Postharvest rots are among the most serious problems for banana commercialization and can be controlled by immersion of the fruits in hot water. The aim of this work was to study the influence of hot water treatments on the postharvest quality of 'Prata' banana. Temperatures of 47, 50, 53 and 56 ºC were tested, under immersion for 0, 3, 6, 9 and 12 minutes, and evaluations carried out after 0, 3, 6, 9 and 12 days. The combinations 56 ºC for 9 and 12 minutes led to suppression of the respiratory climateric ascension in the treated fruits. 'Prata' banana can be treated in water at temperatures of 50 ºC for 6 and 12 minutes, 53 ºC for 9 minutes and 56 ºC for 3 minutes, without affecting its ripening, and allowing appropriate post-harvest quality.
Musa spp.; hot water treatment; ripening; respiration
