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ARS Home » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #123339
Title: METHYL JASMONATE REDUCES DECAY AND MAINTAINS POSTHARVEST QUALITY OF PAPAYA 'SUNRISE'

Author
item GONZALEZ-AGUILAR, G. - CIAD, HERMOSILLO, MEXICO
item BUTA, J. - RETIRED PQSL SY
item Wang, Chien

Submitted to: Postharvest International Symposium Proceedings
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 9/21/2002
Publication Date: 6/27/2003
Citation: Gonzalez-Aguilar, G.A., Buta, J.G., Wang, C.Y. 2003. Methyl jasmonate reduces decay and maintains postharvest quality of papaya 'sunrise'. Postharvest International Symposium Proceedings. V. 28. P. 371-370.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Exposure of papaya (Carica papaya L. Sunrise) fruit to methyl jasmonate (MJ) vapors (0.1 mM and 0.01 mM) for 16 h at 20 degrees C inhibited the onset of fungal decay, reduced chilling injury development and loss of firmness during storage for 14-32 days at 10 degrees C and shelf life (4 days at 29 degrees C). Low density polyethylene film packaging prevented water loss and further loss of firmness, as well as inhibiting yellowing ("b" values) of papaya fruit. The modified atmosphere created (oxygen = 3-5% and carbon dioxide = 6-9%) inside the package, did not induce any off-flavor development during storage at 10 degrees C. The postharvest quality of papaya was enhanced significantly by combining the MJ-treatments and film packaging. Use of 0.01 mM MJ with film packaging could be used as a new treatment to maintain postharvest quality of papaya during low temperature storage and shelf-life.