Physical and physiological changes in phenotypes of nance [Byrsonima crassifolia (L.) H.B.K.] with different harvest maturity

Abstract

Nance [Byrsonima crassifolia (L.) H.B.K.] belongs to a subgenus of Byrsonima Rich. ex Kunth that comprises approximately 200 species distributed in tropical and subtropical climates of Mexico, Central America and South America. Some of these species are endangered. Nance fruit contain functional nutrients but have not been commercially used. Local residents usually collect natural abscission fruit from ground and the shelf life is very short, only one or two days. Five nance phenotypes produced in Tabasco, Mexico, were studied at different stages of maturity to determine physical and physiological changes to establish harvest criteria. The results showed that the phenotypes yellow, yellow chintul and red chintul grew in direction of the equatorial diameter, while the green phenotype and green chintul grew in direction of the polar diameter. All the phenotypes studied showed significant changes in peel color, a decrease in peel firmness and increase in the content of total soluble solids of the pulp. The evidence found in these physical changes, as well as in the change in kinetics and production of carbon dioxide and ethylene, lead us to conclude that the phenotypes studied have a ripening climacteric pattern dependent on ethylene. Consequently, it is possible to harvest nance fruit directly from the tree to ensure a fruit visual, physical and eating quality to establish an industry.