Feb., 2004

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 that CO2 levels must be greater than 10 % to inhibit respiration and gray mold development. In the scientific community, this is considered 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 effects 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.