This study was carried out with the objective to evaluate the effect of controlled atmospheres containing different concentration of oxygen on the activity of β-galactosidase and pectinmethylesterase enzymes, on the skin color and pulp firmness in 'Golden' papaya. The fruits were kept for 36 days under the following controlled atmospheres: 1% of O2 and 0.03% CO2 with ethylene absorber, 3% of O2 and 0.03% of CO2 with ethylene absorber, 5% O2 and 0.03% of CO2 with ethylene absorber and environmental atmosphere without ethylene absorber. Relative humidity was set at the range 85-95% and temperature maintained at 13ºC. Fruit stored under atmospheres of 1% of O2 and 0.03% CO2 had a β-galactosidase and pectimethylesterase activities delayed compared with the fruits storage under the other atmospheres evaluated. There was also, a delay in the development of color and pulp softening in fruits stored under atmospheres of 1% of O2 and 0.03% O2.
Carica papaya; controlled atmosphere; B-galactosidase; pectinmethylesterase; softening
