How to Protect the Falling-Off of the Grape-bunches During Distribution Process (II)

Shrink Packaging

Abstract

The bunches of the grapes of Campbell-Early variety were shrink-film packaged to prevent the grains from falling off, and the effects of the packaging on the grapes were measured. The results were as follows:
1) The pull off test in which the grains were pulled off one by one through a spring balance showed no decrease of the resisting force in the case of the shrink-film packaging although the non-packaged grapes showed the remarcable decrease. The vibration test in which the three bunches of the grapes were vibrated in the box on the vibrator with acceleration of 1.0g for nine minutes to determine the percent of the grains remained on the bunches also showed the similar results. It was thought that the effect would be caused by the moistureproof action of the film controlling the moisture evaporation from the stem.
2) The shrink-compressive action of the package supported the grains and perfectly prevented the grains from vibration.
3) The color of the stems was well preserved in the case of the shrink packaging, and the effect was strengthened by cooling. The weight loss of the bunches was markedly controlled by the packaging, too.