Postharvest Biology and Handling of Banana Fruit (original) (raw)
Banana (Musa sp.) is one of the most economically important fruit crops in the world. The banana fruit is generally harvested and stored in a mature green state. Fruit ripening involves a transient burst in ethylene production that coordinates ripening-associated process. These processes include the respiratory climacteric, pulp softening, peel de-greening, and production of aroma compounds. Avoidance of exposure to ethylene and control of endogenous ethylene synthesis are key measures for banana storage. Other important factors that influence banana fruit storage life are pathogen development, mechanical damage, and variable maturity. The interaction of these factors can lead to uneven and unpredictable ripening that has adverse implications for marketability. Low temperature storage is highly effective in reducing decay and extending the storage life of harvested banana. However, banana fruit are chilling sensitive and storage at sub-optimal temperatures results in injury symptoms that include peel discoloration and abnormal ripening. These symptoms are common when banana fruit are stored at temperatures below about 13°C. Controlled atmosphere (CA) storage or modified atmosphere (MA) packaging constitute adjunct or alternative technologies to extend the green life of harvested fruit. These technologies can be effective at ambient temperatures, particularly in combination with the use of ethylene absorbing compounds and/or treatments that prevent ethylene action or inhibit rots. However, if CO 2 concentrations become too high, the fruit may fail to ripen normally. The relatively recently introduced ethylene binding site blocker, 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP), can effectively inhibit ethylene action on banana fruit. Applied as a gas, like ethylene, 1-MCP has demonstrated potential for the modulation of ripening and senescence processes in banana fruit. Overall, postharvest research on banana fruit remains focused on control of ethylene synthesis and action and on suppression of disease development, including by chemical-free means.
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