ISHS Acta Horticulturae 269: Symposium on Tropical Fruit in International Trade
STUDIES ON THE PHYSIO-CHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF POSTHARVEST SUGAR APPLE |
| Authors: | L. Tsay, M. Wu |
| Abstract:
The fruits of sugar apple (Annona squamosa L.) were harvested during September and October and stored at 28±2°C (ambient temperature), 20°C and 16°C to examine the physio-chemical properties. Although the rates of ethylene evolution were quite low (<1.5 ul/kg/hr), the appearing of the maximal rates coincided with the stage of fruit ripening and softening very well. The abscisic acid content was 16 ng/g F.W. at harvest and reached 455 ng/g F.W. when the fruit ripened. The optimal conditions for the ripening-relating enzymes (invertase, pectin esterase, protease, polyphenoloxidase) were determined. The activity changes of these enzymes after harvest were also measured. The contents of L-ascorbic acid of the fruit stored at 16°C showed a slight increase, while those stored at higher temperatures decreased. In conclusion, a higher temperature resulted in quick changes of ripening behaviors, such as the increase of hormone contents and the enzyme activities, therefore, lowering the storage temperature is beneficial for extending storage life. | |
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