Effects of temperature on the ripening of mango fruit (mangifera indica L. var. tommy atkins)

The effects of temperature on the ripening of Tommy Atkins mango were studied. Ripening temperature can affect fruit colour, flavour and texture development differently. Fruits at 12°C did not ripen to full eating quality during the 16 days of the experiment. Sugar levels were comparable with those at other temperatures, but acid levels were higher; they retained some green coloration, had lower pulp carotenoids and showed incomplete softening. After 15 days at 17°C, fruits had softened and degreened to an acceptable level but had a poor pulp colour. They were comparatively high in sugars but were also high in acids, resulting in a low sugar:acid ratio. Fruits kept at 22, 27 and 32°C all showed the development of good quality characteristics of high chlorophyll breakdown, high pulp carotenoids, a good texture and a balanced sugar: acid ratio. Similar characteristics were shown at 37°C, although the peel generally appeared mottled and the pulp had slightly lower sugar:acid ratios.