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Physiologically mature ‘Paluma’ guava were treated with galactomannan (0.75%) and carnauba wax (0.9%) coating, stored at ambient (25 °C) and refrigerated (11 °C), and evaluated every 3rd day for postharvest quality and physiology. Ambient uncoated fruit were apt for consumption for only nine days; meanwhile, coated guavas were acceptable for 15 d with climacteric respiratory peak of 168.6 mg kg−1 h-1 at day 12, and firmness of 14.3 N attributed to lower lipid peroxidation and cell wall hydrolysis. Coating increased antioxidant enzymes SOD and CAT activities that led to 35% lower hydrogen peroxide content, when compared to uncoated control. Coating prevented guava degreening by inhibiting chlorophyll degradation with content of 45.05 mg kg-1, lower carotenoid content with 27.8 mg kg-1 and PPO activity, under refrigeration for 15 d. Refrigerated uncoated fruit exhibited as symptoms of chilling injury inhibition of softening and respiratory peak. Principal component analysis showed that coating and refrigeration treatment maintains guava quality for 15 d of storage similar to observed for control, at day zero. In conclusion, galactomannan-carnauba wax coating improved guava postharvest quality through maintenance of firmness and color, besides preventing chilling symptoms under refrigeration.

The aim of this study was use the pulsed light (PL) as tool to booster the postharvest resistance in melons. Cantaloupe melons at mature stage were submitted to the treatments as follows: control, pulsed light (PL; 9 J cm−2), 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP; 600 nL L-1) and 1-MCP + PL (600 nL L-1 + 9 J cm−2). Postharvest resistance measurements according survival analysis developed at 4 °C, included: ethylene production, 1-aminocyclopropane- l -carboxylic acid (ACC) oxidase activity, ACC synthase activity, firmness, pH, soluble solids, titratable acidity, SS/AT ratio, soluble sugars, vitamin C, total polyphenols, phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) activity, colour epicarp, free polyamines (putrescine-Put, spermine-Spe and spermidine-Spd) and total polyamines (TPo). Combined effect of the PL+1-MCP promoted an additional of 12 days in the shelf life of melons. PL limited the ethylene biosynthesis leading to an immediate upregulation of polyamines (Put + Spe + Spd), hence, associated with high amounts of TPo (56%). PL treatment promoted an increase of PAL activity (67%) that synthesized high content of phenolic compounds (55%). The results suggest that PL with a fluence of 9 J cm−2 stimulate the postharvest defense mechanisms in melon, due to the ethylene production limitation, which was influenced by the increased polyamines, maintaining the quality attributes.

Devido ao seu elevado conteudo de vitamina C, a acerola e utilizada como fonte dessa vitamina e utilizada no enriquecimento de produtos industriais. Esse trabalho teve como objetivo desenvolver um metodo de monitoramento do conteudo de vitamina C durante a producao do seu extrato a partir de acerola, quando foram estudadas diferentes etapas de processamento. Os modelos de calibracao e validacao foram obtidos por regressao dos quadrados minimos parciais com a correlacao dos valores do metodo de referencia por espectrofotometria a 525 nm e dos dados de absorcao por espectroscopia no infravermelho proximo de 800 nm a 2.500 nm. O modelo de quantificacao mais robusto foi determinado utilizando o coeficiente de determinacao, o erro de validacao interna e erro de previsao. O conteudo de vitamina C variou de 1.188,39 a 9.959,74 mg. 100 g -1 , durante todo processamento. O erro de previsao RMSEP 166,27 mg 100 g -1 obtido corrobora com o uso de espectroscopia NIR como uma metodologia promissora para o processamento de acerola com vistas a extracao de vitamina C, com a possibilidade de verificar o conteudo em etapas intermediarias da propria linha de producao e permitindo que ajustes sejam feitos para correcao.

