Ripening and Physiological Changes in the Fruit of Persea schiedeana Nees during the Postharvest Period

Abstract

In terms of color, firmness, respiration, and ethylene production during the postharvest period, ripening is here characterized for the first time in the fruit of Persea schiedeana Nees. The results show a respiratory peak (respiratory climacteric) and an ethylene production peak, indicating that the fruit of P. schiedeana can be classified as climacteric. The fruit ripened rapidly, and senescence effects appeared 5 days after harvest. Together with appreciable weight loss during the postharvest period, this makes the fruit very perishable. Preliminary values for quantitative ripening indices are provided (fruit firmness, color lightness, hue angle, and chroma).