Jerry A. Bartz

Chlorine Use In Produce Packing Lines

Mark A. Ritenour, Steven Sargent, andJerry A. Bartz

Guide to Identifying and Controlling Postharvest Tomato Diseases in Florida

Jerry A. Bartz, Gary E. Vallad, and Steven A. Sargent

Pathogens are present in all tomato production areas and are most numerous when the weather becomes warm and wet. Movement of weather fronts or tropical storms through production areas can also affect the susceptibility of tomato fruit to decay. Fruit decays can be minimized by the employment of strict sanitation measures along with careful handling. This bulletin is designed to supplement field scouting and identification guides by describing postharvest decay pathogens important to Florida tomato packers and shippers, presenting sanitation guidelines for controlling decay pathogens during harvest and handling operations, and offering appropriate storage temperature options.

Harvesting and Postharvest Handling of Stonefruits in Florida

Jeffrey K. Brecht, Mark A. Ritenour, Mercy Olmstead, Mercy A. Olmstead, Ali Sarkhosh, Jose X. Chaparro, Jerry A. Bartz, Steven Sargent, andJohn J. Vansickle

Stonefruits grown commercially in Florida include peaches, nectarines, and plums. This publication is directed to current and potential stonefruit growers, handlers, and marketers, as well as researchers, Extension agents, students, and consumers. It provides information about the Florida stonefruit industry, stonefruit cultivars that are suitable for Florida, stonefruit postharvest physiology and pathology, fruit quality, and recommended postharvest handling and marketing practices.

Uso del Cloro en las Líneas de Empacado de Productos Cosechados Frescos

Mark A. Ritenour, Steven Sargent, andJerry A. Bartz

Muchos de los problemas de la descomposición postcosecha se presentan por la inefectiva sanitización de los tanques de recepción (packinghouse), canales y sistemas de enfriamiento con agua helada (hydrocooling) de la planta empacadora. De la misma forma, los productos del campo que tienen una apariencia sana pueden hospedar grandes poblaciones de patógenos, particularmente durante el tiempo caluroso y lluvioso. Los patógenos presentes sobre los frutos y vegetales, cosechados recientemente, se acumularán en los sistemas que administran agua recirculada. Cuando los frutos y vegetales contactan con el agua que contienen los patógenos, es frecuente que se infecten y por consiguiente estos se descomponen durante el embarque y manejo.

A Postharvest Fruit Rot Caused by Alternaria sp. on Imported Plum Tomatoes in South Florida

Zelalem Mersha, Shouan Zhang, andJerry A. Bartz