Durante o amadurecimento ocorrem profundas alterações na composição química dos frutos e a expressão gênica desempenha papel fundamental no controle desse processo. Apesar da importância comercial do mamão, as informações a respeito da expressão gênica durante o amadurecimento são limitadas. Assim, nessa tese, técnicas de estabelecimento de perfis de RNA mensageiro, como Differential Display-PCR, cDNA-AFLP e Cross-Species Microarray, foram aplicadas para a identificação de genes com expressão alterada. Alguns genes ligados ao metabolismo e transporte de açúcares, de lipídeos e carotenóides, à degradação de parede celular e stress, e fatores de transcrição dependentes e independentes de hormônios vegetais pareceram apresentar diferenças de expressão durante o amadurecimento do mamão papaia. O isolamento dos genes diferencialmente expressos permitiu traçar um panorama da expressão gênica do fruto e, dessa maneira, a relação das funções dos genes com o amadurecimento do mamão contribuiu para o aumento do entendimento acerca da qualidade pós-colheita do fruto. / Ripening affects the quality of fleshy fruits by changing the chemical composition, and gene expression regulates most part of these transformations. Although papaya fruit is an important Brazilian crop, there are restricted studies concerning its ripening and gene expression. In this work, it is described the use of some RNA profiling techniques, such as Differential Display-PCR, cDNA-AFLP and Cross-Species Microarray, to identify ripening-related genes in papaya fruit. Using these techniques, some differentially expressed genes during papaya fruit ripening were isolated. Their functions were associated with metabolism and transport of sugars, lipids and carotenoids, cell wall disassembly, stress and transcription factors dependent and independent of plant hormones. In this way, it was proposed a pattern of gene expression during papaya fruit ripening, at least for those isolated genes, and the assemblage of these data with other authors data can locate fruit handling to a better level, minimizing postharvest losses and increasing papaya fruit shelf-life.

Thesis (PhD(Agric))--Stellenbosch University, 2014. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: South Africa is the largest exporter of shipped fresh citrus fruit worldwide. One of the major factors that can lead to substantial losses is postharvest decay. Penicillium digitatum (PD) and P. italicum (PI) are the main wound pathogens, respectively causing green and blue mould decay. PD is more prevalent than PI and therefore also the focus in the majority of research in this field. Imazalil (IMZ) is applied by the majority of citrus packhouses through an aqueous dip treatment, and provides good curative and protective control, as well as sporulation inhibition activity. Two IMZ formulations are in use: the sulphate salt applied in aqueous treatments and the emulsifiable concentrate (EC) applied with wax coatings. The majority of research on IMZ has been done using the EC formulation. The maximum residue limit (MRL) for IMZ on citrus fruit is 5 μg.g-1, whereas 2-3 μg.g-1 is regarded as a biologically effective residue level that should at least inhibit green mould sporulation. A study was conducted to assess the current status of IMZ application in South African packhouses, to determine the adequate residue levels needed to control green mould and inhibit sporulation using IMZ sensitive and resistant isolates, and to study optimisation of modes of IMZ application in citrus packhouses. Factors studied were IMZ concentration, application type (spray vs. dip and drench), exposure time, solution temperature and pH, as well as curative and protective control of PD. The packhouse survey showed that the majority of packhouses applied IMZ in a sulphate salt formulation through a fungicide dip tank, and loaded an IMZ residue of ≈1 μg.g-1. In dip applications, IMZ had excellent curative and protective activity against Penicillium isolates sensitive to IMZ. However, curative control of IMZ resistant isolates was substantially reduced and protective control was lost, even at twice the recommended concentration, nor was sporulation inhibited. The use of sodium bicarbonate (2%) buffered imazalil sulphate solutions at pH ±8, compared with pH ±3 of the unbuffered solutions, markedly increased IMZ residue loading on navel and Valencia oranges and improved curative and protective control of IMZ resistant isolates. Exposure time did not affect IMZ residue loading in IMZ sulphate solutions at pH 3, although the MRL was exceeded after 45 s exposure in pH 8 solutions. Imazalil applied through spray or drench application improved residue loading, but green mould control was less effective than after dip application. IMZ formulation (IMZ sulphate and