Dynamic control system (DCS) for apples (Malus domestica Borkh. cv 'Elstar'): optimal quality through storage based on product response

Dynamic control system (DCS) is an interactive, patented storage concept, which can be regarded as the successor of traditional controlled atmosphere (CA) storage for some commodities. Instead of using static, fixed set-points for gas conditions like in CA, the oxygen concentration in the DCS storage facility is controlled upon product response. When applying DCS, the oxygen concentration is slowly lowered until the product emits a stress-signal. More specific, DCS uses ethanol, the final product of fermentation, to establish the lowest possible oxygen concentration under which a product can be stored. DCS was applied for the storage of apples (cv 'Elstar'). Experiments with this cultivar, as presented here, show that apples are firmer after DCS storage, especially after shelf life, and have a better colour retention compared with traditional CA. Further-more, apples tend to develop less skin spots under DCS, a major storage disorder of 'Elstar'. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.