Effect of Biphenyl Treatment and Carton Ventilation on Decay and Spoilage of California Lemons in Overseas Shipments

Excerpts from the report Introduction: The use of biphenyl in vapor form is generally considered effective in reducing decay in citrus fruits during marketing. In spite of the use of biphenyl, reports of excessive decay in fruit exported to European markets have been received frequently. This led representatives of the American citrus industry and related industries to request the Agricultural Marketing Service and the California Citrus Experiment Station to investigate ways of improving the effectiveness of biphenyl in reducing decay and soilage. For this purpose three test shipments of lemons were made from Los Angeles to Hamburg via the Panama Canal during the summer of 1959. Three corresponding static tests were made with fruit from the same lots at the citrus experiment station at Riverside, Calif., using stationary model refrigerated cars. A fourth static test was made on oranges as well as lemons. These tests were made to obtain additional data on (1) the usefulness of biphenyl in reducing decay of citrus fruit during transit, and for 2 weeks after unloading, a period long enough to provide for distribution through the usual market channels; (2) the desirability of ventilating holes in the fiberboard containers, and (3) biphenyl accumulation in the fruit as influenced by carton ventilation, transit and storage time, and temperature. This study is part of a broad program of research aimed at expanding the market for agricultural products.