EC), solution pH (IMZ sulphate at 500 μg.mL-1 buffered with NaHCO3 or NaOH to pH 6 and 8) and exposure time (15 to 540 s) were subsequently investigated in order to improve IMZ residue loading and green mould control on Clementine mandarin, lemon, and navel and Valencia orange fruit. As seen previously, exposure time had no significant effect on residue loading in the unbuffered IMZ sulphate solution (pH 3). No differences were observed between the pH buffers used, but residue loading improved with increase in pH. The MRL was exceeded following dip treatment in IMZ EC (after 75 s exposure time), and IMZ sulphate at pH 8 using NaHCO3 (77 s) or NaOH (89 s) as buffer. The MRL was exceeded after 161 s in IMZ sulphate solutions buffered at pH 6 with either NaHCO3 or NaOH. Green mould control as influenced by residue data was modelled to predict control of IMZ-sensitive and IMZ-resistant PD isolates. From this model the effective residue levels for 95% control of an IMZ-sensitive isolate and of an IMZ-resistant isolate were predicted to be 0.81 and 2.64 ug g-1, respectively. The effects of incubation time (infection age), exposure time, solution pH, wounds size and fruit brushing after dip treatments on residue loading and curative green mould control were also investigated. Exposure time did not have a significant effect on residue loading on fruit dipped in pH 3 solutions of IMZ (< 2.00 μg.g-1). Increasing the pH to 6 resulted in significantly increased residue loading, which increased with longer exposure time, but mostly to levels below the MRL after 180 s. Post-dip treatment brushing reduced residue levels obtained in IMZ pH 3 solutions by up to 90% to levels < 0.5 μg.g-1; however, curative control of the IMZ sensitive isolate was mostly unaffected, but with poor sporulation inhibition. At pH 6, post-dip brushing reduced residues to ≈ 60%; again curative control of the sensitive isolate was unaffected, but with improved sporulation inhibition. Wounded rind sections loaded higher residue levels compared to intact rind sections and large wounds loaded higher levels than small wounds (≈ 10.19, ≈ 9.06 and ≈ 7.91 μg.g-1 for large, small and no wound, respectively). Curative control of infections originating from large wounds was significantly better than those from small wounds. The ability of IMZ to control sensitive green mould infections declined from 6 and 12 h after inoculation on Clementine mandarin fruit of infections induced by small and large wounds, respectively; on navel orange fruit, curative control declined 18 and 36 h after inoculation for the respective wound size treatments. Effective IMZ concentrations that inhibit 50% (EC50) growth of nine PD and five PI isolates were determined in vitro and the IMZ sensitivity of the various isolates categorized according to their EC50 values and resistance (R) factors. Effective residue levels that predicted 50% curative (ER50C) and protective (ER50P) control of these isolates were determined in vivo. All the PI isolates had sensitive EC50 values of 0.005 - 0.050 μg.mL-1. Three PD isolates were sensitive (0.027 – 0.038 μg.mL-1), while one resistant isolate was categorized as low resistant (R-factor of 19), one as moderately resistant (R-factor of 33.2), three as resistant (R-factor of 50 - 57.6) and one as highly resistant (R-factor of 70.7). Sensitive PD isolates had mean ER50C and ER50P values on Valencia orange fruit of 0.29 and 0.20 μg.g-1, and 0.33 and 0.32 μg.g-1 on navel fruit, respectively. ER50 values for resistant isolates did not always correlate with EC50 values and ranged from 1.22 – 4.56 μg.g-1 for ER50C and 1.00 – 6.62 μg.g-1 for ER50P values. ER50P values for resistant isolates could not be obtained on navel orange fruit, but ER50C values (1.42 – 1.65 μg.g-1) were similar to those obtained on Valencia fruit. The PI isolates all behaved similar to the sensitive PD isolates with ER50C and ER50P values on navel and Valencia fruit < 0.38 μg.g-1. Alternative fungicides were assessed for the control of an IMZ sensitive, resistant and highly resistant PD isolates; these included sodium ortho-phenylpenate (SOPP), thiabendazole (TBZ), guazatine (GZT), imazalil (IMZ), pyrimethanil (PYR) and Philabuster® (PLB; a combination of IMZ and PYR), fludioxonil (FLU), azoxystrobin (AZO), Graduate®A+ (a combination of FLU and AZO) and propiconazole (PPZ). Multiple resistance was shown against IMZ, GZT, TBZ and PPZ in both resistant PD isolates. For the sensitive isolates, IMZ, SOPP, TBZ, GZT and PLB provided best curative control, while IMZ, GZT and PLB provided best protective control. For the IMZ-resistant isolates, SOPP, PYR and PLB gave the best curative control, while none of the fungicides provided adequate protective control. Globally, this is the first in-depth study of green and blue mould