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The objectives of this investigation were to characterize the quality components of the chickpea fruit, to describe the anatomy of the pod, and to study postharvest technology for increasing the shelf life of the fruits. Green chickpeas cv. ‘Blanco Sinaloa’ were harvested; proxi¬mate analysis, minerals, pH, acidity and total soluble solids were separately analyzed in both pods and seeds. Histological evaluations were done on pods at 0, 6 and 12 days. Four lots of fruits were treated, each with 1) 0.5 μl∙L-1 and 2) 1.0 μl∙L-1 of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP), 3) sprayed water at 65 °C, and 4) control. Samples were stored for 12 days at 10 °C using PET containers. Evaluations of weight loss, color, and respiration rate were done every 3 days. Chickpea seed and pod showed a good nutritional profile based on the protein, fiber, calcium, potassium, and iron content. Also, in both tissues pH = 6.0 was observed. The cell anatomy of the pod showed a well struc¬tured cuticle at day 0, which remained compacted through the storage; also, a change in cells from the parenchyma towards sclerenchyma was observed, indicating cell aging. The 1-MCP treatments significantly decreased weight loss and metabolic activity of chickpeas as compared to control samples; however, none of the treatments showed a significant effect on green color retention.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the variety and calcium salts on quality of fresh-cut pear tomatoes. The study was divided into two experiments: the first was conducted to determine which genotype was more feasible for making fresh-cut tomato products (Cuauhtemoc vs IntenseTM). For that purpose, firmness, color, pH, acidity and total soluble solids were evaluated. The second experiment was conducted to determine the effect of 3 % calcium chloride and 3 % calcium lactate on the selected fresh-cut tomato genotype, IntenseTM. The same variables of the previous experiment were evaluated. In experiment I, the genotype IntenseTM was 42 % firmer than the Cuauhtemoc genotype, and also it showed a brighter and more defined color. From experiment II, 3 % calcium chloride showed the best results in terms of firmness, with 50 and 100 % firmer fresh-cut tomatoes as compared to 3 % calcium lactate and control samples, respectively. No significant differences in color and chemical variables were observed. The IntenseTM tomato genotype provides better quality, and when combined with a calcium salt, it makes a better fresh-cut product with a longer shelf life. ADDITIONAL

El objetivo de esta investigación fue caracterizar los componentes de calidad del fruto de garbanzo, describir la anatomía de la vaina y buscar tecnología poscosecha que permitan prolongar la vida del fruto. Se cosecharon garbanzos verdes cv. ‘Blanco Sinaloa’; en la vaina y semilla se realizó el análisis proximal, minerales, pH, acidez y sólidos solubles totales. En la vaina se observó la histología del tejido a los 0, 6 y 12 días. Cuatro lotes de frutos fueron tratados con 1) 0.5 μl∙L -1 y 2) 1.0 μl∙L -1 de 1-metilciclopropeno (1-MCP, al 14 %), 3) asperjado con agua a 65 °C y 4) testigo (sin tratar). Los garbanzos se almacenaron por 12 días a 10 °C en envases de polietileno. Cada tres días se evaluaron la pérdida de peso, el color exterior y la respiración de los frutos. La semilla y la vaina de garbanzo tuvieron adecuada concentración de proteínas, fibra, calcio, potasio y hierro; y un pH = 6. La anatomía celular de la vaina tuvo una cutícula bien estructurada el día cero, la cual se compactó durante el almacenamiento; también, se observaron cambios de las células del parénquima a esclerénquima. Los frutos tratados con 1-MCP redujeron significativamente la pérdida de peso y la actividad metabólica en comparación con el testigo; sin embargo, ningún tratamiento mostró un efecto significativo sobre la retención del color verde de los frutos.