The effects of maturity stage at harvest, sex, harvest date and postharvest treatments on the keeping quality of stored papaya fruits (Carica Papaya L.).
Abstract
Fruits of the variety sunrise were collected from a
experimental design was a factorial experiment of ~4 x 4 and
commercial plantation at the Mwea Prisons farm for the study.
x 3 in first and second harvest, respectively, l a y e d au tin a
completely randomized design. Hot water treatment. maturity
stage harvest. sex and days of storage were the main
treatments at the respective
They were
levels. Fruits were stored at
ambient temperature. analysed at the beginning and
after 3. 6, 8 and 12 days of storage for firmness, total soluble
solids. dry matter. pH. total titratable acidity. total sugars,
total carotenoids, beta-carotene and vitamin C. The general
fruit condition and appearance were also assessed.
Hermaphrodite fruits did not differ significantly from
female fruits in their firmness. total soluble solids dry matter
contents. pH and °Brix:Acid ratio. Although some inconsistencies
were exhibited in the contents of total carotenoids and vitamin
C. the higher levels were in favour of hermaphrodite fruits.
Total sugars and beta- carotene contents were higher, while
total titratable acidity was lower, in hermaphrodite than in
female fruits.
Fruits generally attained full ripeness by the 8th day
of storage. Fruit firmness decreased with ripening during
slorage. Dry matter content did
s t o rag e .
not change significantly during
Total soluble solids. pH. ~rix:Acid ratio, total
carotenoids and beta-carotene contents increased during storage.
Total titratable acidity, t o t a l sugars and vitamin C contents
increased during the first 3 to 6 days of storage and declined
there after. with a close relation (interaction) being exhibited
between them. Overall, the hot water treatment did not seem to
adversely affect the fruits, except for some mi Id heat scalding
in a few fruits. Hot water treatment reduced decay in fruits and
prolonged their shelf-life. Among the parameters analysed, only
firmness and beta-carotene, did not changed between harvest
dates.
It was recommended that with storage period not
8 days at ambient temperature, papayas should be
at the colour break stage and washed with warm water
20 minutes). In orchards where fruits are meant for
exceeding
harvested
consumption, trees of both sex types can be al lowed to grow but
seeds from female fruits should not be used for replanting.
Citation
Ndung'u, C.K(1991) The effects of maturity stage at harvest, sex, harvest date and postharvest treatments on the keeping quality of stored papaya fruits (Carica Papaya L.).Sponsorhip
University of NairobiPublisher
Department of Plant Science and Crop Protection, University of Nairobi
Description
Msc- Thesis