Change Trend in Berry Drop Characteristics of the Grape Cultivar ‘Shine Muscat’ during Storage and Its Reduction by Improved Packaging

Abstract

　This study investigated berry drop characteristics of the grape cultivar ‘Shine Muscat’ under different storage periods and packaging conditions. The samples were stored at 2℃ with 85% relative humidity (RH). In the improved packaging, loose space was filled with stacked polyurethane sheets. Repetitive drop shock tests for conventional and improved packaging were conducted after storage periods of 0, 15, 27, 44, and 60 days. The improved packaging reduced berry drops caused by repetitive drop shocks. Moreover, the changes in berry drop were fitted to a cubic equation, and a trend of recovery was noted at 27―44 days. Trend of berry drop occurrence was similar in both packaging but reduced overall in improved packaging. The weight per berry and degree of weight decrease did not affect berry drop characteristics. We assumed that the ease of berry dropping of ‘Shine Muscat’ and their changes during storage were controlled by another factor. In addition, berry drops could also be inhibited by improved packaging. Recovery characteristics were ascertained by specific long-term storage periods and highly repetitive drop shocks. Therefore, these results would be particularly beneficial for the safe longterm storage and transportation of grapes.