EFECTO DEL EMPAQUE Y DEL 1-MCPSOBRE CARACTERÍSTICAS FÍSICAS, QUÍMICAS Y FISIOLÓGICAS DE PITAHAYA AMARILLA.

In yellow pitahaya in stage madurity 3, were evaluated the effect of packaging (plastic baskets and cardboard boxes export type) and the application of aqueous solutions of 1-methylcyclopropene (200 and 400 µgL-¹) on weight loss, firmness, color, soluble solids, acidity, respiratory rate and commercial shelf-life. In the two packages, the application of aqueous solutions of 200 and 400 µgL-¹- methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) reduced changes in acidity, respiratory rate and color, however, it increased weight loss during storage. The type of packing affected significantly the weight loss, soluble solids and color. The application 200 µgL-¹ of 1-MOP had less variation in brightness and the color green-yellow fruit. Concentrations of 200 and 400 µgL-¹ 1-MCP and packing in plastic baskets for local market allowed prolong shelf life of three days the yellow pitahaya. The results of this study further confirm that the yellow pitahaya is a climacteric fruit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]