QUALITY OF ACEROLA (Malpighia emarginata) TREATED WITH GIBBERELIC ACID AND STORED UNDER REFRIGERATION

ABSTRACT The goal of this study was study the postharvest quality of acerola clone BRS 236 (Malpighia emarginata D.C.) which was harvested at physiological maturity and submitted to four treatments under immersion during 5 minutes at 25 °C, which are: control (water), 60 mg L-1; 120 mg L-1 and 180 mg L-1. After treatment the fruits were packed in polystyrene trays and placed with polyethylene film and then stored at 10 ± 2 °C and 85 ± 5% RH for 12 days. Were analyzed in three days intervals (0, 3, 6, 9 and 12 days): skin color, firmness, pH, titratable acidity, soluble solids, SS/TA ratio, vitamin C and yellow flavonoids. Vitamin C, anthocyanins and yellow flavonoids were not influenced by treatments with GA3 at the end of 12-day of cold storage at 10 ºC. The exogenous application of 120 mg L-1 of GA3 resulted in retention of red color and content of anthocyanins of acerola fruits BRS 236 clone 12-day storage at 10 °C.