Effect of controlled atmospheres containing low O2 and high CO2 on chilling susceptibility of Manila mangoes.
Leon D. M., Cruz J. de la, Parkin K. L., Garcia H. S.
Author Affiliation: Depto. Ing. Química y Bioquímica, Instituto Tecnológico de Veracruz, Apdo. Postal 1420, Veracruz 91860, Mexico.
: 635-642
Abstract : Fruits of mango cv. Manila were disinfected by exposure to controlled atmospheres containing 1% O2, and either 30 or 50% CO2, for 3 days at 12°C. Fruits were then stored at 12° in air for 27 days and transferred at regular intervals to 25° for ripening for up to 9 days. Weight loss, textural hardness (puncture), pH, titratable acidity, soluble solids, colour and respiration rates were measured. No differences occurred between controlled atmosphere-treated and untreated (control) fruits held at 12°. However, differences in colour change, texture, weight loss, titratable acidity, pH and soluble solids occurred between fruits stored at 12° and controls stored at 25°. These differences were no longer apparent when fruits were allowed to ripen at 25°. The respiratory activity of mangoes stored at 12° for 18 days, and then allowed to ripen at 25°, was higher than that of fruits maintained at 25°. Symptoms of chilling injury appeared within 18 days in mangoes that were treated with 50% CO2, within 21 days in mangoes treated with 30% CO2, and within 24 days in untreated control fruits. It is concluded that disinfection by controlled atmospheres slightly increased the susceptibility of Manila mangoes to chilling injury.