Pierce's Disease
Research Updates

piercesdisease.cdfa.ca.gov

What is Pierce's Disease?

Pierce's Disease is a bacterial infection, which is spread by bugs that feed on grapevines, particularly the "glassy winged sharpshooter." Grapevines that become infected with PD can quickly become sick and die.

glassy-winged sharpshooter

Interstate shipment and storage of fresh muscadine grapes


  • Author(s): James, J.; Lamikanra, O.; Main, G.; Morris, J.; Silva, J.; Walker, T.;
  • Abstract: Muscadine grapes (Vitis rotundifolia michx.) are highly perishable, with a short harvest season. The objective of this study was to enhance the commercial viability of muscadine grapes by developing harvesting and handling systems through interstate shipment studies, using sulfur dioxide and/or polyethylene overwrap treatments. Cultivars Fry, Summit and Granny Val from Florida, Arkansas and Mississippi, respectively, were shipped from each region to the other in refrigerated trucks for subsequent storage at 0C and evaluation at 0, 2, 4 and 6 weeks. Biochemical properties: pH, titratable acidity and degrees Brix, remained fairly constant with time for all cultivars, under all treatments. The cultivar, Granny Val, which was shipped, wrinkled after 2 weeks storage, but maintained 6 weeks shelf-life in the in-house study. Summit shelf-life was increased to 4 weeks with SO2 treatment at all test sites while Fry became bleached by SO2. The shelf-life of Fry was 6 weeks in the in-house study using a polyethylene overwrap, but the shelf-life was decreased to 4 weeks after handling and transportation. Shipment of muscadine grapes adversely affected the shelf-life of all the three cultivars. The effect of SO2 treatment and moisture retention on shelf-life of muscadine grapes were cultivar specific.
  • Publication Date: Jan 1999
  • Journal: Journal Of Food Quality