The objective of this work was to evaluate the effects of the preharvest treatment with gibberellic acid (GA3) and aminoethoxyvinylglycine (AVG) on the quality and physiological attributes of ripe 'CCP 76' cashew (Anacardium occidentale) peduncles at different developmental stages. Sprays of 180 mg L-1 GA3 and 180 mg L-1 AVG were applied, combined and isolated, at 34, 40, and 44 days after anthesis (DAA), and peduncles were harvested ripe at 46 DAA and evaluated for physical and physiological variables. The treatment with GA3 resulted in firmer peduncles with a greater apical diameter, but did not affect the physiological variables activity of the pectin methylesterase and polygalacturonase cell wall enzymes and degree of lipid peroxidation of the biological membranes, nor the physical attributes total mass (peduncles and nut) and nut size. At early developmental stages (34 DAA), GA3 increased the activity of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase and catalase, and, at later stages (40 DAA), promoted polyphenol and carotenoid accumulation. The application of AVG at the final stages (44 DAA) provided greater total antioxidant activity, despite the lower ascorbate peroxidase activity. The application of GA3 pre-harvest increases the firmness and diameter of the cashew peduncles, and the treatment with AVG increases the total antioxidant activity of the peduncles. Resumo: O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito do tratamento pré-colheita com ácido giberélico (GA3) e 1-aminoetoxivinilglicina (AVG) nos atributos de qualidade e fisiológicos de pedúnculos maduros de cajueiro (Anacardium occidentale) 'CCP 76', em diferentes estádios de desenvolvimento. Foram realizadas pulverizações com 180 mg L-1 GA3 e 180 mg L-1 AVG, combinadas e isoladas, aos 34, 40 e 44 dias após a antese (DAA), e os pedúnculos foram colhidos maduros aos 46 DAA para avaliações de variáveis físicas e fisiológicas. O tratamento com GA3 proporcionou pedúnculos mais firmes e com maior diâmetro apical, mas não influenciou as variáveis fisiológicas atividades das enzimas pectinametilesterase e poligalacturonase da parede celular e grau de peroxidação lipídica das membranas biológicas, nem os atributos físicos massa total (pedúnculo e castanha) e comprimento e largura da castanha. Em estádios iniciais (34 DAA), GA3 aumentou a atividade das enzimas antioxidantes superóxido dismutase e catalase, e, nos finais (40 DAA), promoveu o acúmulo de polifenóis e carotenoides. A aplicação de AVG, ao final do desenvolvimento (44 DAA), proporcionou maior atividade antioxidante, apesar da menor atividade da ascorbato peroxidase. A aplicação de GA3 em pré-colheita promove aumento da firmeza e do diâmetro dos pedúnculos de cajueiro, e o tratamento com AVG aumenta a atividade antioxidante dos pedúnculos.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the changes in quality and antioxidant metabolism during ripening of passion fruits from organic and conventional production systems. Postharvest quality, variables of antioxidant metabolism (enzyme and non-enzymes), total antioxidant activity (TAA), lipid peroxidation degree as indicator of oxidative stress and the activity of phenolic-associated enzyme, phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) were evaluated in fruits harvested at developmental stages: breaker/turning yellow (physiologically mature) and completely yellow color (ripe). Results show that organic fruits were smaller, although with higher soluble solids content and a lower acidity. At breaker stage, PAL activity was 24% than higher in organic fruits than in conventional fruits, although, total phenolic content was higher in conventional fruits harvested at both breaker (36.14 mg GAE 100 g−1) and ripe (36.47 mg GAE 100 g−1) stages. Organic fruit showed a significantly greater lipid peroxidation degree of biological membranes, despite their also higher APX activity and vitamin C contents. Results suggest that organic cropping system induced an oxidative stress in passion fruit, negatively influencing fruit size, although inducing the antioxidant defense mechanism, through increments of vitamin C and antioxidant enzymes activity.

