Controlled atmosphere storage of mango fruits (Mangifera indica L) cvs Tommy Atkins and Kent

Mango fruits of Tommy Atkins and Kent cvs were harvested (15-17 Ibs pulp pressure) and submitted to hydrothermical quarantine treatment (46.5 degrees C for 90 min), then fill packed in 5 kg carton boxes and transported for three days in a refrigerated truck (12-13 degrees C) from Arica to Santiago, Chile. Upon arrival, Fruits were selected for uniformity, and packed in a single layer box of 11 fruits each, and submitted to 12 degrees C storage and combinations of. 0.03% CO2-21% O-2 (check), 5% CO2-5% O-2 and 10% CO2-5% O-2. Fruit were evaluated at 0, 16 and 23 days after treatments, and subsequently at 2 to 8 days at 20 degrees C. CA with 10% CO2 and 5% O-2 at 12 degrees C increased postharvest storage of mangos cv Kent to 29 days ( 8 days more than the check). In the case of Tommy Atkins, the best CA was 5% CO2 and 5% O-2 with a postharvest storage life of 31 days. These results encourage the possibility of long (21 to 23 days) sea-land transport of hydrothermically quarantine treated mango fruits under CA-refig. containers, thus substantially reducing the transport costs.