Abstract

MEZA VELAZQUEZ, Jorge Armando et al. Effect of a film of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose-paraffin in Cantaloupe melon (Cucumis melo) stored in cold. Rev. Mex. Cienc. Agríc [online]. 2013, vol.4, n.2, pp.259-271. ISSN 2007-0934.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of a film based on hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose (HPMC) and paraffin on chilling injury index (IDF), weight loss, the lipase enzyme activity and composition of the internal atmosphere in Cantaloupe melon (Cucumismelo). The whole melon covered [PEL], and not covered [control]) were stored at 8 °C (80% RH) for 20 days, and evaluated at 0, 4, 8, 12, 16 and 20 days of storage. PEL melons had less chilling injury index (IDF= 1.25), and higher concentrations of CO₂ (5.1-11.8%) and ethylene (45.0-200.0 ppm) in the internal space of the fruit than the not covered melons (p< 0.05 ) during storage at 8 °C. The results indicate that the application of a cover of HPMC-paraffine reduces 50% chilling injury in whole melon minimally processed stored in refrigeration for 20 days, contributing to the preservation of fruit quality.

Keywords : Cucumis melo; cellulose; chilling injury; hydroxypropylmethyl film.