control with the sulphate formulation of IMZ. Findings from this study are already being implemented by industry. Solution pH is monitored, exposure time is measured and residue loading specific to application method is assessed and interpreted by means of the ER50 values. Aqueous dip applications performed best in terms of curative control, and IMZ residue loading in wound sites was most important for curative control. Other studies confirmed this and showed that IMZ is better protectively applied with wax coatings. The practical impact of IMZ resistance has been highlighted as resistant isolates infections could never be adequately controlled. IMZ alternative fungicides were assessed and SOPP, TBZ, GZT, PYR and/or PLB could be used to reduce the development and impact of IMZ resistance. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Suid-Afrika is die grootste uitvoerder van verskeepde vars sitrusvrugte wêreldwyd. Een van die vernaamste faktore wat tot substansiële verliese kan lei, is na-oesverrotting. Penicillium digitatum (PD) en P. italicum (PI) is die hoof wondpatogene, en veroorsaak onderskeidelik groenskimmel- en blouskimmelverval. PD is meer algemeen as PI en daarom ook die fokus in die meerderheid van navorsing in hierdie veld. Imazalil (IMZ) word deur die meerderheid van sitruspakhuise in ‘n waterige doopbehandeling toegedien, en verskaf goeie genesende en beskermende beheer, sowel as sporulasie-inhibisie aktiwiteit. Twee IMZ-formulasies word gebruik: die sulfaatsout wat in waterige behandelings toegedien word, en die emulsifiseerbare konsentraat (EK) wat in wakslaagbehandelings toegedien word. Die meerderheid van navorsing op IMZ is gedoen deur die gebruik van die EK-formulasie. Die maksimum residu limiet (MRL) vir IMZ op sitrusvrugte is 5 μg.g-1, terwyl 2-3 μg.g-1 as ‘n biologies effektiewe residuvlak beskou word wat ten minste groenskimmelsporulasie moet inhibeer. ‘n Studie is uitgevoer ten einde die huidige status van IMZ-toediening in Suid-Afrikaanse pakhuise vas te stel, om die voldoende residuvlakke vas te stel wat nodig is om groenskimmel te beheer en sporulasie te inhibeer deur die gebruik van IMZ-sensitiewe en -weerstandbiedende isolate, en om optimisering van metodes van IMZ-toediening in sitruspakhuise te bestudeer. Faktore wat bestudeer is, was IMZ-konsentrasie, toedieningstipe (spuit vs. doop en stort), blootstellingsperiode, oplossingstemperatuur en pH, asook genesende en beskermende beheer van PD. Die pakhuis-opname het aangedui dat die meerderheid van pakhuise IMZ in ‘n sulfaatsoutformulasie deur ‘n fungisieddooptenk toegedien het, en ‘n IMZ-residu van ≈1 μg.g-1 gelaai het. In dooptoedienings het IMZ uitstekende genesende en beskermende aktiwiteit teen ‘n Penicillium IMZ-sensitiewe isolaat gehad. Genesende beheer van ‘n IMZ-weerstandbiedende isolaat was egter substansiëel minder, en beskermende beheer was verlore, selfs teen twee keer die aanbevole konsentrasie. Sporulasie is ook nie geïnhibeer nie. Die gebruik van natriumbikarbonaat (2%) gebufferde imazalil sulfaat-oplossings by pH ±8, in vergelyking met pH ±3 van die ongebufferde oplossings, het IMZ-residulading op nawel en Valencia lemoene merkbaar verhoog, en genesende en beskermende beheer van IMZ-weerstandbiedende isolaat verbeter. Blootstellingsperiode het nie IMZ-residulading in IMZ-sulfaat-oplossings by pH 3 geaffekteer nie, hoewel die MRL ná 45 s blootstelling in pH 8 oplossings oorskry is. Imazalil wat deur spuit- of drenkhandeling toegedien is, het residulading verbeter, maar groenskimmelbeheer was minder effektief as ná dooptoediening. IMZ-formulasie (IMZ-sulfaat en EK), oplossing pH (IMZ-sulfaat teen 500 μg.mL-1 gebuffer met NaHCO3 of NaOH na pH 6 en 8) en blootstellingsperiode (15 tot 540 s) is daaropvolgend ondersoek ten einde IMZ-residulading en groenskimmelbeheer op Clementine mandaryn, suurlemoen, en nawel en Valencia lemoen vrugte te verbeter. Soos voorheen opgelet, het blootstellingsperiode geen betekenisvolle effek op residulading in die ongebufferde IMZ-sulfaat-oplossing (pH 3) gehad nie. Geen verskille is tussen die pH buffers wat gebruik is, waargeneem nie, maar residulading het met verhoogde pH verbeter. Die MRL is ná die doopbehandeling in IMZ EK (ná 75 s blootstellingsperiode), en IMZ-sulfaat by pH 8 en gebruik van NaHCO3 (77 s) of NaOH (89 s) as buffer, oorskry. Die MRL is ná 161 s in IMZ-sulfaat-oplossings gebuffer by pH 6 met óf NaHCO3 óf NaOH oorskry. Groenskimmelbeheer, soos beïnvloed deur residulading, is gemodelleer ten einde beheer van IMZ-sensitiewe en IMZ-weerstandbiedende PD isolate te voorspel. Vanaf hierdie model is die effektiewe residuvlakke vir 95% beheer van ‘n IMZ-sensitiewe isolaat en van ‘n IMZ-weerstandbiedende isolaat as onderskeidelik 0.81 en 2.64 ug.g-1 voorspel. Die effekte van inkubasieperiode (infeksie-ouderdom), blootstellingsperiode, oplossing pH, wondgrootte en borsel van vrugte ná doopbehandelings, op residulading en genesende groenskimmelbeheer, is ook ondersoek. Blootstellingsperiode het geen betekenisvolle effek op residulading op vrugte wat in pH 3 oplossings van IMZ (< 2.00 μg.g-1) gedoop is, gehad nie. Verhoging van pH tot 6 het tot betekenisvolle verhoogde residulading gelei, wat met verlengde blootstellingsperiode toegeneem het, maar meestal tot vlakke onder die MRL ná 180 s. Ná-doop borsel van vrugte het residuvlakke wat in IMZ pH 3 oplossings verkry is, met tot 90% verminder na vlakke < 0.5 μg.g-1; genesende beheer van die IMZ-sensitiewe isolaat was egter meestal ongeaffekteer, maar met swak sporulasie-inhibisie. By pH 6, het ná-doop borsel van vrugte residue tot ≈ 60% verminder; genesende beheer van die sensitiewe isolaat is weer nie geaffekteer nie, maar met verbeterde sporulasie-inhibisie. Gewonde skilsegmente het hoër residuvlakke gelaai in vergelyking met heel skilsegmente, en groot wonde het hoër vlakke gelaai in vergelyking met klein wonde (≈ 10.19, ≈ 9.06 en ≈ 7.91 μg.g-1 vir groot, klein en geen wond, onderskeidelik). Genesende beheer van infeksies wat vanaf groot wonde ontstaan het, was betekenisvol beter as dié vanaf klein wonde. Die vermoë van IMZ om sensitiewe groenskimmel-infeksies te beheer, het vanaf 6 en 12 h ná inokulasie op Clementine mandaryn vrugte van infeksies wat deur klein en groot wonde onderskeidelik geïnduseer is, afgeneem; op nawel lemoen vrugte, het genesende beheer 18 en 36 h ná inokulasie vir die onderskeie wondgrootte behandelings, afgeneem. Effektiewe IMZ-konsentrasies wat 50% (EK50) groei van nege PD en vyf PI isolate inhibeer, is in vitro vasgestel en die IMZ-sensitiwiteit van die verskillende isolate is volgens hul EK50 waardes en weerstandsfaktore (R) gekatogeriseer. Effektiewe residuvlakke wat 50% genesende (ER50C) en beskermende (ER50P) beheer van hierdie isolate voorspel, is in vivo vasgestel. Al die PI isolate het sensitiewe EK50 waardes van 0.005 - 0.050 μg.mL-1 gehad. Drie PD isolate was sensitief (0.027 – 0.038 μg.mL-1), terwyl een weerstandbiedende isolaat as laag weerstandbiedend (R-faktor van 19) gekatogeriseer is, een as matig weerstandbiedend (R-faktor van 33.2), drie as weerstandbiedend (R-faktor van 50 - 57.6) en een as hoogs weerstandbiedend (R-faktor van 70.7). Sensitiewe PD isolate het gemiddelde ER50C en ER50P waardes op Valencia lemoen vrugte van 0.29 en 0.20 μg.g-1 gehad, en 0.33 en 0.32 μg.g-1 op nawel vrugte, onderskeidelik. ER50 waardes vir weerstandbiedende isolate het nie altyd met EK50 waardes gekorreleer nie en het van 1.22 – 4.56 μg.g-1 vir ER50C en 1.00 – 6.62 μg.g-1 vir ER50P waardes gevariëer. ER50P waardes vir weerstandbiedende isolate kon nie op nawel lemoen vrugte verkry word nie, maar ER50C waardes (1.42 – 1.65 μg.g-1) was soortgelyk aan dié verkry op Valencia vrugte. Die PI isolate het almal soortgelyk aan die sensitiewe PD isolate opgetree, met ER50C en ER50P waardes op nawel en Valencia vrugte < 0.38 μg.g-1. Alternatiewe swamdoders is vir die beheer van ‘n IMZ-sensitiewe, -weerstandbiedende en -hoogs weerstandbiedende PD isolate getoets; hierdie het ingesluit: “sodium ortho-phenylpenate” (SOPP), thiabendazole (TBZ), guazatine (GZT), imazalil (IMZ), pyrimethanil (PYR) en Philabuster® (PLB; ‘n kombinasie van IMZ en PYR), fludioxonil (FLU), azoxystrobin (AZO), Graduate®A+ (‘n kombinasie van FLU en AZO) en propiconazole (PPZ). Veelvoudige weerstand is teen IMZ, GZT, TBZ en PPZ in beide weerstandbiedende PD isolate aangetoon. Vir die sensitiewe isolate, het IMZ, SOPP, TBZ, GZT en PLB die beste genesende beheer verskaf, terwyl IMZ, GZT en PLB die beste beskermende beheer verskaf het. Vir die IMZ-weerstandbiedende isolate, het SOPP, PYR en PLB die beste genesende beheer verskaf, terwyl geen van die swamdoders voldoende beskermende beheer verskaf het nie. Hierdie studie is wêreldwyd die eerste in-diepte studie van groenskimmel- en blouskimmelbeheer met die sulfaatformulasie van IMZ. Bevindinge vanuit hierdie studie word alreeds in die industrie geïmplementeer. Oplossing pH word gemonitor, blootstellingsperiode word gemeet en residulading spesifiek tot toedieningsmetode word bepaal en volgens die ER50 waardes geïnterpreteer. Waterige dooptoedienings het die beste ten opsigte van genesende beheer gevaar, en IMZ-residulading in wond-areas was die belangrikste vir genesende beheer. Ander studies het dit bevestig en getoon dat IMZ beter beskermend is wanneer in ‘n wakslaag toegedien word. Die praktiese impak van IMZ-weerstand is uitgelig aangesien weerstandbiedende isolaat-infeksies nooit voldoende beheer kon word nie. IMZ alternatiewe swamdoders is getoets en SOPP, TBZ, GZT, PYR en/of PLB kon gebruik word om die ontwikkeling en impak van IMZ-weerstand te verminder.

