Asian pear postharvest storage temperature

Question

Hello, I have a debate going on here. We grow and ship Ya Li Asian pears. Our company has stored them at 45 degrees F for years. Is that the right temperature? Could you let me know?  We store all of our other Asian varieties at 32 degrees. Thanks. J.C.

Answer

I do not have any information that Ya Li pears are chilling susceptible and the recommended temperature is 32 degrees F.  However, I will forward your question to Carlos Crisosto in case he knows of any conflicting information.

- Elizabeth Mitcham

Our work indicated that Ya Li internal browning (core, carpels and flesh areas) in California and Chile is a senescent breakdown rather than chilling injury. I support the 32F storage recommendation.

- Carlos Crisosto