The purpose of this work was the use of gamma radiation associated or otherwise with refrigeration in the post-harvest conservation of the peach 'Biuti'. The behavior of these fruits was studied fromtheir physical analysis (fresh mass loss, peel color, fungus attack, post-harvest conservation and texture) and chemical analysis (pH, total titratable acidity (TTA), total soluble solids (TSS) and the maturity index (TSS/TTA). The fruits, picked at a physiological mature stage, received the following treatments: 0,0kGy; 0,1kGy; 0,2kGy; 0,3kGy; 0,4kGy and 0,5kGy using the "GAMMABEAN 650" irradiator using Cobalt 60. The peaches were stored under environmental conditions (24±2ºC; 72-76% RH) for 1 week and under refrigerated conditions inside a B.O.D. chamber (0±1ºC; 70-80% RH) for 2 weeks. The results showed that the different doses of gamma radiation did not extend the peach postharvest life. The fruits stored under refrigeration had the longest postharvest life as compared to those stored under environmental conditions.
Prunus persica; quality; post-harvest
