Preharvest Ethephon Sprays Reduce Superficial Scald of ‘Granny Smith’ Apples

Various combinations of preharvest ethephon sprays were applied to ‘Granny Smith’ apples ( Malus domestica Borkh). The fruit were harvested twice the first year with selective picking from the interior and exterior of the tree and three times the second year. Scald incidence was measured after storage at 0°C in air for 3 or 6 months plus 1 week at 20°. There was a correlation between scald after storage and fruit soluble solids concentration and firmness at harvest and with conjugated triene levels at harvest or after storage. Ethephon sprays reduced scald incidence between 20% to 75% depending on treatment and storage length.