The quality of three table grape varieties fumigated with methyl bromide at doses recommended for the control of mealybugs

Abstract

'Ruby Seedless', 'Red Globe', and 'Prima Red' table grapes were fumigated with the treatment schedule of the USDA-Animal Plant Health Inspection Service recommended for the control of mealybugs. Methyl bromide was applied at 64 g·m-3 (4.0 lb/1000 ft3) for 2 h at 16.1 to 18.3 °C (61 to 65 °F). The grapes were in commercial packages typical for each cultivar. After fumigation and 30 min of aeration, the grapes were stored 2 to 4 weeks at 5 °C (41 °F) and their quality assessed by evaluation of cluster rachis condition, shatter, berry cracking, decay, berry color, internal browning, bleaching injury, and firmness. None of the table grape quality parameters was significantly influenced by methyl bromide fumigation.