The commercial interest by atemoya is increasing more and more in Brazil. The increased respiratory activity accompanied by rapid changes in the physical composition of the fruits may prevent their distribution to distant markets. In this context, the aim of this study was to evaluate the physical attributes in atemoya fruits treated with 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) and modified atmosphere associated with refrigeration. The experiment was carried out in a randomized design, in a factorial 4x5, four concentrations of 1-MCP (0, 200, 400 and 600 nL L-¹), and five evaluation periods after harvest, in the range of five days, with four replications and four fruits per experimental unit. The atemoya were harvested, from a commercial orchard in the municipality of Matias Cardoso, North of Minas Gerais, at the physiological maturity, rinsed, sanitized and air dried, then treated with concentrations of 1-MCP for eight hours at room temperature. Soon after, four fruits were placed in polystyrene trays. Some remained without membrane, while others were packed with plastic film of LDPE 16 µm. The variables evaluated in the fruits were: fresh biomass loss, firmness, concentration of CO2, ethylene and peel color. The use of modified atmosphere and 1-MCP alone or combined, were effective in delaying fruits ripening allowing the preservation of its physical quality. Fruits treated with 1-MCP were firmer, as well as preservation of staining, verified by luminosity, chroma and Hue º angle, which proved to be superior when compared to untreated fruits.
Annona squamosa x Annona cherimola; ripening; physical quality; postharvest; ethylene
