. When shredded 



-.. «-p-^^ 



%*. 





^31 



Grimes Golden 

 Unoiled Wrapper 



Grimes Golden 

 Oiled Wrapper 



Figure 12. — Control of scald on Grimes Golden apples by use of wraps carrying odor- 

 less, colorless mineral oil to at least 15 percent of their dry weight. 



oiled paper is used, at least Yi pound per bushel is required, and it should 

 be well distributed through the package so that every apple is in contact 

 with it. 



EFFECTS OF PACKAGING 



Packaging practices have an important bearing on the subsequent 

 condition of apples, especially as to bruising, and particularly when 

 apples are displayed to the consumer. It is a strange commentary on 

 the apple industry that after taking great care to cull out all skin-punc- 

 tured and badly bruised fruit, many packers package their apples in such 



