The objective of the present paper was the determination of the Cobalt-60 gamma radiation dose able to increase the shelf life of avocados of two varieties: Fortuna and Quintal, to increase their commercialization period. After harvest, the avocados were irradiated and kept under two environmental conditions: from 21 to 24° C and 65 and 75% relative humidity, and between 12 and 13.5° C and 45 to 55% relative humidity. Determinations of the daily percentage of loss weight; shelf life; and skin resistance were performed. It was observed that the variety Fortuna had a longer life span induced by the radiation. Controls had a shelf life of seven days and the irradiated avocados at the dose of 75 had a shelf life of 11.2 days, and 15.2 days if they were irradiated with a dose of 100 Gy. The variety Quintal showed no sensibility to radiation. Refrigeration alone or in combination with irradiation, induced a significatively higher life span of the avocados. The determination of susceptibility against penetration into the skin could not be performed easily, nevertheless, it could be observed that refrigeration caused a significant skin weakening.
avocado; gamma radiations; shelf life; refrigeration; irradiation; Persia americana
