Radicchio are generally packed, after thorough precooling, with polymer film liners inside corrugated containers to prevent water loss. We have recently begun testing the respiration rates of radicchio. The specific responses of radicchio to CA are not well defined at this time. In recent, preliminary, studies low oxygen conditions resulted in internal browning in head radicchio. Pathological Disorders Radicchio are highly susceptible to Bacterial Soft Rot caused by Erwinia cartotovora at warmer storage temperatures and pectolytic Pseudomonas at lower refrigeration temperatures.
Bacterial decay is common when harvesting methods cut across the basal leaves of head radicchio.
Leaf margin necrosis and storage decay caused by Botrytis cinerea is also common, even with good temperature management. One Shields Ave.