Inhibition of ethylene production in mango fruit by elevated CO2 and recovery during subsequent air storage.
Bender R. J., Brecht J. K., Sargent S. A.
Author Affiliation: Horticultural Sciences Dept., University of Florida, IFAS, Gainesville, FL 32611-0690, USA.
Proceedings of the Florida State Horticultural Society : 279-285
Abstract : The effects of CO2 on delayed ripening of fruits have been attributed to its inhibitory action on ethylene biosynthesis. A study was conducted to determine the effects of elevated CO2 concentrations on the ethylene pathway in mango fruits. Mature-green and tree-ripe fruits of mango cv. Tommy Atkins were stored at 12°C for 21 days in 10, 25 or 45% CO2 combined with 5% O2. After the 3-week controlled atmosphere (CA) storage period, fruits were transferred to air at 20°C for 5 days. Ethylene production rates of mangoes stored at 10 or 25% CO2 were below detectable levels, but recovered to levels similar to control fruit after transfer to air. ACC concentrations remained unaffected by CO2 treatments whereas ACC oxidase activity in both mature green and tree ripe fruits decreased with increasing CO2 concentrations during storage. The ripening processes of fruits stored in 10 or 25% CO2 atmospheres resumed during the air storage. Epidermal hue and chroma values and ACC concentrations of mangoes in these treatments were similar to control fruits after 5 days in air. Mangoes stored in the 45% CO2 atmosphere were severely damaged at the end of the CA period and did not recover after transfer to air.