Effects of different surfactants on calcium uptake and its effects on fruit ripening, quality and postharvest storage of mango under modified atmosphere packaging.
Zora Singh, Janes J., Tan S. C.
Author Affiliation: Department of Horticulture, Curtin University of Technology, GPO Box U 1987, Western Australia 6845, Australia.
: 413-417
Abstract : Mature fruits of mango (Mangifera indica) cv. Haden were dipped in either distilled water or one of the following surfactants for 10 minutes: Tween 20, Tween 80, Brij 30, Triton X-100 or Tergitol. They were then dipped in 8% calcium chloride aqueous solution for 20 minutes and dried. A fungicide solution containing Sportak (prochloraz, 0.55 ml/L) was applied to these fruits and allowed to dry. The fruits were packed and sealed in modified atmosphere packaging (special bags) for mango and stored at 13.5±0.5°C. Fruit ripening, quality and calcium content in the pulp as well as skin were examined after 30 days of fruit storage followed by ripening at 20°C. Postharvest treatment of calcium with surfactants improved the uptake of calcium in the skin and flesh of mango fruit as compared to calcium treatment alone. Calcium treatment reduced the concentrations of carbon dioxide in the sealed bags 6 days after storage. Concentrations of ethylene in the sealed bags increased during the storage period in the control and all treatments. Treatments with calcium significantly delayed fruit ripening, increased fruit firmness and reduced fruit rot as compared to the untreated fruits. Calcium chloride treatment increased fruit acid content. All the calcium chloride treatments significantly increased total soluble solids and total sugars compared to the untreated fruits. Eating quality of the fruits was significantly improved with calcium treatment. Postharvest calcium treatments combined with modified atmosphere packaging improved fruit quality and prolonged shelf life of mangoes.