Growth regulators may influence fruit development and thus, their postharvest quality. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of preharvest treatment with aminoethoxyvinylglycine (AVG) or gibberellic acid (GA3) on postharvest quality and life of apples of two cashew cultivars, CCP 76 e BRS 189, during cold storage. Growth regulators (180 mg L −1 ) were applied at maturation stage 1 and apples were harvested at stage 7, ripe. Ripe, treated and control, apples were stored at 3 ± 2 °C for CCP 76 and at 5 ± 2 °C, for BRS 189 and evaluated at harvest (0 day) and every 5 days up to 20 days of storage. The influence of growth regulators preharvest treatment on cashew apples differed among cultivars. For BRS 189 apples, GA3 treatment slowed down mass loss, as treated samples lost 0.72% while control lost 0.81%; and avoided the development of undesirable characteristics during storage. GA3-treated samples were statistically firmer, 13.61 N than control, 9.93 N; and together with AVG-treated samples showed a significantly reduced pectin methyl esterase (PME) activity to 1492.88 UA mg −1 P when compared to control 2129.87 UA mg −1 P. For cv. CCP 76, GA3 treatment also slowed down mass loss, as treated samples lost 0.85% and control, 0.99%, however apples were inapt for consumption after 15 days of storage. GA3-treated samples were statistically firmer, 15.40 N than control, 11.38 N. The constituents of the antioxidant metabolism of both cashew apples varieties were mainly affected by storage period, but not by growth regulators. Therefore, results of preharvest AVG treatment on cashew apple physiology and quality were inconsistent. However, GA3 treatment improved postharvest quality of CCP 76 e BRS 189 cashew apples through reduction of mass loss and firmness loss, without any negative impact on physicochemical variables. GA3 exerted a greater influence on BRS 189 apples which showed, besides lower mass and firmness loss, a better visual appearance and lower cell wall hydrolase PME activity, during storage.

The goal of this study was study the postharvest quality of acerola clone BRS 236 (Malpighia emarginata D.C.) which was harvested at physiological maturity and submitted to four treatments under immersion during 5 minutes at 25 °C, which are: control (water), 60 mg L-1; 120 mg L-1 and 180 mg L-1. After treatment the fruits were packed in polystyrene trays and placed with polyethylene film and then stored at 10 ± 2 °C and 85 ± 5% RH for 12 days. Were analyzed in three days intervals (0, 3, 6, 9 and 12 days): skin color, firmness, pH, titratable acidity, soluble solids, SS/TA ratio, vitamin C and yellow flavonoids. Vitamin C, anthocyanins and yellow flavonoids were not influenced by treatments with GA3 at the end of 12-day of cold storage at 10 ºC. The exogenous application of 120 mg L-1 of GA3 resulted in retention of red color and content of anthocyanins of acerola fruits BRS 236 clone 12-day storage at 10 °C. RESUMO Objetivou-se com este trabalho estudar a qualidade pós-colheita de acerolas do clone BRS 236 (Malpighia emarginata D.C.), colhidas na maturidade fisiológica e submetidas a quatro tratamentos com ácido giberélico (GA3) por imersão durante 5 minutos a 25 °C, sendo eles: controle (água), 60 mg L-1; 120 mg L-1 e 180 mg L-1. Após o tratamento os frutos foram colocados em bandejas de isopor e cobertos com filme de polietileno, e em seguida armazenados à temperatura de 10±2 ºC, com umidade relativa de 85±5%, durante 12 dias. Foram analisadas em intervalo de três dias (0, 3, 6, 9 e 12 dias): coloração da casca, firmeza, pH, acidez total titulável, sólidos solúveis, relação SS/AT, vitamina C e flavonóides amarelos. Compostos bioativos como a vitamina C e flavonóides não foram influenciados pelos tratamentos com GA3 ao final de 12 dias de armazenamento a 10 ºC. A aplicação exógena de 120 mg L-1 de GA3 resultou em maior retenção da cor e conteúdo de antocianinas em acerolas do clone BRS 236 durante 12 dias de armazenamento a 10 ºC.

