RESPONSES OF “KEITT” MANGO TO SHORT TERM INSECTICIDAL O2 AND CO2 ATMOSPHERES

Abstract

The tolerance of “Keitt” mango to a modified atmosphere (MA) of < 0.5% O2 + 70-80% CO2 for 0 to 4 days and a controlled atmosphere (CA) of 2% O2 + 50% CO2 for 0 to 5 days was evaluated. MA and CA delayed the respiratory climacteric of the fruit. There was no significant fruit injury due to the low O2 or high CO2 atmosphere, Sensory evaluation tests did not indicate the presence of any off-flavors. Both CA and MA increased the activity of the enzyme ATP: Phosphofructokinase, did not effect the activity of pyruvate kinase, and MA reduced the activity of PPi: phosphofructokinase. MA reduced the levels of frutose 6-phosphate, while phosphoenolpyruvate and pyruvic acid were not effected by both atmosphere treatments Although insecticidal O2 and CO2 atmosphere resulted in changes in the glycolitic activity, there was no indication of any injury and fruits were ripened normally, This work indicates the potential of the application of M/CA for postharvest insect control in mango.