Effect of long-term controlled atmosphere storage on fruit quality in Heidi mango.
Oosthuyse S. A.
Author Affiliation: HortResearch SA, P.O. Box 3849, Tzaneen 0850, South Africa.
Yearbook - South African Mango Growers' Association 17 : 95-99
Abstract : Heidi mango fruits were harvested at the conventional stage and at an advanced stage of maturation from an orchard in South Africa. Following commercial pack line treatment, fruits were stored at 12.5°C either under controlled atmosphere (CA) storage (low or high concentrations of CO2) or under normal atmosphere storage. After 21 days, fruits were allowed to ripen at 20° under normal atmosphere. Quality was assessed on ripening. Fruits harvested at an advanced stage of maturation did not appear to benefit from CA storage. Pulp browning in these fruits was elevated. In fruits harvested at the conventional stage of maturation, CA storage reduced surface scald, pulp browning and internal breakdown, and enhanced shelf life and taste. The semi-commercial adoption of CA storage in Heidi mango is recommended for the coming season.