Some effects of non-damaging temperature on the life and respiratory behaviour of bananas

Abstract

The preclimacteric respiration rate of bananas falls for approximately 48h after harvest, then increases linearly until onset of the climacteric. Rate of increase is a linear function of fruit immaturity and is dependent on holding temp. of fruit. In 1 experiment involving very immature fruit, respiration rates fell steadily for several weeks before beginning a steady rise. Respiration rates at onset of the climacteric show no relationship to immaturity but are a linear function of holding temp. Respiration rates at the climacteric peak are dependent on temp., probably in a logarithmic manner. Green-life of fruit bears an inverse linear relationship to holding temp. Departures from this relationship which occur at lower temp. are believed to indicate earlier initiation of senescence.