Effects of 1-methylcyclopropene treatment on the shelf life and quality of safou (Dacryodes edulis (G. Don), H.J. Lam)

A study to identify the physical and physicochemical properties of the safou fruit that were associated with longer fruit shelf life after harvesting was carried out in order to reduce postharvest loss and increase the marketability of safou in Cameroon and in the entire Central and West African sub...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Forests, trees and livelihoods trees and livelihoods, 2007, Vol.17 (1), p.75-89
Main Authors: Ndindeng, S.A, Kengue, J, Mbacham, W.F, Titanji, V.P.K, Bella-Manga
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
1-MCP
benomyl
calyx
Citrus latifolia
color
ethylene production
food storage
fruit storage
fruits (food)
fungicides
inhibitors
limes
physical and physicochemical characteristics
physical properties
physicochemical properties
postharvest treatment
shelf life
treatment with limes
tropical and subtropical fruits
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Summary:A study to identify the physical and physicochemical properties of the safou fruit that were associated with longer fruit shelf life after harvesting was carried out in order to reduce postharvest loss and increase the marketability of safou in Cameroon and in the entire Central and West African sub region. Also an ethylene inhibitor with and without a low dose fungicide combination treatment was compared with the traditional lime (Citrus latifolia Tan) treatment to increase the shelf life and maintain the quality of safou. Semi-ripe fruits with attached calyx, no lesions, and a brownish scaly skin had a longer shelf life (6-7 days after harvest) than fully ripe fruits with a detached calyx, lesions present, and of greenish, whitish or blue black coloration (2-3 days). The brownish scaly fruits that could be stored for longer period had a higher fibre and protein content compared to the other fruit colour types. Fruits treated with 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) and stored for 6 days were not different from fruits just harvested in terms of firmness, colour, fibre, protein, lipid, total sugar and dry matter. 1-MCP + low dose benomyl fungicide treated fruits could be stored at room conditions (T = 30°C, RH = 75%) for up to 2 weeks with 95% of the fruits still being of good quality (no soft spot and no change in colour). Although storage of safou with limes slightly increased their shelf life (8 days after harvest), the percentage of fruits that were then of good quality was less than 10%. In addition, this treatment changes the colour of the fruits, an important factor influencing their marketability.
ISSN:1472-8028
2164-3075
DOI:10.1080/14728028.2007.9752582