Evaluation and Development of Alternative Post-Harvest Chemical Treatments to Combat Superficial Scald in Apples Without Quality Degradatio

Post-harvest chemical treatments like diphenylamine and 1-MCP have faced regulatory and practical challenges, prompting the search for alternative methods to preserve apple quality and prevent superficial scald. This paper evaluates three non-chemical solutions—ethylene elimination, controlled dynamic atmosphere storage, and hot water treatment—assessing their efficacy on Granny Smith and other cultivars. Controlled dynamic atmosphere emerged as the most effective approach, ensuring up to eight months of scald protection with satisfactory physico-chemical, nutritional, and sensory quality. While ethylene removal and hot water treatment show potential, further optimization is needed for routine application.