Filmes comestíveis têm recebido atenção nos últimos anos, principalmente em função de seu potencial de aplicação para conservação de frutas. Este trabalho teve como objetivo determinar os efeitos de recobrimentos comestíveis a base de polissacarídeos, cera de carnaúba e proteínas, na qualidade, fisiologia e bioquímica de goiabas &#39;Kumagai&#39;. Avaliaram-se os efeitos da aplicação de diversas coberturas comestíveis no comportamento pós-colheita das goiabas armazenadas em condição ambiente (22&#176;C&#177;2) durante oito dias. O trabalho foi executado em duas etapas, na primeira compararam-se os efeitos de coberturas na conservação e qualidade das goiabas e na segunda etapa foram avaliadas características fisiológicas e bioquímicas das frutas submetidas aos recobrimentos selecionados na primeira etapa. Os experimentos foram realizados no laboratório de Pós-Colheita do Departamento de Produção Vegetal da ESALQ-USP, em Piracicaba ? SP. Foram realizados experimentos utilizando-se soluções filmogênicas de quitosana nas concentrações de 2, 4, 6% com e sem plastificante, concentrado protéico de soro de leite (CPSL) com plastificante 6 e 8% e glúten com plastificante 10 e 12%. Também foram estudados tratamentos com quitosana + carnaúba 2 e 3%, cera de carnaúba, quitosana nas concentrações de 2, 3 e 4% e fécula de mandioca 2 e 3%, sendo estas duas últimas coberturas submetidas a aquecimento para gelatinização. A aplicação das coberturas foi feita através da imersão das goiabas nas soluções por 10 segundos, sendo em seguida, deixadas para secar em temperatura ambiente com ventilação forçada. Para todos os experimentos o delineamento foi inteiramente casualizado. As coberturas avaliadas afetaram mais as trocas gasosas do que a perda de matéria fresca. Com a adição do glicerol, o efeito barreira dos recobrimentos diminuiu. De forma geral os recobrimentos proporcionaram brilho e aderiram bem às frutas, melhorando a aparência em relação ao controle, exceção aos recobrimentos quitosana+carnaúba, que apresentaram intensa descamação. As coberturas protéicas melhoraram a aparência das goiabas, mas não foram eficientes em prolongar a vida pós-colheita. A quitosana não conferiu proteção satisfatória contra os patógenos, não sendo verificadas as propriedades elicitoras deste material para goiabas &#39;Kumagai&#39;. Recobrimentos comestíveis podem contribuir para aumentar o período de conservação das goiabas, porém deve-se buscar formulações que minimizem a perda de matéria fresca sem restringir excessivamente as trocas gasosas. / Edible coatings have especial attention currently, mainly in function of fruit conservation potential. This work was carried out to determine the effect of edible coatings of polissacarides, carnauba wax and proteins in the quality, physiology and biochemist of guavas &#39;Kumagai&#39;. Edible coatings effects were evaluated on postharvest behavior of guavas storaged in room temperature (22&#176;C&#177;2) for eight days. Two stages were done, the first to compare the different answers of guava submitted to many types of edible coatings and the second determine the physiologic behavior of guavas submitted to treatments selected in the first stage. All studies were done in postharvest laboratory in Produção Vegetal departament &#150; ESALQ-USP in Piracicaba - SP. The effects of chitosan 2, 4, 6% with or without glycerol (1:1), whey protein concentrate 6, 8% and gluten 10, 12%, added of glycerol both (1:1) were studied. Chitosan plus carnauba wax 2, 3%, carnauba wax, chitosan 2, 3 e 4% e starch film of cassava 2, 3% were analyzed too. The two last coatings were submitted to heat preparation to complete melt. All coatings were submitted to heat preparation to complete melt and cooled to room temperature. The fruits were covered by 10 seconds in immersion, after this the coatings dry in room temperature by fun wind. The experiment was completely randomized design. The edible coatings affect more the gaseous exchanges than weight loss. With glycerol addition increase coating permeability. The coatings provide shine and had good adherence in fruits, the appearance became better than control fruits, but not to chitosan plus carnauba wax 2, 3%, this coating unglue of the peel fruit. The protein coatings provide good appearance, but didn&#39;t extend the postharvest. The chitosan didn&#39;t protect against patogen, and the elicit properties weren&#39;t observed in &#39;Kumagai&#39; guavas. Thus edible coatings could increase postharvest of guavas, but should study formulations that minimize weight loss without restricting gaseous exchanges excessively.