Information on antioxidant properties at different ontological stages may help producers and food technologists to identify which cultivar and/or maturity stage are most adequate for their need, therefore this work aimed to study the changes in the antioxidant metabolism during acerola development. Fruit from cv. Flor Branca, BRS366 and Florida Sweet were harvested at different stages: immature green colored (I), physiologically mature with green color and maximum size (II), breaker (III) and full red ripe (IV). After harvest, fruits were selected, divided into four replications with 500 g each and evaluated regarding their titratable acidity, pH, soluble solids, total soluble sugar, vitamin C, polyphenol, anthocyanin, yellow flavonoid, total antioxidant activity and antioxidant enzyme activity. Anthocyanin and flavonoid were determined through LC-DAD-ESI/MS and all analysis followed a completely randomized factorial 3 x 4 design. Fruits of 'Florida Sweet' presented significantly higher soluble solids (9.46ºBrix). Vitamin C content decreased during ripening, but ripe 'BRS 366' fruits showed the greatest values (1363 mg.100 g-1) and highest TAA with 42.36 µM TEAC.g-1FW. Cyanidin 3-rhamnoside (520.76 mg.100 g-1 DM) and quercetin 3-rhamnoside (33.72 mg.100 g-1 DM) were the most abundant anthocyanin and yellow flavonoids found mainly in 'Flor Branca' fruit of acerola, whose antioxidant enzymes activities were also higher. Ripe 'Florida Sweet' fruit presents a great potential for fresh consumption, meanwhile physiologically mature 'BRS 366' fruit seems the best option for the bioactive compounds processing industry. As 'Flor Branca' fruit of acerola kept the highest activity levels, it could be an indicative of greater potential for postharvest conservation. Informações sobre propriedades antioxidantes em diferentes estádios ontológicos podem ajudar os produtores e tecnólogos de alimentos a identificar quais cultivares e/ou estádio de maturidade são os mais adequados para a sua necessidade; portanto, o objetivo deste trabalho foi estudar as alterações no metabolismo antioxidante durante o desenvolvimento de frutos da aceroleira. Frutos das cv. Flor-Branca, BRS 366 e Florida Sweet foram colhidos em diferentes estádios: imaturos com cor verde (I), fisiologicamente maduros com cor verde e tamanho máximo (II), com cor predominantemente vermelha (III) e totalmente vermelha, maduro (IV). Após a colheita, os frutos foram selecionados, divididos em quatro repetições com 500 g cada e avaliados quanto à acidez titulável, pH, sólidos solúveis, açúcares solúveis totais, vitamina C, polifenóis, antocianinas, flavonoides amarelo, atividade antioxidante total e atividade de enzimas antioxidantes. Antocianina e flavonoides foram determinados por meio LC-DAD-ESI/MS, e todas as análises seguiram um delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado, em esquema fatorial 3 x 4. Frutos de aceroleira 'Florida Sweet' apresentaram níveis significativamente mais elevados de sólidos solúveis (9,46ºBrix). O conteúdo de vitamina C diminuiu durante o amadurecimento, porém frutos de aceroleira 'BRS 366' maduras apresentaram os maiores valores (1.363 mg.100 g-1) e maior TAA com 42,36 mM TEAC.g- 1. Cianidina 3-ramnosideo (520,76 mg.100 g-1 MS) e quercetina 3-ramnosideo (33,72 mg.100 g-1 MS) foram as antocianinas e flavonoides amarelos mais abundantes encontrados nos frutosda variedade 'Flor-Branca', cujas atividades das enzimas antioxidantes também foram superiores. Frutos de aceroleira 'Florida Sweet' maduros apresentam grande potencial para o consumo in natura, enquanto frutos da 'BRS 366'fisiologicamente maduros parecem ser a melhor opção para a indústria de processamento de compostos bioativos. Como frutos de acerola 'Flor-Branca' mantiveram os mais altos níveis de atividade antioxidante, este pode ser um indicativo de maior potencial para a conservação pós-colheita.

The study investigated the effects of individual and combined preharvest applications of gibberellic acid (GA3, 180 mg L−1) and aminoethoxyvinylglycine (AVG, 180 mg L−1) at 34, 40 and 45 days after anthesis (DAA) on preharvest fruit drop, postharvest quality and antioxidant metabolism of ‘BRS 189’ cashew. AVG treatment at 45 DAA reduced significantly preharvest cashew drop to 26% while control presented 90% of fruit drop, moreover, without detrimental effects on peduncle and nut physical and physicochemical quality, except for 60% reduction in total antioxidant activity due to 50% reduction in total vitamin C content. GA3 treatments did not reduce cashew drop significantly when compared to control, although they incremented significantly total cashew weight (27%) due to increases in peduncle weight (29%) and length (14%), especially GA3 treatment at 40 DAA that also promoted significant increases in peduncle SS/TA ratio (23%) and firmness (33%) due to inhibition of PME cell wall hydrolytic activity. Peduncles treated with GA3 at 40 DAA also presented statically higher total carotenoid (16%) and polyphenol (59%) contents, despite the reduction in total vitamin C (25%) and total antioxidant activity (70%). Thus, AVG at 45 DAA was effective in reducing fruit drop, while GA3 treatment at 40 DAA promoted cashew quality with increases in peduncle weight and size, in SS/TA ratio, in firmness and in total carotenoid and polyphenol contents.

