Summer storage of cabbage

Cabbage production is problematic in hot climates, since it grows best in a temperature range of 16-18 °C. In Israel the best production time is fall and winter, but to allow for year round supply cultivation and storage is necessary in the spring and summer months. Three cabbage cultivars, Cheers, Fresco and Pruktor, were examined for their ability to be grown in the spring and stored over the summer. Experiments were conducted over four seasons. Storage was in both regular air and controlled atmosphere at 1 °C, for up to 120 d. Controlled atmosphere was applied by two methods; an experimental system of containers of 400 L, and in a small commercial room of 5 MT. Regular air storage for an extended period was not suitable because all the cultivars developed unacceptable weight loss, yellowing, decay and physiological disorders (black spot and grey rib) when stored for more than one month. CA enabled storage of Cheers and Pruktor for up to three months. Fresco developed high levels of black spot under both regular and controlled atmosphere storage. Cheers had higher levels of isothiocyanates and less physiological disorders than Pruktor. Cheers was found to be the best cabbage cultivar for spring production and storage over the summer. The CA conditions of 2% O2 and 5% CO2 were better than 3% O2, 6% CO2.