Preliminary Physicochemical Characterization of Genomically Diverse Georgia Grown Bananas during Postharvest Ripening

Tuesday, July 29, 2014
Ballroom A/B/C (Rosen Plaza Hotel)
Floyd M. Woods , Auburn University, Auburn, AL
Gabriela Hernandez, Graduate Student , Auburn University, Auburn, AL
E. Greg Fonsah , University of Geogia, Tifton, GA
Raymond Kessler Jr. , Department of Horticulture, Auburn University, Auburn, AL
Elina D. Coneva , Department of Horticulture, Auburn University, Auburn, AL
Joseph M. Kemble , Auburn University, Auburn, AL
Kalidas Shetty , North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND
D. Camille Crosby , Auburn University, Auburn, AL
Michael Barnhill , Auburn University, Auburn, AL
There is limited information concerning sensitivity of genomic hybrids of Musa spp. adaptable to southeastern United States to ethylene treatment during postharvest ripening and storage. The objective of this study was to compare the physicochemical properties and ripening behavior of three banana cultivars differing in genotype following application of Ethephon. ‘Ele Ele’ (Musa AAB Group), ‘Kandarian’ (Musa ABB Group) and Brazilian (Musa AABB Group) were grown at the University of Georgia Bamboo Farms and Coastal Gardens in Savannah, Georgia (latitude 32.133’ N, 81.2’W, elevation 14 meters).  Mature green bananas at the full three quarter stage were separated and either treated with aqueous solution of Ethephon (500 ppm immersion for 5 minutes) or controls (water immersion for 5 minutes) and stored for 9 days at 20oC and 95% RH. Fruit quality was characterized by measuring peel color, dry matter, soluble solids, pH and titratable acidity. Results from this study indicate that perceived sensitivity to Ethephon (500 ppm immersion for 5 minutes) treatment and modification in ripening behavior was variable when comparing genotype and measured fruit quality parameters during 9 days of storage. ‘Kandarian’ fruit were more sensitive to postharvest Ethephon treatment when compared to ‘Brazilian’ and ‘Ele Ele’ respectively. There were significant interactions observed for Ethephon treated ‘Kandarian’ fruit and days in storage in external peel color (L, a, and ho values) and corresponding changes in internal fruit quality (dry matter, soluble solids, pH and titratable acidity). Variable postharvest ripening behavior and sensitivity to Ethephon treatment was observed for ‘Brazilian’ and ‘Ele Ele’ respectively. Preliminary findings from this study indicate that sensitivity or responsiveness to postharvest ethylene treatment and hence degreening process of banana to obtain optimal consumer eating quality is highly dependent on selected cultivars. Detailed postharvest studies are ongoing to determine optimal concentration of Ethephon and desired changes in consumer flavor and nutritional quality that reflect changing consumer demographics.
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