Postharvest period for 1-methylcyclopropene application and cold storage on shelf life of 'Tommy Atkins' mango fruit.
Lima M. A. C. de, Silva A. L. da, Santos P. de S. A., Azevedo S. S. N.
Author Affiliation: Embrapa Semi-Árido, BR 428, Km 152, Caixa postal 23, 56.302-970, Petrolina-PE, Brazil.
Revista Brasileira de Fruticultura 29 : 445-450
Abstract : The effects of the period of application of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) and cold storage on the postharvest conservation of the fruits of mango (cv. Tommy Atkins) harvested at maturity stage 2 (light green skin colour at the top of the fruit and slightly yellowish pulp) were studied. 1-MCP was applied at the beginning or end of refrigerated storage. Fruits were exposed to 1500 nl 1-MCP litre-1 for 12 h. Fruit quality was evaluated at 0, 7, 15, 18, 20, 21 or 22 days after the onset of storage. Fruits were maintained at 10.6°C±3.6 and 84±7% relative humidity until the 15th day, then transferred to ambient temperature (24.4°C±2.9 and 42±11% relative humidity). The increase in chroma and the reduction in the hue angle of the skin were more gradual in fruits treated with 1-MCP at the end of refrigeration. 1-MCP application at the beginning of refrigeration temporarily delayed the reduction in titratable acidity. Pulp softening was slower in fruits treated with 1-MCP until the 6th day following transfer from the storage chamber, independent of the application period. The 1-MCP application periods were on a par; however, treatment at the beginning of refrigerated storage reduces interference of postharvest operations.