Effects of gamma irradiation and storage temperature on carotenoids and ascorbic acid content of mangoes on ripening

Abstract

Synthesis and accumulation of carotenoids in the flesh of Alphonso mangoes on ripening was found to be maximal in fruits stored at tropical ambient temperatures (28-32°C). Gamma irradiation of preclimacteric fruits at 25 krad did not affect the formation of carotenoids. Storage of preclimacteric fruits either irradiated or unirradiated at 7-20°C for 16-43 days caused a substantial reduction in carotenoid formation even when these fruits were subsequently ripened under optimal conditions. Regardless of storage temperature, carotenes always exceeded xanthophylls in the ripe fruits and, in general, irradiated fruits showed higher levels of carotenes in comparison with unirradiated samples. Ascorbic acid loss during ripening was maximum at ambient temperatures while lengthy storage at low temperatures caused a net increase in ascorbic acid levels. Irradiation seemed to accentuate the loss in ascorbic acid during ripening.

Microbiological and Chemical Properties of Irradiated Mango

“…5). Some investigators (Thomas and Janave 1975; have also recorded slightly higher carotene levels in irradiated (0.25-2.00 kGy) mangoes. These results were explained on the basis that irradiation increased the extractability of carotenoids rather than increased overall net synthesis; however, in a subsequent study, reported reduction in carotene levels in irradiated mangoes (var.…”

“…With storage, the ascorbic acid content of all mangoes declined significantly, particularly in the unirradiated fruits. Reduction upon storage may be due to ripening processes which are faster in unirradiated fruits than irradiated ones (Thomas and Janave 1975).…”

Sensory Quality and Nutrient Composition of Three Hawaiian Fruits Treated by X‐irradiation

“…1995; Graham and Stevenson 1997), 14 tropical fruits and vegetables (Mitchell et al 1992); melons (Lalaguna 1998), mangoes (Khan er al. 1974;Thomas and Janave 1975;Mitchell er al. 1990), stone fruits ), oranges (Nagai and Moy 1985;O'Mahony e?…”

Mango

“…Several reports on irradiation have shown good response of mango to irradiation treatment. The response of mango fruit to irradiation depends upon cultivar, maturity status and post-harvest handling system (Akamine & Moy 1983;Boag et al 1990;Gonzalez-Aguilar et al 2001;Janave & Sharma 2005;Moreno et al 2006;Spalding & Von Windeguth 1988;Thomas 1986;Thomas & Janave 1975;Uthairatanakij et al 2006). Irradiation of mature green 'Alphonso' mangoes with a dose of 250 Gy delayed ripening to 16 days against 10 days in control as evidenced by fruit texture and skin colour (Dharkar et al 1966).…”