Effects of oxalic acid compound cleaning agent on storage quality of fruits of apple 'Red Fuji'.

In the present study, the effects of oxalic acid compound agent were investigated on washing efficiency and storage quality of fruits of apple Red Fuji. This compound is a mixture composed of 10.0 g·L-1 oxalic acid, 10.0 g·L-1 sodium chloride, 9 mg·kg-1 chlorine dioxide and 0.02% Tween-20. The acid compound cleaning agent on washing was much more efficient than the control on clearing pesticides, heavy metals and colonies from fruit surface. Compared with control, the decrease of flesh firmness, respiratory peak and ethylene-released peak were markedly delayed in treated fruits and stored in cool storage conditions. Level of ethylene released from treated fruits was significantly lower than that of control fruits. Treatment of this compound was also found to delay degeneration of titrate acid and total soluble solid of the stored fruits, and reduce rates of weightlessness and decay of fruits. In conclusion, usage of oxalic acid compound as a washing agent can greatly improve quality of stored apple fruits.