Title: Study of visual, sensorial and physicochemical characteristics of Tommy Atkins mangoes submitted to ionising radiation as a method of postharvest conservation

Authors: Josenilda Maria Da Silva; Lídia Cristina Dos Santos Alencar Correia; Naira Paes De Moura; Patrícia L. Salgado; Maria Inês Sucupira Maciel; Heldio Pereira Villar

Addresses: Regional Center of Nuclear Sciences-CRCN/NE-CNEN, Av. Prof. Luiz Freire, 200, Cid. Universitária, 50.740-540, Recife-PE, Brazil. ' Department of Domestic Economy, University Federal Agriculture of Pernambuco, Street Dom Manuel of Medeiros, s/n, Dois irmãos, 52171-900, Recife-PE, Brazil. ' Department of Domestic Economy, University Federal Agriculture of Pernambuco, Street Dom Manuel of Medeiros, s/n, Dois irmãos, 52171-900, Recife-PE, Brazil. ' Department of Domestic Economy, University Federal Agriculture of Pernambuco, Street Dom Manuel of Medeiros, s/n, Dois irmãos, 52171-900, Recife-PE, Brazil. ' Department of Domestic Economy, University Federal Agriculture of Pernambuco, Street Dom Manuel of Medeiros, s/n, Dois irmãos, 52171-900, Recife-PE, Brazil. ' Regional Center of Nuclear Sciences-CRCN/NE-CNEN, Av. Prof. Luiz Freire, 200, Cid. Universitária, 50.740-540, Recife-PE, Brazil; Polytechnic School of Pernambuco, Praça do Internacional, 455, Madalena – 50720-615 Recife-PE, Brazil

Abstract: With the objective of evaluating the effect of ionising radiation on the main characteristics of postharvest quality of mangoes (Mangifera indica L), fruit of Tommy Atkins cultivar have been irradiated with gamma rays from a cobalt-60 source. Doses of 200, 400 and 600 Gy were applied, and non-irradiated fruit served as control. After being stored for 15 days at 11.5°C, to simulate transport conditions, the fruit remained stored at 21°C for up to nine days. During this period, sensory and physicochemical analyses were performed after three, six and nine days. Control fruits had higher maturation index and a higher acceptability in the external and internal appearance. Physicochemical analyses disclosed that fruit that had received doses from 400 and to 600 Gy showed better postharvest characteristics after storage.

Keywords: Mangifera indica L; maturation; gamma radiation; storage; mangoes; ionising radiation; postharvest conservation; postharvest quality; food quality; low radiation.

DOI: 10.1504/IJPTI.2011.043326

International Journal of Postharvest Technology and Innovation, 2011 Vol.2 No.3, pp.260 - 273

Accepted: 05 Mar 2011
Published online: 18 Feb 2015 *

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