Effects of ethephon on ripening and quality of freshmarket pineapples

Abstract

The potential benefits of ethephon (2-chloroethyl phosponic acid) on freshmarket pineapples (Ananas comosus L.) growing in subtropical Queensland were examined in 2 experiments. Fruit harvested from treated plots and stored for up to 20 days had less (1-2%) soluble solids, varied more in percentage soluble solids and reached full yellow colour 2-3 days earlier than untreated fruits. The effect on eating quality was variable. Treated fruits had superior eating quality to untreated controls 10 days after harvest, while treated fruit left on the plant for 23 days had inferior eating quality to controls. Harvested, treated fruits 'coloured' (degreened) more evenly and, thus, presented better in the carton but had shorter shelf life due to accelerated skin senescence. It was concluded that any important advantages for the freshmarket industry remain to be demonstrated.