Factors affecting fruit maturity and maturity standards - a review.
Asrey Ram, Patel V. B., Singh S. K., Sagar V. R.
Author Affiliation: Division of Post-harvest Technology, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi - 110 012, India.
Journal of Food Science and Technology (Mysore) 45 : 381-390
Abstract : Maturity indices and their adoption at harvesting and in post-harvest management of fruits provide a primary armour against quality loss, microbial decay and deterioration of external appeal. Knowledge of right maturity stage is imperative to grower and fruit traders. Any deviation from right stage harvesting period may cause a considerable loss to growers, traders and consumers in terms of quality, quantity and post-harvest management monetary inputs. Fruits trade globalization has further necessitated the imposition of maturity concepts and criterion. Stages of harvestings are anchored with trade route, transportation mode and trade destinations. Traditionally, methods like fruit colour, shape, size, flavour specific gravity, total soluble solids, sugars and acid contents are taken into consideration to judge fruit maturity. Recently some more methods like near infra red, acoustics, colour image and thermal conductance have been evolved and tested. These methods are more convenient and reliable over traditional ones. Fruit maturity is influenced by genetic make up of the individual cultivar, growing environment and geographical sites. Pre-harvest practices like canopy, floor, nutrient, water management along with plant growth regulators had their proven role in the crop phenology and fruit maturity.