Ethephon and Croplife-B can Extend Strawberry Fruit Shelf Life and Increase Yield

To investigate the ability of ethephon and “organic” Croplife-B to extend strawberry shelf life, Camarosa and Honor cultivars were sprayed pre-harvest with either 1000 or 1500 ppm ethephon for one time and/or Croplife- B weekly at a rate of 300 mL/hectare. The total yield was increased. Quality was maintained, as indicated by unchanged firmness, Total Soluble Solids and Titratable Acidity. During continuous cold storage (2-6oC) ethephon and Croplife delayed the appearance and development of gray mould, Botrytis cinerea, on fruits. With another batch of fruits there was no mould on any of the treatments during five days of cold storage or the first day following transfer to room temperature. After that, ethephon +/- Croplife decreased the percentage of attacked fruits. Only the combined Croplife + ethephon 1000ppm showed no mold after two days at room temperature. Results suggest ethephon and Croplife-B extend shelf life of strawberries while maintaining yield