Table grapes have high market value in international markets due to their attractive taste and high antioxidant content. However, their market potential is limited by losses due to Botrytis cinerea Pers. Fr. Cinnamon leaf oil (CLO) is a natural fungicidal and antioxidant agent that can be used to avoid postharvest losses due to B. cinerea Pers. Fr. and to increase the antioxidant levels of this produce. CLO was applied to grapes as water emulsions (0, 0.5, 2.5, and 5 g L−1), as vapors (0, 0.196, 0.392, and 0.588 g L−1), or as a chemical incorporated into pectin coatings (0 and 36.1 g L−1). Afterwards, berries were stored at 10 °C for 15 d and were evaluated periodically for the fungal decay index, the total phenolic and flavonoid contents and the antioxidant activity using the Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity and DPPH radical inhibition methods. The odor acceptability of the treated berries was evaluated after 10 d of storage. The CLO emulsion (5 g L−1) significantly reduced the fungal decay without affecting the antioxidant properties of the berries. The application of CLO as a vapor was more effective according to the evaluated parameters than the emulsions; all tested concentrations inhibited fungal decay and increased the flavonoid content and antioxidant activity. When CLO was incorporated into the pectin, no fungal decay appeared, and the highest antioxidant activity was observed after 15 d of storage. Additionally, all treatments, except the emulsion treatment, increased the odor acceptability of the treated berries compared to the control berries. From this study, it can be concluded that CLO as vapors or coatings can be used to control decay and increase the antioxidant health benefits of grapes due to CLO's antifungal and antioxidant properties.

Sapoti (Manilkara zapota) e um fruto climaterico que amadurece rapidamente apos a colheita e os estudos acerca da extensao de sua vida util pos-colheita sao principalmente restritos ao uso de baixa temperatura e atmosfera modificada. Este trabalho avaliou a influencia do 1-metilciclopropeno (1-MCP) sobre o amolecimento e bioquimica da parede celular durante o amadurecimento de sapoti, assim como o seu potencial de conservacao pos-colheita. Sapotis foram tratados com 1-MCP, um antagonista do etileno, a 300 nL L-1 por 12 h e, em seguida, armazenados sob atmosfera modificada a 25oC por 23 d. O 1-MCP retardou significativamente o amadurecimento de sapoti por 11 d, via diminuicao da atividade das enzimas hidroliticas da parede celular e, portanto, os frutos tratados com 1-MCP exibiram menor solubilizacao dos poliuronideos, hemicelulose e acucares neutros livres quando comparados com os frutos-controle. O 1-MCP retardou o amaciamento do sapoti, indicando que esse processo e dependente da producao e percepcao de etileno.

This study evaluated a 2% chitosan-based coating with 500 mg L 1 trans-cinnamaldehyde on quality attributes, pro- and anti-oxidative metabolism, and structural integrity of biological membranes and cell wall of fresh-cut melon (Cucumis melo var. Cantalupensis Naud.) stored for 20 days at 4 C. Coating improved (P < 0.05) samples’ firmness, colour, soluble solids, total vitamin C and carotenoid content for up to 15 days of storage, thereafter samples showed signs of decay with softening of processed melon resulting from structural changes in both biological membranes and cell walls. Coating also reduced hydrogen peroxide radical levels leading to lower antioxidant enzymatic activity and lipid peroxidation degree and electrolyte leakage levels compared with control. Coating improved produce visual quality due to reduction in the activity of browning-associated enzymes, G-POD and PPO. Results indicate that coating improved quality of fresh cut Cantaloupe melons by acting as a physical barrier to gas exchange decreasing respiration rate and consequently, O2-dependent processes, while trans-cinnamaldehyde acted as free radical scavenger and enzyme inhibitor. The lower respiration rate inhibited the establishment of an oxidative stress induced by fruit processing and senescence with less damage to biological membranes, lower cell wall hydrolase activities and loss of bioactive compounds.

