USE OF FILM 
BOX LINERS 
to extend storage life 
of pears and apples 
by Fisk Gerhardt, Senior Physiologist 
Biological Sciences Branch, Agricultural Marketing Service 
SUMMARY 
Evidence is presented in this report to demonstrate that the ap- 
pearance, storage life, and dessert quality of fall and winter pears 
and Golden Delicious apples can be improved by packing the fruit 
in certain kinds of sealed film box liners. 
Of the films tested, the following may be safely used as sealed liners 
during storage at 31° F.: Phofilms 75 FF, 80 and 100 FM1, 80 and 
100 uP, cellophane : 300 LSAT, and polyethylene 100 and 150. Per- 
foration of the film liner immediately upon removal from cold storage 
1s necessary to ee injury to the fruit when such films as Pliofilm 
5 FF, 80 and 100 HP, and cellophane 300 LSAT are used. The other 
Phosine and polyethylene films are sufficiently permeable to respira- 
tory gases to permit safe handling of the fruit at room temperatures 
for at least 4 days without perfora ating the sealed liner. Perforation 
of all sealed film box liners at shipping point is recommended for 
packed pears and apples destined for unsupervised handling at retail. 
Gas concentrations of 1 to 5 percent CO., and of 10 to 18 percent 
of O. were obtained in boxes of pears and apples at 31° F, when 
various kinds of recommended sealed film box liners were used. 
Physiological changes in pears, generally associated with progres- 
sive ripening of the fruit in cold storage, were definitely retarded by 
the use of sealed film liners. The “shelf life” of such fruit when 
ripened was generally increased several days by this packing proce- 
dure. Pears in these sealed films possessed a fresher appearance, a 
greater freedom from shrivel, and a cold storage hfe (with normal 
ripening capacity) of 6 to 8 weeks longer than comparable fruit packed 
without protection of the sealed film. 
Neither the degree of shriveling nor the enhancement of dessert 
quality in Golden Delicious apples was always reflected by biochemi- 
cal assay. Visual examination, taste observation, and loss in weight 
during storage were the best indices of condition, appearance, and 
dessert quality as related to packaging methods. 
Visible shriveling of the fruit occurred when approximately 3 to 5 
percent of its original weight was lost during storage. Shrivel was 
apparent in all Golden Delicious apples packed in both cartons and 
