Ideal harvesting time of mangoes Tommy Atkins destined for the European market.
Morais P. L. D. de, Filgueiras H. A. C., Pinho J. L. N. de, Alves R. E.
Author Affiliation: Embrapa Semi-Árido, BR 428, KM 152, CP. 23, 56.300-970, Petrolina, PE, Brazil.
Revista Brasileira de Fruticultura 24 : 671-675
Abstract : The optimum harvesting time of mangoes cv. Tommy Atkins destined for the European market was determined in Brazil during March-April 2000. Fruits were marked and evaluated at 82, 89, 96 and 103 days after flowering and the commercial harvesting stage. Evaluation was carried out at harvest and after 21 days of storage at 13°C and 99% RH. Skin and pulp colour, weight loss, firmness, total soluble solids (TSS), total titrable acidity (TTA), TSS:TTA, total soluble sugar and starch contents and respiration were evaluated. It is concluded that peaks in respiration occurred 10 days after harvest in mangoes harvested 89 days after flowering, and after 7 days in mangoes harvested 96 days after flowering and at commercial harvest. Fruits harvested at all stages, except 82 days after flowering, ripened normally after 21 days refrigeration. Mangoes harvested 96 days after flowering and at the commercial harvesting stage had similar behaviour and reached high quality.