ISHS Acta Horticulturae 992: IX International Mango Symposium
CHLOROPHYLL FLUORESCENCE AS AN INDICATOR OF WHEN TO HARVEST MANGO 'COGSHALL' FRUIT ACCORDING TO THE MARKET (EXPORT OR DOMESTIC) |
| Authors: | M. Léchaudel, G. Damour, L. Urban, J. Joas |
| Keywords: | Mangifera indica, maturity, quality, sugar |
| DOI: | 10.17660/ActaHortic.2013.992.19 |
| Abstract:
A non-destructive technique to predict the harvest date of mango according to the market (domestic or export), combined with the traditional criterion is presented. Changes in chlorophyll fluorescence of mango skin as an indicator for maturity were evaluated at different maturity stages. Maximal (Fm), minimal (Fo), variable (Fv), variable to maximal ratio (Fv/Fm) chlorophyll fluorescence, fruit size, density, total soluble solids content in flesh, and respiration rate were evaluated at three harvest dates (106, 120 and 132 days after full bloom, the latest corresponding to the traditional date of harvest, according to changes in fruit appearance). No difference in Fv/Fm values was found, regardless of the harvest date, while the three maturity stages were differentiated using Fm, Fo and Fv values. These chlorophyll fluorescence parameters declined with the maturation process. The respiration rate increased with harvest date, especially for fruit from the latest harvest in which the climacteric crisis had begun. Total sugar content and fruit density increased as chlorophyll fluorescence parameters decreased. Chlorophyll fluorescence appeared to be a helpful, non-destructive technique to predict harvest date before visible changes in fruit appearance occurred, especially for the export market, whereas the traditional criterion could be used as an indicator of when to harvest ‘Cogshall’ mango for the domestic market in which it is not necessary to store fruit. | |
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