A procura de frutas com boas características para exportação in natura tem aumentado, sendo em grande parte dependente da melhoria da qualidade da fruta. Neste sentido, a adequação das operações ligadas à produção e pós-colheita é fundamental para tornar a fruta cítrica brasileira mais competitiva no mercado externo. Em decorrência de grande parte da área citrícola brasileira localizar-se em regiões de clima tropical, os frutos cítricos alcançam à plena maturação interna, enquanto que a casca permanece parcialmente verde, tornando-os inaceitáveis para a comercialização in natura em mercados exigentes. Assim, há necessidade do estudo de métodos e condições mais apropriadas para o desverdecimento dos frutos em pós-colheita para as nossas variedades e condições climáticas. Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o uso da técnica de desverdecimento pós-colheita de tangor Murcott e de laranja Valência, por meio da aplicação de etileno, na forma líquida e gasosa (em câmara). Utilizaram-se concentrações de 0 a 8000 mg L-1 de ethephon aplicadas por imersão (3 minutos) e 0,0; 0,25; 0,5; 0,75 e 1,0 L m-3 de etileno aplicadas em câmaras por 24 a 120 horas de exposição e 15 a 30ºC e 90% UR. Foram definidas as melhores condições de desverdecimento e, posteriormente, parte dos frutos ficou por 3 dias a 25ºC e 80% UR, simulando a comercialização, e outra parte dos frutos foi submetida à refrigeração (5ºC e 90% UR) por período de 30 dias (+3 dias a 25ºC e 80% UR, simulando a comercialização). Foi avaliado também o efeito do desverdecimento em câmara após o armazenamento refrigerado dos frutos. Os frutos foram avaliados logo após os tratamentos, após a primeira simulação de comercialização, após a refrigeração e após a segunda simulação de comercialização. A condição de 0,5 L m-3 de etileno por 96 horas de exposição a 25ºC foi a mais eficiente para incrementar a coloração dos frutos. As taxas respiratórias e produção de etileno aumentaram em função da concentração usada de etileno. O incremento na atividade da clorofilase foi acompanhado pela queda no teor de clorofila, enquanto que o teor de carotenóides se manteve constante. Quanto às características internas não foram observadas alterações significativas em função dos tratamentos. Verificou-se que o armazenamento refrigerado após o desverdecimento não interfere no desenvolvimento da coloração da casca dos frutos, não afetando a qualidade dos mesmos. Além disso, o processo de desverdecimento após a refrigeração é eficaz para a mudança da coloração dos frutos das duas variedades estudadas. / The demand for fresh fruits with good characteristics to exportation has increased, being mostly dependent on the improvement of fruit quality. In this sense, the adequacy of the operations related to production and post-harvest is crucial to make the Brazilian citrus fruit more competitive in foreign markets. Due to the large part of Brazilian citrus growing area is located in the tropical, citrus fruit reaches full internal maturity, while the peel remains partially green, making them unacceptable for the demanding fresh fruit markets. Thus, there is a necessity to study methods and more suitable conditions for the degreening of post-harvest fruit in our climatic conditions and varieties. This study was based on the technique of post-harvest degreening of \'Murcott\' and \'Valencia\', involving the application of ethylene in liquid and gaseous form (chamber). The concentrations used were 0 to 8000 mg L-1 of ethephon by immersion (3 minutes) and 0.0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75 and 1.0 L m-3 of ethylene applied inside the chamber for 24 to 120 hours of exposure and 15 to 30ºC and 90% RH. The best conditions for degreening were defined and later, part of the fruits was for 3 days at 25ºC and 80% RH, simulating the commercialization, and the other part was stored under refrigeration (5ºC) with 90% RH for 30 days, and after that, 3 days at 25ºC and 80% RH, simulating the commercialization. The effect of cold storage of the fruit before the degreening inside the chamber was also evaluated. The fruits were evaluated right after the applications, the first simulation of commercialization, the cooling and the second simulation. The condition of 0.5 L m-3 for 96 hours at 25ºC was the most efficient way to improve fruit color. Respiratory rate and ethylene production increased with the dosage of ethylene used. The increased activity of chlorophyllase was followed by decrease in chlorophyll content, while the carotenoid content remained constant. As for the internal features, significant changes in the treatments were not observed. It was found that refrigerated storage after degreening do not interfere on the development of the fruits peal color, neither affecting their quality. Beyond that the process of degreening after cooling is effective for changing the color of both studied varieties.

