QUALITY ATTRIBUTES OF TOMATOES SUBMITTED TO DIFFERENT POSTHARVEST TREATMENTS

Abstract

Shipping tomatoes to distant markets is always a great challenge for tomato growers in tropical countries. Delaying ripening can be a useful technique to maintain quality during transportation. This work investigated the ability of different postharvest treatments to extend the shelf life of tomatoes. 'Carmen' tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) fruit, were harvested at the breaker stage in commercial fields in Goias, Brazil. After harvest, fruit with no external blemishes were graded for weight (250±5 g) and diameter (6±0.5 cm), and treated with coconut grease (applied to the stem end), 1 - methylcyclopropene (1000 nl.L -1 ), wrapped in plastic films (18 μm thickness), and control. Fruit were stored for 10 days under refrigerated conditions (10±0.5°C/90-95% RH) and were analyzed every 2 days for weight loss, firmness, color (L*a*b*), and total carotenoids. Weight loss increased during the storage period. Control fruit and fruit treated with 1-MCP lost around 4% of their initial weight, whereas fruit treated with coconut grease in the stem end lost around 2%. Fruit stored under modified atmosphere showed less weight loss compared with other treatments. Treatment with 1-MCP delayed fruit softening. At the end of the storage period fruit treated with the ethylene antagonist had a firmness that was 50% higher than control fruit. Application of 1-MCP significantly delayed chlorophyll degradation and concomitant synthesis of carotenoid pigments. After 10 days, 1-MCP-treated fruit had a predominant green color when compared with other treatments.