New tool to manage harvest: Harvista's real value may be to pick better-colored fruit with long

摘要

The powerful instrument 1-MCP (methylcyclo-propene) is used to retain the firmness of apples in cold storage. But the product also shows potential as a tool for producers to use in the field to better manage harvest, according to a University of Pennsylvania researcher. Dr. Jim Schupp, horticulturist for the University of Pennsylvania, has studied the preharvest use of Harvista (MCP) for several years, focusing on Cameo and Golden Delicious apples during the last two years to compare rates, concentrations, and methods of application. Harvista, the trade name for the MCP product manufactured by AgriFresh, was registered in 2008 by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for field application. Various trials in commercial and research settings were conducted last season in both east and west tree fruit production areas.