Analysis of the data allows us to estimate an optimum exposure time that produces readable
labels with minimal water loss (Figure 2-11). For tangerines, a label using 45-65 µs exposure
-5
0
5
10
15
20
12345
% Decay
Time after labeling (weeks)
control
35 µs
45µs
85µs
120µs
General
decay
Label
associated
decay
36
times is optimal. It is important that labels are protected with a wax coat to control water loss, or
significant label collapse may occur.