Effect of fruit maturity on quality and physiology of high-humidity hot air-treated 'Kensington' mango (Mangifera indica Linn.).
Jacobi K. K., Wong K. S., Giles J. E.
Author Affiliation: Horticulture Postharvest Group, Queensland Department of Primary Industries, 19 Hercules Street, Hamilton, Qld 4007, Australia.
Postharvest Biology and Technology 5 : 149-159
Abstract : Mature and immature Kensington mango fruits were treated with an experimental high humidity hot air treatment (HT) to a fruit core temperature of 46.5°C for 10 min for disinfestation purposes and to test for fruit injury reportedly associated with fruit immaturity. Two methods of determining fruit maturity were examined with fruits harvested over 2 seasons, in order to gain a broad range of maturities. No internal or external injury was caused to fruits at any maturity stage by the treatment. Mature HT fruits softened faster and had increased skin colour development compared with immature HT fruits. HT shows commercial potential since the physiological changes associated with treatment and maturity can be managed with careful postharvest handling practices. It is recommended that only mature fruits be harvested and treated since quality and market performance will be maximized.