The response of apples cv. Cox's Orange Pippin to different concentrations of oxygen in the storage atmosphere

The response of apples cv. Cox's Orange Pippin to storage in flowing streams of air and nitrogen mixed to generate atmospheres ranging from 0.5% to 2% oxygen was examined in two seasons. The benefits of reducing store oxygen concentrations below 1.25% were small but storage in 0.75% may be advantageous for Cox's Orange Pippin apples in seasons when flesh firmness is low at harvest. Ethanol-induced flesh breakdown was recorded in samples stored in 0.5% O₂ in one season and the risk of low temperature breakdown was increased in oxygen levels below 1.25%. Ethylene production was reduced by lowering the oxygen concentration.