Sapburn management for improving mango fruit quality.
Maqbool M., Malik A. U., Ahmad I., Pervez M. A.
Author Affiliation: Institute of Horticultural Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan.
: 713-720
Abstract : Sapburn injury in mango fruit is a major industry concern, as it results in poor fruit quality and lower prices, especially in the export markets. Different experiments have been conducted to devise strategy for sapburn management in commercial mango cultivars (cvs.) of Pakistan. In the first experiment, two commercial cvs. were compared for their total sap quantity and their relationship with harvest time. Chaunsa cv. had over 11 times more sap compared with cv. Sindhri. The amount of sap also varied with the time of the day i.e. greater, early in the morning than later during the day. In the second experiment, potential chemicals were evaluated for their efficacy in reducing the incidence of sapburn injury. During this study, mature green fruit of cvs. Sindhri and Chaunsa were used. Pedicels of harvested fruit were cut back and immediately treated with 1% aqueous solution of one of the chemicals: Calcium hydroxide, Sodium Carboximethyl Cellulose (CMC), mixtures of Lauryl Sulfate Sodium (LS) with CMC, Tween-20, Tween-80, vegetable oil and 0.1% Lauryl Sulfate Sodium, along with 0.04% detergent and simple water together with an untreated control. The treated fruits were transported to laboratory and stored (14°C and 85% relative humidity) for 7 and 14 days in case of cv. Sindhri and Chaunsa, respectively. Sapburn injury score was recorded after 24 hrs, 48 hrs and 72 hrs during storage. Sapburn injury was significantly reduced by Calcium hydroxide and Tween-80. After storage fruits were allowed to ripe at room temperature (25±1°C). The effects of various chemicals on fruit ripening behavior, biochemical and organoleptic characteristics were evaluated. The overall results showed the superiority of Tween-80 and Calcium hydroxide treatments compared to control. CMC+LS inhibited ripening and colour development of the fruit. The results of these studies will be used to devise a practical sapburn management strategy in commercial mango cvs. of Pakistan.