Multivariate analysis of superficial scald susceptibility on Granny Smith apples dipped with different postharvest...

Multivariate methods were used to present the results of different postharvest treatments applied to control superficial scald disorder in Granny Smith apples. In a two-season study, the treatments applied by dips were diphenylamine (DPA), Semperfresh (a sucrose ester coating) formulated alone or with either ascorbyl palmitate or n-propyl gallate, and CaCl(2). DPA correlated negatively with scald, whereas the rest of the treatments showed no clear relationship with the disorder. By means of partial least squares, the incidence of superficial scald after cold storage was shown to correlate with quality parameters (firmness and acidity), measured at the end of storage. In contrast, ethylene production did not appear as a relevant factor in the incidence of scald.