O presente trabalho teve como objetivo verificar a possibilidade de combinação de diferentes técnicas de pós-colheita em caquis cv. Giombo destanizados com álcool etílico, visando o aumento da conservação pós-colheita desses frutos através da manutenção da firmeza de polpa durante o armazenamento. Para tanto, aplicou-se o armazenamento refrigerado, associado à aplicação de 1-metilciclopropeno e destanização através de vapores de álcool etílico. No primeiro experimento os frutos foram acondicionados em câmaras de destanização, sendo submetidos à dosagem fixa de álcool etílico (3,50 mL Kg-1) durante 12 horas e a aplicação de uma dosagem fixa de 1000 nL L-1 de 1-metilciclopropeno (1-MCP) também durante 12 horas, sendo que a diferenciação entre os tratamentos foi obtida de acordo com o momento da destanização, da aplicação de 1-MCP e da combinação entre eles. Todos os frutos foram armazenados durante 30 dias sob refrigeração a 5 ± 1°C e 90 ± 5% UR e, posteriormente, em temperatura ambiente (25°C e 90 ± 5% UR) durante 15 dias. No segundo experimento, os frutos de caqui foram acondicionados em câmaras de destanização e submetidos aos mesmos processos do primeiro experimento. Os tratamentos foram obtidos através da combinação entre o momento da destanização e aplicação do 1-MCP e após serem submetidos aos tratamentos, sendo que a aplicação do 1-MCP foi realizada antes, durante ou após a destanização. Os frutos foram armazenados a temperatura ambiente (25 ± 1°C e 90 ± 5% UR) durante 15 dias. As determinações realizadas foram: firmeza de polpa, índice de adstringência, pH, teor de sólidos solúveis, teor de taninos solúveis, cor de casca e cor de polpa. As avaliações foram realizadas antes da aplicação dos tratamentos (caracterização do fruto), 1 dia após o tratamento e a cada 2 dias sucessivamente, durante 15 dias. No primeiro experimento os frutos tratados com 1-MCP e os frutos do controle apresentaram maior firmeza de polpa no final do período de análises em relação aqueles tratados apenas com etanol. Em contrapartida, os frutos que foram submetidos ao etanol apresentaram rápida perda de adstringência enquanto os frutos não tratados e aqueles tratados apenas com 1-MCP se mantiveram adstringentes durante os 15 dias de análises. No segundo experimento, resultados semelhantes aos do primeiro experimento foram obtidos em relação à diminuição da adstringência, com a ressalva de que essa diminuição ocorreu mais lentamente. Em relação à firmeza de polpa dos frutos poucas diferenças foram observadas até o final do período de armazenamento, quando os frutos tratados com 1-MCP se mostraram um pouco mais firmes que os outros. A aplicação de 1-MCP (1000 nL L-1) não interfere na remoção de adstringência com etanol em caquis Giombo armazenados sob refrigeração e a temperatura ambiente, além de permitir a manutenção da firmeza dos frutos. O 1-MCP, quando aplicado isoladamente, retarda o amadurecimento e a remoção natural da adstringência. / The present work had aimed to verify the possibility of combine different postharvest techniques in Giombo persimmon, submitted to astringency removal process with ethyl alcohol, aiming to enhance de postharvest conservation of these fruits trough the maintenance of flesh firmness during storage. To achieve this, different kinds of technologies already in use in postharvest of vegetables products, as cold storage, application of 1-methylcyclopropene and astringency removal using ethyl alcohol, were combined. In a first experiment persimmon were packed in astringency removal chambers, being undertaken to an unchanged dose of ethyl alcohol (3.50 mL Kg-1) during 12 hours and to an application of an unchanged dose of 1,000 nL L-1 of 1- methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) also during 12 hours. The differentiation between treatments was obtained according to the moment of astringency removal process, of 1- MCP application and the combination among them. All fruit were stored during 30 days under refrigeration at 5 ± 1°C e 90 ± 5% RH and after this period the fruits were stored at room temperatures (25°C and 90 ± 5% RH) during 15 days. In the second experiment, as in the previous experiment, fruit were packed in astringency removal chambers and were undertaken to the same procedures already described above, being utilized the same dosages. The treatments were obtained according the moment of astringency removal process and 1-MCP application, being that the 1-MCP application were made before, during or after the astringency removal process. After being undertaken to the treatments, fruit were stored at room temperature (25 ± 1°C and 90 ± 5% RH) during 15 days. The parameters analyzed were pulp firmness, astringency index, pH, soluble solids content, soluble tannins content, peel color and pulp color. The evaluation was performed before treatments application (fruit characterization), at the first day after treatments application and then every other day during 15 days. In the first experiment fruits treated with 1-MCP and fruit from control presented higher flesh firmness at the end of analyses period in relation to those treated only with ethanol. However, fruit undertaken to ethanol presented quick astringency loss while not treated fruits and fruits treated only with 1-MCP maintained astringency during the 15 days of analyses. In the second experiment, the results obtained were similar to those of the first experiment in relation to astringency losses, but in this experiment, astringency loss took a few more days to happen. In relation to fruit flesh firmness few differences were observed until the end of storage period, when fruit treated with 1-MCP were a little firmer than the others. The application of 1-MCP (1,000 nL L-1) does not interfere on ethanol astringency removal of Giombo persimmons previously stored in cold temperatures or not and it decelerate firmness losses on these fruits. The 1-MCP, when applied alone, slows ripening and natural astringency loss.

