Abstract

MORENO-VELAZQUEZ, Delia et al. Biochemical, biophysical and physiological changes during the growth and maturation of ilama fruit (Annona diversifolia Saff.). Agrociencia [online]. 2008, vol.42, n.4, pp.407-414. ISSN 2521-9766.

In México ilama fruit (Annona diversifolia Saff.) is normally sold with cracks at the base of the peduncle and without it. Consequently, it has a short shelf life and is more susceptible to rot. This study evaluates the biochemical, biophysical and physiological changes during development of white and pink pulped ilama fruit to determine its growth and maturation pattern on the plant. Open flowers on 30 trees (15 white pulp and 15 pink pulp) located in San Lorenzo, Municipality of Ajuchitlán, Guerrero, México, were tagged. Samples were taken at different fruit growth stages to record total fruit weight, proportion of pulp and peel, respiratory intensity, ethylene production, total and reducing sugars, total soluble solids (°Bx), and vitamin C content. Both types of fruit (white and pink pulp) had a double sigmoid growth pattern with a period of total development of 99 d after flowering (DAF). The slow fruit growth phase coincided with a decrease in respiratory intensity; ethylene production was not detected until 99 DAF, when maximum accumulation of total and reducing sugars and °Bx were recorded. However, both types of fruits initiated a significant increase in total and reducing sugars and °Bx as of 85 DAF, indicating the beginning of the ripening process.

Keywords : Annona diversifolia Saff.; respiratory intensity; fruit weight; ethylene production; soluble solids; vitamin C..