Effect of cool-storage delays after harvest on the extent of ripening during and fruit quality after cool-storage.
Oosthuyse S. A.
Author Affiliation: HortResearch SA, P.O. Box 3849, Tzaneen 0850, South Africa.
Yearbook - South African Mango Growers' Association 17 : 81-85
Abstract : Sensation and Tommy Atkins mangoes were placed in cool storage (12.5°C for 28 days) 12, 36, 60 or 84 h after harvest. Fruits were held at 20° prior to and after storage. On fruit ripening after storage, shelf life and fruit quality attributes were assessed. In Sensation, pulp penetration pressure, pulp colouration and total soluble solids content were determined during storage. Shelf life decreased with delay prior to storage. In Sensation, ripening rate during the initial period of storage increased with delay prior to storage. On fruit ripening, the incidence of lenticel damage in fruits generally increased with delay prior to storage, but the trend was non-significant in Sensation. In Sensation, taste appeal tended to decrease slightly with delay prior to storage. This was not observed in Tommy Atkins. In both cultivars, differences in ground skin colouration, total soluble solids content, pH, pulp colouration and physiological disorder severity relating to treatment were not apparent. In Sensation, differences relating to treatment in disease, blotch and surface scald were not evident. These disorders did not occur in Tommy Atkins. It was concluded that time delays in placing fruits in storage after harvest can result in fruits being soft on arrival at ports and distributors overseas.