Effect of Container and Packing Methods on Injury and Transpiration of Table Grapes

Cracked, detached, and brown berries, as well as stem freshness, were useful perameters in measuring the response of table grapes to packing methods, and the protection afforded the fruit by the container. Browning of `Thompson Seedless9 borries and drying of stems were more rapid in vented than in unvented containers. "Tight-fill" settling reduced cracking of `Thompson Seedless9 berries. Cracking and detachment of berries increased with storage time in `Thompson Seedless9 but not in `Cardinal9 berries. Cracking of `Thompson Seedless9 berries, especially those in compact clusters, increased with pack density. In denser packs a top cushion pad reduced the incidence of loose and brown berries. A six-unit paper-pulp consumer tray substituted easily for a bottom cushion pad in both vented and unvented containers, though there was some reduction in pack density. The suggested optimum density range for `Thompson Seedless9 table grape packs is 43-47 in. 3 /lb of fruit.