Physiological and chemical changes of post-harvested bananas at several temperatures

Abstract

Some physiological and chemical aspects of post-harvested bananas (Musa sp.) at different temperatures were studied. Fruits were selected at the pre-climacteric point and submitted to 20°C, 25°C and 30°C, having controlled air flux, varying from 6 l/h to 8 l/h approximately. The respiratory activity of fruits was evaluated for each case. Parameters under analysis included ethylene production, titratable acidity and pH, soluble carbohydrate, starch, total pectic substances, total phenolics and pulp to peel ratio. A significant increase on the fruit metabolic reactions was observed at 25°C and 30° C, as compared with the 20°C temperature. The ripening process was advanced up to 16 and 16.5 days, respectively, for the first two cases. Starch hydrolysis occurred after the climacteric induction period, and was interrupted on the post-climacteric. The pulp to peel ratio was found to be markedly low, during the post-harvesting period under consideration.