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Vapour releasing product containing 3.3% w/w of 1-methylcyclopropene, used for the maintenance of fruit firmness and fruit acid content and control of superficial scald during refrigerated apple storage (normal air and controlled atmosphere).

GENERAL INFORMATION
SmartFreshSM works by inhibiting the production and perception of ethylene, both from internal end external sources, and is formulated into a soluble powder which, when mixed with water, releases the active ingredient into the apple store. SmartFreshSM is for use in controlling superficial scald and maintaining fruit firmness and fruit acid content during the normal storage period for each variety. The product has been tested on the following varieties: Granny Smith, Gala and Jonagold, with evidence on Bramley (acidity) and Cox (acidity and firmness). Before treating other apple varieties please consult the distributing company for specific advice.

DIRECTIONS FOR USE
IMPORTANT: This information is approved as part of the Product Label. All instructions within this section must be read carefully in order to obtain safe and successful use of this product.

Storage conditions
SmartFreshSM should only be used on apples that will be stored at low temperatures (within the normal refrigerated storage temperature range for each variety), either in controlled atmosphere or normal air. SmartFreshSM needs to be used in air tight storage rooms. Refrigerated air stores or refrigerated controlled atmosphere stores should be gas tight enough to allow the treatment.

Timing of harvest and application
Fruit to be stored should be harvested at the locally recommended harvest period. SmartFreshSM should be applied as soon as possible after harvest and anyway within 7 days from the beginning of the picking. Treatment can occur at any temperature between ambient temperature and the normal minimum varietal storage temperature recommended for each variety, including during the cooling of the fruits.
For best effects, SmartFreshSM should be applied to fruit harvested promptly in good condition and of proper quality for long term storage. The effects of SmartFreshSM may be reduced in fruit that are in poor condition and of poor quality, that are ripe prior to storage or that are harvested late, outside the recommended harvest period. Consult processors before application of SmartFreshSM to fruit destined for processing/cider making.

Application method
Prior to application, ensure that the store can be properly and promptly sealed, and does not have apparent cracks or crevices. There are two sizes of generators available depending upon the size of the room to be treated. The larger unit (for rooms larger than 300 m3) has a water capacity of 8 litres while the smaller unit (for rooms up to 100 m3) has a water capacity of 0.8 litres.
Once the filling of the room is finished, place the appropriate size generator on the floor, in a position within the store that would be within a flow of air from the refrigeration system.
Remove the lid of the generator and the protective tape over the button at the base of the unit. 
Turn on the system by pressing the button at the base (the button turns red when the system is on, and the system makes a humming sound).- Depending upon the size of the system add either 8 litres or 0.8 litres of tap water at ambient temperature in a single operation. Add either 2 ml (large unit) or 4 drops (small unit) of an anti-foam emulsion (Dow Corning antifoam B Emulsion, or equivalent) into the bubbling water. 
CAUTION: without the anti-foam, the generator will foam over and thus invalidate the application.
Open the foil wrappers of the required number of water-soluble pouches and add the water-soluble pouches to the generator. Do not touch the water-soluble bags. Place whole bag directly into the generator.
DO NOT REPLACE THE SYSTEM LID. The release of 1-MCP will start approximately 5 minutes after. The operator must immediately leave and seal the room before the release starts.
A good seal will ensure maximum efficacy of 1-MCP. After the room is sealed a sign must be placed on the door of the treatment room with the following words: Warning – do not enter. SmartFreshSM treatment in progress. The sign must remain on the door until the treatment and venting procedure is completed.
The store must be left sealed for 24 hours with the refrigeration left running to ensure a good air circulation inside the room and with all scrubbers (CO2 and ethylene scrubbers) and ozone generators switched off. The use of lime to scrub CO2 will not interfere with the application. After this period is completed, treated areas must be ventilated thoroughly with all refrigeration fans operating at maximum power for at least 15 minutes before re-entry. Stay away from the area during venting.
Upon removal of the generator following treatment, check to ensure that the contents have been fully dissolved and there are no solids visible.
The store should then be set to the required storage conditions.
The store should be ventilated up to 48 hrs after removal of apples in case another crop is going to be stored just after.

Storage effects
SmartFreshSM controls superficial scald for between 3 and 6 months of storage in normal air and for between 6 and 9 months in controlled atmosphere storage. Use in low oxygen regimes is likely to extend the duration of scald control.
SmartFreshSM will maintain fruit firmness for between 3 and 6 months (3-4 months in Cox) of storage in normal air and for between 6 and 9 months (up to 6 months in Cox) in controlled atmosphere storage.
SmartFreshSM will maintain fruit acid content for between 3 and 6 months of storage in normal air and for between 6 and 9 months in controlled atmosphere storage.
Evidence is limited on varieties Cox and Bramley.
The effects of SmartFreshSM application are not permanent, production of ethylene begins after removal from storage and return to ambient conditions. In certain situations there may be a tendency for physiological disorders to develop during normal storage. This product has the potential to exacerbate these disorders: in particular the following may be increased following treatment;
- core flush, especially in Cox
- certain forms of internal breakdown, especially in Cox
- lenticel blotch, especially in Granny Smith with low calcium status.

COMPATIBILITY WITH OTHER TREATMENTS MADE FOR POSTHARVEST STORAGE REASONS
Do not apply SmartFreshSM in mixture with other products. The activity of SmartFreshSM is not known to be compromised by other treatments applied in sequence for control of post-harvest pests and disorders. This includes:
- Calcium chloride
- Fungicides applied in pre harvest and in post-harvest for the control of post-harvest diseases.

STORAGE: Store in a cool and dry place.

DISPOSAL
After retrieval of the used generator, spent release water should be poured out and the inside of the unit rinsed once with tap water and allowed to dry (‘Dispose of the spent water in accordance with the Code of Practice for the Safe Use of Pesticides on Farms and Holding’ (Green Code)). The empty generator will be collected after use to be recycled by the distributing company. Dispose of the spent water in accordance with the Code of Practice for the Safe Use of Pesticides on Farms and Holdings (Green Code).