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Effects of harvest date and several postharvest treatments on the quality of ´Fuji´ apples were examined. Since the appearance of ´Fuji´ apples is not attractive because of poor color development when picked early in the season, fruits were often harvested late or stacked in the field for several days to enhance skin coloration. Anthocyanin content was two times higher in late harvested fruits compared to those picked 10 days early from commercial harvest date, but the incidence of watercore became severe in late harvested ones. Although firmness and acidity were decreased by delayed harvest, soluble solids content increased in those fruit. Delay harvest of ´Fuji´ apples up to 10 days from commercial harvest date seemed to be beneficial by increasing the sensory quality through enhancing skin color and soluble solids contents. However, field stacking of harvested fruit had no beneficial effect on color development, and fruit quality decreased through reduction of firmness, soluble solids and acid contents. Polyethylene film wrapping was effective on the inhibition of water loss. However, film wrapping is not recommended for ´Fuji´ fruits affected by watercore because part of fruit developed core browning. Application of ethylene scrubber in polyethylene wrapping did not show clear effects on quality maintenance. Wax application was effective on the prevention of water loss and on keeping surface glossy, especially during simulated marketing.
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