The Effects of Temperature, Extent of Evaporation, and Restriction of Ventilation on the Storage Life of Tomatoes

Abstract

The storage life of English glasshouse tomatoes is generally terminated by the onset of rotting which at temperatures above 50° F. (10° C.) generally starts from the calyx. As the temperature of storage is reduced below 50° F. the skins of tomatoes become increasingly susceptible to fungal invasion. Storage at 59° F. (15° C.), under conditions of restricted ventilation in controlled-atmosphere storage which allow exposure to more than 5% CO₂, , also renders the skins of tomatoes susceptible to fungal infection. The establishment of infection is also greatly influenced by the extent of evaporation, i.e. by the humidity of the storage atmosphere. The conditions for the storage of tomatoes and the precautions to be observed in prepackaging are discussed in the light of these effects.