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Banana Ripening

Ethylene Induces Ripening of Various Banana and Plantain Cultivars

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Quality of Ripe Banana Depends On:

• Harvest maturity (more mature = better quality)

• Minimizing abrasions and bruising• Reducing postharvest water stress• Proper temperature management• Optimizing ripening conditions• Expedited handling between ripening and

consumption3

Maturity is based on finger caliber and shape

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Ripening Conditions for Bananas

Fruit temperature: 14 to 18°C (58-65°F)

Relative humidity: 90-95%

Ethylene concentration: 100 ppm

Duration of ethylene: 24-48 hours

Carbon dioxide: Adequate air exchange to prevent CO2 above 1%

5 6

70

Mg

CO2

per K

g Fr

uit P

er H

r

120

100

80

60

40

20

0

Time in Days2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18

Note the 5-Fold Increase in Respiration Rate (Carbon dioxide production) as Bananas Ripen from Stage 1 or 2 to Stage 4.

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3

Effect of Temperature During Ripening on Banana Quality Attributes

9 10

11 12

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Low Relative Humidity Induces Browning of Surface Abrasions on Bananas

13 14

Unbruised Bruised 15

Delaying Ripening of Bananas

Manipulation of ripening temperature

Keep in 2 to 5% O2 + 2 to 5% CO2 at 15°C (59°F)

Use 1-MCP (delays 1-3 days, delays “sugar spotting”)

or

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5

Banana Ripening Temperature

65

60

5540 8

Bana

naTe

mpe

ratu

re

soft pulp above 65°F

chilling below 56°F

4 day cycle

7 day cycle

vent to control CO2

14

15

161718°C°F

C2H4

Ripening time (days)17

Extending Yellow-life of Bananas by Modified Atmospheres

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Effect of Temperature on Deterioration of Bananas

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Chilling Injury Symptoms

Bronzing of Fingers (dull color)

Discoloration on inner side of peel

Other symptoms: failure to ripen; flesh browning (in severe cases) 20

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Effect of Temperature on Development of Chilling Injury Symptoms

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Ripening Conditions for Bananas

Fruit temperature: 14 to 18°C (58-65°F)

Relative humidity: 90-95%

Ethylene concentration: 100 ppm

Duration of ethylene: 24-48 hours

Carbon dioxide: Adequate air exchange to prevent CO2 above 1%

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Thank you for your attention