Abstract
The occurrence of rind-oil spot, a postharvest physiological disorder of Hassaku (Citrus hassaku Hort. ex Tanaka) fruits stored at 2°, 5°, 10°, 15° and 20°C uder low (75-80%) and high (90-95%) relative humidity for 3 months was investigated. In addition, color development (“a/b” value) of peel surface, weight loss, peel moisture, fruit temperature and fruit firmness were also determined. Rind-oil spot as regards surface pitting occurred mostly at the equatorial zone and the development of symptoms spread to the stylar end and rarely to the stem end of the fruits. The symptom was initially observed at the first inspection after 30 days in storage and became more evident after 60 days in storage and to the end of the storage period. When fruit was stored at temperatures above 10°C, surface pitting markedly occurred, whereas the symptoms appeared at lower temperatures (<10°C). The development of slight symptoms increased under low humidity as compared with high relative humidity.
