Harvest date affects purple eggplant quality and postharvest life

VALERGA, LUCÍA; DARRÉ, MAGALÍ; ZARO, MARÍA JOSÉ; VICENTE, ARIEL R.; LEMOINE, MARÍA LAURA; CONCELLÓN, ANALÍA

International Journal of Vegetable Science

Taylor & Francis

Año: 2020 p. 1 - 8

1931-5260

Eggplant (Solanum melongena L) quality and storability can be influenced by time of harvest. Effects on sugars, antioxidants, chilling tolerance, and postharvest shelf-life of eggplant due to production cycle activities were determined. Late-season fruit had the highest sugars and antioxidants levels. Early-season fruit had the lowest level of pulp antioxidants. Mid-season fruit had longer postharvest shelf-life and enhanced chilling tolerance as evidenced by a reduction of scalds, browning, and weight loss and softening. No differences in postharvest responses were found between early- and late-season fruit. Activities during the harvest cycle might be used to predict eggplant postharvest responses.