Factors affecting uneven fruit ripening in Mon-Thong durian
A. Pakcharoen, R. Tisarum, J. Siriphanich
Program and Abstract. 2007 Australasian Postharvest Conference. Crowne Plaza Terrigal, NSW, Australia. 12 September 2007. 87 p.
2007
บทคัดย่อ
Uneven fruit ripening is often found in 'Mon-Thong' durian. This defect cannot be detected from external appearances and its cause is unknown. It was suggested that perhaps too early harvesting as well as leaf flush growth were the most probable causes of the problem. To establish this, and in order to evaluate whether the maturity stage was related to uneven fruit ripening, 'Mon-Thong' durian fruits were harvested at 100, 107 and 114 day after anthesis (DAA). The 100 DAA fruits were found to have the highest score of uneven fruit ripening, as well as the highest variation in pulp firmness and soluble solids content. In addition, to determine whether food competition between the fruit and other developing parts, such as flushing leaves, was also related to uneven fruit ripening, bearing durian trees were shaded by 50%, using saran nets at 92112 DAA. It was found that the fruits from shaded trees, harvest at 113 DAA, had higher uneven ripening characteristics than those from the control trees. It was also found that treating the fruits with ethephon could not alleviate the uneven ripening problem.