Abstract

Optimization of banana cv. Manzano (Musa sp. (L.) AAB) ripening for industrial use. Bioagro [online]. 2005, vol.17, n.1, pp.47-57. ISSN 1316-3361.

The ripening process of the banana cv. Manzano for industrial use was optimized using response surface methodology with an orthogonal central composite design (OCCD) of three factors (temperature, ethephon dosage, and storage time), with eigth treatments in the cubic portion, six in the star position, and six replications of the central point, with axial statistics a of 1.525, for a total of 15 treatments with three replications of the assay. The quantified responses were pH, acidity, and total soluble solids (TSS). The working ranges of the independent variables were 18-28 ºC ± 1 ºC for temperature; 1000-3000 mg∙L ethephon; 24 to 144 h of storage. Based on mathematical analysis, the minimum pH (4.25) was reached at 25.7 ˚C, 2081 mg∙L^-1 of ethephon, and 118 h of storage time. No critical points were established for the acidity and TSS because mathematical maxima were obtained out of the experimental region.

Keywords : Postharvest; banana; storage.