Tuesday, March 18, 2008

The following set of bullet points lay out the science of why elevated (10%+) CO2 levels are required in any effective MA or CA system for the transport or storage of fresh strawberries.

* Leading post harvest research organizations such as the USDA, and the University of California confirm and recommend that CO2 levels must be greater than 10 % to inhibit respiration and gray mold development. In the scientific community, this would be known as an accepted fact, just as it is a "fact" we breath 21% O2.

"Decay reduction was greater when CO2 levels in pallet loads were maintained at or above 10% during transit" . John Harvey, USDA Publication AAT-W-12July 1980.

46 scientific papers are listed on elevated CO2 affects on strawberries between April 1989 to May 1997. Listed in: Modified Atmospheres, An Indexed Reference List..., Supplements 6, 7. Department of Pomology, University of California, Davis.

* There is no effective capture or accumulation of CO2 in non sealed pallet bag products . (i.e. Peakfresh, Lifespan, Biofresh, CO2 Technologies) This can be easily demonstrated by measuring the CO2 levels inside a non sealed pallet bag.

"With proper selection of the bag materials and proper sealing , atmospheres can be kept near the 12 to 15 percent CO2 levels during transit" Handling Strawberries for Fresh Market, University of California Publication 2442, 1996.

* TECTROL© Atmosphere is a sealed system with an initial injection of CO2 levels above 12%.

"TECTROL© continuously adapts its technology to ever changing packaging and handling needs. TECTROL© routinely checks atmospheres and systems at shipping and destination to confirm effective CO2 levels." Rich Macleod, 2003

* TECTROL© Atmospheres ability to reduce mold growth is most apparent 1 to 3 days after the bag is removed and product is in retail distribution.

We can demonstrate this effectively when matched lots are randomized and treated identically in true side by side demonstrations.

* Post harvest technologies can affect arrivals as well as retail category profits. When considering new technology, it is highly advisable to contact a neutral post harvest specialist such as Dr. Adel Kader (Pomology, UC Davis)530 752 0909.