Influence of Ethrel and calcium carbide on respiration rate, ethylene evolution, electrolyte leakage and firmness of 'Dashehari' mango (Mangifera indica).
Pal R. K.
Author Affiliation: Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi 110 012, India.
Indian Journal of Agricultural Sciences 68 : 201-203
Abstract : Mature, unripe mangoes were treated with Ethrel [ethephon] at 100, 200, 400 or 600 ppm a.i. or calcium carbide at 25 g/10 kg and subsequently stored at room temperature (30-36°C; 10-55% RH), or in a cold store (25-28° + 85-90% RH, or 14-16° + 70-80% RH). Ethrel at 200 or 400 ppm and storage in an evaporative cool chamber at 25-28° resulted in better ripening attributes. Ethrel at 600 ppm or calcium carbide treatment gave more electrolyte leakage from the pulp resulting in poor textural properties during ripening. Low doses of Ethrel maintained better fruit firmness on ripening compared with the calcium carbide-treated fruits, irrespective of the storage environment. A dose of 200 or 400 ppm Ethrel was recommended for ripening of Dashehari mangoes.