Question
I have some questions concerning bitter pit in apple:
1. May late harvest increase the post-harvest incidence of bitter pit in apple (specifically Bramley)?
2. Aside from the harvest time, may ethylene exposure during cold storage enhance bitter pit?
3. May we expect higher ethylene production by apples affected by bitter pit? (M.S.)
Answer
1. Usually if there is a pattern with harvest, it is earlier harvested fruit that are more susceptible.
2. No ethylene will not enhance bitter pit.
3. Yes, when fruit are affected by a disorder like bitter pit, they will generally have a higher ethylene production.
-Beth Mitcham