Effects of postharvest heat treatments on inner and outer tissue of mango fruit.
Mitcham E. J., McDonald R. E.
Author Affiliation: USDA-ARS Horticultural Research Laboratory, Orlando, Florida 32803, USA.
Tropical Science 37 : 193-205
Abstract : Mango cv. Tommy Atkins fruits were vapour-heat treated at 50°C for 120, 180 or 240 minutes, or they were treated at 46° for 160, 220 or 280 min. Colour development and softening were more reduced in inner than in outer mesocarp tissue. Electrolyte leakage of mesocarp tissue treated at 50° (but not at 46°) increased immediately after vapour-heat treatment, and the effect was greater on inner tissues. However, 3 days after 50° treatment, electrolyte leakage had returned to control levels. A reduction in ACC oxidase activity occurred in inner mesocarp tissue after all vapour-heat treatments, and in outer mesocarp tissue after treatment at 50°. By day 3, ACC oxidase activity had recovered in most treated fruits. Inner tissues were more affected by vapour heating than outer tissues, but fruits appeared to recover from many of the effects associated with vapour-heat treatment.