RESPIRATORY BEHAVIOR OF CHERIMOYA (ANNONA-CHERIMOLA MILL) UNDER CONTROLLED ATMOSPHERES

The objective of this work was to obtain information for designing modified-atmosphere packages for storing and transporting cherimoyas. Respiration rates of 'Concha Lisa' cherimoyas at 10C were monitored in a flow-through system using O2 consumption and CO2 production under atmospheres containing 5%, 10%, 15%, or 20% O2. Under normal atmosphere (20% O2), the respiration curve exhibited a typical climacteric rise 15 days after harvest, while 15% and 10% O2 delayed this event. Fruit kept in 5% O2 did not show a detectable climacteric rise and did not produce ethylene. All fruit ripened normally after being transferred to air storage at 20C; however, the time needed to reach an edible condition differed with treatment and was inversely proportional to O2 content. Delay of the climacteric by 5% O2, coupled with the continued ability to ripen, makes this procedure suitable for controlled- or modified-atmosphere cherimoya packaging.