The storage life of ‘Red Globe’ grapes was limited to 3 months.
After 4 months of storage, marked color changes were observed,
more than 90% fungal decay occurred, severity of stem browning
increased, taste was unacceptable, and appearance was unacceptable
with the absence of SO2 treatment. The SO2 pad in ZOEpac-110
bags was the most effective treatment throughout storage for controlling
incidence of fungal decay, controlling stem browning, and
maintaining acceptable visual appearance followed by the SO2 pad
in PPE bags. However, SO2 treatments resulted in significant SO2
injury and residual SO2 in berries, which impaired the taste of
grapes during storage. Moreover, SO2 injury was not detected by
the panelists. ZOEpac-110 bags containing laminated SO2 pads may
extend storage life of ‘Red Globe’ grapes to 4 months without SO2
injury and excessive SO2 residues, but this needs further investigation.