Atemoya fruits (cv. African Pride) were harvested at physiological maturity stage with the objective of evaluating the influence of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) application on postharvest maturation. The following parameters were analyzed: 1-MCP doses (0, 100, 200 and 400 nL.L-1) and time of storage (0, 8 and 15 days under refrigeration, at 14.5 ± 2.0 ºC and 60 ± 6% RH, followed by 2, 4, and 5 days at 23.8 ± 2.0 ºC and 65 ± 5% RH). The experimental design was completely randomized, in a 4x 5 (dose of 1-MCPx time of storage) factorial with four replications. Besides the statistically significant interaction between the factors on weight loss, the differences among the treatments in each evaluation were not higher than 1.3%. The fruits treated were firmer, presented slightly higher titratable acidity, and an initial delay in the increase of soluble solids. The reduction on pectin content was only observed from the 15th day onwards, when the highest softening rate occurred. The appearance was also maintained by 1-MCP and the absence of spots and/or microorganisms was observed in the treated fruits until the 17th day. The most efficient dose was 200 nL.L-1 because it delayed the firmness loss and maintained the pectin content slightly higher.
Annona cherimola x A. squamosa; postharvest conservation; ethylene inhibitor; quality