Objetivou-se avaliar o efeito dos danos mecânicos provocados por impacto, corte e abrasão sobre a qualidade de banana 'Prata Catarina', submetida ao armazenamento refrigerado (14°C ±1ºC e 84% ±5% de UR durante 21 dias). Os frutos foram provenientes de um pomar comercial, localizado no município de Limoeiro do Norte-CE. O experimento foi instalado em delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, no esquema de parcelas subdivididas no tempo, tendo-se, nas parcelas, as amostragens ao longo do tempo e, nas subparcelas, os quatro tratamentos: testemunha ou ausência de dano mecânico (T1), impacto (T2), abrasão (T3) e corte (T4), com quatro repetições de dois frutos cada. Os danos por impacto e abrasão foram os que proporcionaram maior velocidade de amadurecimento, sendo que o dano por impacto proporcionou maior atividade da enzima polifenoloxidase. As bananas 'Prata Catarina' que não sofreram danos podem ser comercializadas por até 21 dias de armazenamento (14°C ± 1ºC e 84% ±5% UR), sem perda da qualidade The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of mechanical damages caused by impact, cut and abrasion on the quality of 'Prata Catarina' banana subjected to cold storage (14°C±1°C and 84%±5% RH for 21 days). The fruits were from a commercial orchard in the city of Limoeiro do Norte-CE. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design in split plot in time, taking up the samples in portions over time and in the subplots the four treatments: control or absence of mechanical damage (T1), impact (T2), abrasion (T3) and cut (T4), with 4 replicates of 2 fruits. Damages by impact and abrasion were the ones which provided the highest speed of ripening, and the damage caused by impact provided greater polyphenoloxidase enzyme activity. 'Prata Catarina' bananas that suffered no damage can be marketed until 21 days of storage (14°C±1°C and RH 84%±5%), without loss of quality

A acerola é um fruto tropical de grande potencial agronômico e nutricional. A propagação vegetativa da aceroleira é uma vantagem para a obtenção e seleção rápida de clones superiores. Com o objetivo de avaliar clones de aceroleira quanto às características agronômicas e a capacidade antioxidante dos frutos, um experimento foi instalado em blocos ao acaso com 25 tratamentos, três repetições e três plantas por parcela, no Campo Experimental de Paraipaba, CE. Durante três anos, foram avaliados: altura da planta, diâmetro de copa, produção e como parâmetros pós-colheita dos frutos, os antioxidantes enzimáticos e não enzimáticos. Pelos resultados obtidos, conclui-se que o padrão de crescimento em altura apresentado pelos clones é resultado da seleção conduzida entre e dentre as progênies por dois ciclos. Dentre todos os materiais estudados, os 23/2(3), 79/10(9) e 26/5(4) apresentam boas produtividades e conteúdos de vitamina C e demonstram ter um potencial para a indústria de extração de vitamina C, enquanto, o material 20/4(8) possui boa produtividade e bom desenvolvimento vegetativo, portanto um bom potencial para a produção voltada para o consumo in natura. Acerola is a tropical fruit with great agronomic and nutritional potential. Vegetative propagation of acerola plant can be an advantage for a quick selection of superior clones. With the objective of evaluating acerola clones regarding their agronomic characteristics and antioxidant capacity of their fruit, an experiment was set up in a randomised-block design with 25 treatments consisting of three replicates with three plants per plot at the Experimental Station in Paraipaba-Ceará. For three years the following characteristics were evaluated: plant height, crown diameter and yield and as post-harvest parameters of the fruit, enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants. The data shows the pattern of vertical growth displayed by the clones is resultant of a selection carried out with the progeny of two cycles. Among the studied clones, 23/2 (3), 79/10 (9) and 26/5 (4) presented good yield and vitamin C content and therefore, have potential for the industrial extraction of vitamin C, while 20/4 (8) has good yield and vegetative growth besides a high antioxidant enzymatic activity, thereby showing good potential for in natura market.

