Daniela Ramos, MSc(Agric) student in Horticultural Science, recently attended the ISHS XIV International Controlled and Modified Atmosphere Research Conference (#CAMA2025) in Wenatchee, Washington State, where she presented her research paper titled “Dynamic Controlled Atmosphere – Chlorophyll Fluorescence (DCA-CF) and Controlled Atmosphere (CA) in Long-Term Storage of ‘Cripps Pink’ Apples, with Special Reference to Internal Browning.” Daniela received the ISHS Young Minds Award for Best Oral Presentation. Competing against international PhD students, this award recognises both the importance of her research field and the high quality of her work on a global scale.

Daniela is part of the Post-harvest Physiology Research Chair in Deciduous Fruit group, under the leadership of Dr Elke Crouch in the Department of Horticultural Science. The group focuses on long-term storage techniques and technologies to reduce post-harvest loss. Non-chemical long-term storage methods that maintain fruit quality are particularly important for South African exports, as they allow fresh produce to be supplied during periods of global scarcity. When correctly applied, these techniques reduce physiological disorders and food loss, while also providing unique insights into ripening and disorder physiology.

Daniela’s MSc research specifically examined the development of internal browning and fruit quality in ‘Cripps Pink’ apples (Pink Lady™) after long-term storage, influenced by growing-region temperature and canopy position. Her study tracked the ripening rate of 92 orchards, linking pre-harvest temperature to post-harvest quality and storage disorders. These large trials were conducted in collaboration with Geology CGA, TerraClim, and ExperiCo, with further collaborations and methodologies being explored for climatic studies. The research was funded by the Postharvest Innovation Fund 5 (DSI) and Hortgro Science.

The conference provided Daniela and her research with invaluable exposure to the international scientific community. She engaged in discussions with global peers and academic pioneers, and visited facilities including Washington State University, USDA-ARS Tree Fruit Research Laboratories (and their CA facilities), the Washington Tree Fruit Research Commission, Stemilt, and McDougal research, sorting, and storage facilities. Daniela extends her gratitude to the SU Overseas Conference Grant and her supervisor for funding, which made it possible for her to present her work on the international stage.

Photo: ISHS Division Postharvest and Quality Assurance (DPHQ) chairperson Prof. Giancarlo Colelli, Daniela Ramos (MSc Student Horticultural Science) Stellenbosch University, Convenor Dr. Carolina Torres, Washington State University, TFREC.