Abstract
Mango (Mangifera indica) fruit production in Kenya occurs under diverse agro-ecological zones (AEZs). The different AEZs have variations in rainfall, sunlight, temperature, soils and cultural practices all of which affect fruit physiology and quality at harvest. Maturity stage at harvest also affects mango fruit quality and storage potential. In the present study, the effect of AEZs and fruit maturity stage on the postharvest shelf-life of mango variety apple was determined. The study was conducted over two seasons in 2011 and 2013 and the fruits were harvested from two different AEZs: Embu (high potential zone) and Makueni (low potential zone). The fruits were also harvested at two maturity stages based on flesh color. The fruits were selected for uniformity and allowed to ripen at ambient room conditions (Temperature; 25±1 oC and RH 60±5%) until a predetermined end stage. Five fruits were randomly sampled from each batch for determination of respiration, cumulative weight loss, total soluble solids, titratable acidity, ascorbic acid and mineral nutrients (potassium and magnesium). The results showed that ‘apple’ mango fruit quality was significantly affected by production location, maturity stage and the interaction between the two factors. Fruits harvested from Makueni and fruits harvested at early maturity stage (S1) had a longer shelf life (3 days more). Makueni fruits had significantly (p < 0.05) lower respiration rates accompanied with minimal weight loss. In addition, total soluble solids (TSS), ascorbic acid and mineral (magnesium) were significantly (p < 0.05) high in Makueni fruits while fruits from Embu were significantly (p < 0.05) high in total titratable acidity and potassium content. This study confirms profound variability in fruit quality as affected by the production location and harvest maturity.
Highlights
Mango (Mangifera indica L.) is one of the most popular fruits in Kenya which is consumed for its nutritious and medicinal value
Respiration rate followed a typical climacteric pattern with a gradual rise to peak levels followed by a decrease until the end of storage (Figures 1A and 1B)
Higher respiration rates were observed in stage 2 (S2) fruits compared to those harvested at stage 1 (S1) irrespective of the production location and season
Summary
Mango (Mangifera indica L.) is one of the most popular fruits in Kenya which is consumed for its nutritious and medicinal value. In Kenya, mango production occurs in most of the seven AEZs ranging from sub-humid to semi-arid (Griesbach, 2003). Variation in climatic factors in these AEZs variably affect fruit growth and development and subsequently on their postharvest shelf-life and quality (Kays, 1999). Temperature variation during the season of fruit production greatly impact on the growth rate and fruit development through an influence on the rate of mineral nutrients uptake from the soil (Austin et al, 1999). This can significantly affect the fruit quality and postharvest characteristics (Ambuko et al, 2006)
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