Esse trabalho objetiva avaliar a vida útil de dois tipos de sapoti em temperatura ambiente, com ou sem atmosfera modificada (filme de PVC). O experimento constituiu-se no armazenamento dos frutos, coletados na estação experimental da Embrapa em Paraipaba-CE, em temperatura ambiente (24 ± 2ºC e 90 ± 5% U.R.) e dispostos em bandejas com ou sem filme de PVC. Dois tipos de sapoti foram avaliados quanto à perda de peso, textura, sólidos solúveis totais, açúcares redutores e totais, acidez total titulável e amido. Os frutos sob atmosfera modificada apresentaram uma menor perda de peso, mas apresentaram uma redução mais rápida na firmeza da polpa. Os dois tipos de sapoti apresentaram um decréscimo no teor de sólidos solúveis, acidez, açúcares solúveis totais e pH e um aumento em açúcares redutores ao longo do armazenamento, independentemente das diferentes atmosferas de conservação. Os resultados indicam que os frutos do tipo II (formato da sapota) possuem uma maior vida útil pós-colheita. This work aims to evaluate the postharvest life of two types of sapodilla at ambient temperature and with or without modified atmosphere (PVC film packing). The experiment consisted in storing fruits, harvested at Embrapa´s (Agroindústria Tropical) Experimental Station located in Paraipaba, Ceará, Brazil, under ambient condition (24 ± 2ºC and 90 ± 5% U.R), on retail trays where half of these trays was wrapped in PVC and the other half, was not wrapped. Fruits of two types were evaluated for weight loss; pulp firmness; total soluble solids; titrable acidity; pH; total soluble sugars, reducing sugars and starch contents. Fruits stored under MA had less weight loss and greater reduction in pulp firmness when compared to those under AA. Decreases in acidity, soluble solids and total sugar contents and pH were found in both types of fruit during storage under both atmosphere conditions, as well as an increase in reduced sugars content. The type II fruits, had the longest post-harvest shelf-life.

Callosobruchus maculatus ( Cm ) and Zabrotes subfasciatus ( Zs ) were reared on resistant (IT81D-1045) and on susceptible (Epace 10) cowpea seeds. The emergence of adult insects, total developmental period (TDP) and excretion of trypsin inhibitor and vicilin were determined for both bruchid populations. Parameter evaluation showed that the Zs populations emerged from both seeds had no significant differences in emergence and TDP. The Cm population raised from resistant seeds had lower emergence (5.6 ± 1.3%) and delayed TDP (46 ± 1.25 days) than those emerged from susceptible seeds. The excretion of defense proteins showed that Zs reared in resistant seeds excreted 1.7 times more trypsin inhibitor, but this did not affect emergence or TDP. Furthermore, Cm population emerged from resistant seeds excreted 7 times higher vicilin and 0.4 times less trypsin inhibitor than that emerged from susceptible seeds. These results indicate that vicilins from resistant seeds are involved to significantly longer TDP (46 days) and also drastic reduction of insect emergence (∼5%) of C. maculatus .

Introduction . Films act as semi-permeable gaseous barriers capable of maintaining fruit postharvest quality; thus coatings consisting of non-traditional sources may represent an alternative tool for producers. The objective of our work was to investigate the effect of a galactomannan coating on postharvest quality and physiology of ‘Tommy Atkins’ mangoes. Materials and methods . Physiologically mature mangoes were divided into four lots and stored for 16 d. Control uncoated fruits (lot 1) were stored at ambient temperature (25 °C), the second lot was uncoated and refrigerated (14 °C), the third lot was coated and stored at ambient temperature, and the fourth lot was coated and refrigerated. Fruit were analyzed for physicochemical quality parameters, antioxidant enzymatic activity and lipid peroxidation. Results and discussion . Control fruit (lot 1) lost almost twice the weight of uncoated refrigerated (lot 2) and coated mangoes at both temperatures (lots 3 and 4); the fruit of lot 1 softened faster. Regarding the antioxidant enzymes, the activity of superoxide dismutase decreased throughout storage without statistical differences between treatments and catalasic activity was significantly inhibited under refrigeration. At ambient temperature, coating delayed the catalasic activity peak to day 12, which was coincident with the lowest lipid peroxidation degree, evidencing the association of free radical production and scavenging mechanisms. The galactomannan coating was efficient in reducing weight loss and delaying softening; thus, it maintained quality of ‘Tommy Atkins’ mangoes for a longer period of time than the control treatment during storage at ambient temperature. Refrigeration (14 °C) enhanced the performance of the galactomannan coating; it was effective in slowing down the metabolism and delaying softening to day 12.