Effect of ethephon and calcium carbide on ripening and quality of mango fruits, cv. Keitt, in Alajuela, Costa Rica.
Valverde E., Hernández R. L., Sáenz M. V.
Author Affiliation: Centro de Investigaciones Agronómicas, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica.
Agronomía Costarricense 10 : 153-163
Abstract : Harvested fruits held at 22-24°C and 80-85% RH were sprayed with 250-2000 µg/ml ethephon, dipped for 1 min in 1000-2000 µg/ml ethephon or treated with 1-7 g calcium carbide/kg fruit. Ethephon concentrations above 1500 µg/ml and calcium carbide concentrations above 5 g/kg fruit caused overripening. Calcium carbide at 3 g/kg fruit or less delayed ripening and caused weight loss. Ethephon application at 750 µg/ml ripened fruits within 8-12 days and improved fruit flavour and appearance compared with untreated controls.