On the protected horticultural industry, the artificial lighting is a common practice under reduced natural light radiation or self-shading of the leaves at lower canopies. Those conditions affect the photosynthetic activity and the yield is limited. In the last decade, the use of lamps with LED technology for supplemental lighting has increased on high-latitude countries. LED lights are more energy efficient and have lower power consumption. On these lamps is possible to regulate the intensity (quantity) and the radiation (quality) on the ideal range of light spectrum in order to convert the luminous energy into chemical energy. Not reports of use of this technology were found at the tropics. Thus, the objective of this work was to evaluate physiological parameters related with the photosynthetic activity and the yield on mini-cucumber plants grown on protected environment with supplemental LED interlighting. At Piracicaba (Sao Paulo), Brazil, three experiments were conducted on LED interlighting equipped greenhouse, two at winter seasons (2015 and 2016 years) and one at summer season (2017 year) using mini-cucumber hybrid Larino. Through the three stands, was verified an increase on the photosynthesis in the leaves and the commercial productivity of the mini-cucumber due to the LED lighting use. This increase on the commercial yield ranged between 13 and 30%, being higher the effect on the summer season. At the first stand, in addition to the light effect, grafted plants were tested. On this case, the photosynthetic rate increased with grafted plants when treated with LEDs. However, the yield did not increase with grafting. Postharvest parameters as titratable acidity, total soluble solids and long shelf life did not increase as consequence of supplemental LED lighting. Studying the light response curves, it was verified that above a photosynthetic photon flux density of 400 &mu;mol m-2s-1, plants treated with supplemental lighting showed higher values of net CO2 assimilation. The light compensation point was also higher on plants with LEDs. In the case of the CO2 response curve, plants treated with LED lighting verified higher increase on the CO2 assimilation rate when the plant internal CO2 concentration increased. Parameters like Rubisco carboxylase activity, rate of electron transport and leaf dark respiration were also higher on plants under supplemental LED lighting. The lower consumption of electricity and the yield increase on the summer stand allowed registering greater energy and light efficiency on this cycle when compared with the winter stands. For the same reason, the cost analysis revealed that only at the summer stand the LED interlighting was profitable. At that time, the total net income was positive and the benefit cost ratio favorable (1.15). / Na produção hortícola em ambiente protegido, o emprego de luz artificial é uma prática comum, quando condições de radiação natural reduzidas ou o autosombreamento das folhas nos estratos médio e inferior do dossel prejudicam a atividade fotossintética da planta, e consequentemente, limitam a produtividade. Na última década, em países de alta latitude, tem aumentado o uso de lâmpadas com tecnologia de luz LED para fazer essa suplementação luminosa. As luzes do tipo LED são mais eficientes energeticamente e apresentam baixo consumo de energia. Também nessas lâmpadas é possível regular a intensidade (quantidade) e a radiação (qualidade) na faixa ideal do espectro de luz visível para a conversão da energia luminosa em energia química. Em países de clima tropical, experiências dessa natureza não estão reportadas. Assim, foi realizado este trabalho com o objetivo de avaliar parâmetros fisiológicos relacionados com a atividade fotossintética e a produtividade de minipepino cultivado em um ambiente protegido com suplementação luminosa de tipo LED. Em Piracicaba (SP), foram conduzidos três experimentos em casa de vegetação, sendo realizados no inverno (anos 2015 e 2016) e no verão (ano 2017), usando plantas de minipepino híbrido Larino. Foi constatado nos três ciclos aumento na fotossíntese da planta e na produção de pepino comercial devido ao emprego da luz LED. Esse aumento no rendimento comercial variou entre 13 e 30%, sendo maior o efeito no ciclo do verão. No primeiro ciclo além do efeito da luz LED, plantas enxertadas foram testadas. Nesse caso, as plantas enxertadas mostraram também aumento na taxa fotossintética quando submetidas à suplementação luminosa, porém a produtividade não aumentou com a enxertia. Parâmetros de pós-colheita como acidez titulável, teor de sólidos solúveis e vida de prateleira não aumentaram pela suplementação com LED. Estudando as curvas de resposta à luz foi constatado que acima de 400 &mu;mol m-2s-1 na densidade do fluxo de fótons, as plantas com suplementação luminosa mostraram valores maiores na taxa de assimilação líquida de CO2. O ponto de compensação à luz também foi superior em plantas com LED. No caso da curva de resposta ao CO2, as plantas tratadas com luz LED mostraram maior incremento na taxa de assimilação de CO2 quando a concentração interna de CO2 na planta aumentou. Parâmetros como atividade da Rubisco carboxilase, taxa de transporte de elétrons e a respiração obscura foram também maiores em plantas sob luz LED. O menor consumo de eletricidade junto com o aumento na produtividade no ciclo de verão favoreceu maior eficiência no uso da energia e da luz nesse ciclo, quando comparado com os ciclos de inverno. Por esse mesmo motivo, a análise de custos revelou que a suplementação luminosa com luz LED somente foi benéfica no ciclo de verão. Nessa época, a renda líquida total foi positiva e a relação custo beneficio favorável (1.15).

A mancha preta dos citros é uma doença que limita a exportação de laranja brasileira para os países da Europa. Exceto para Citrus aurantium e seus híbridos, todas as outras variedades são susceptíveis ao patógeno. Com isso existe um grande interesse para que esta doença não ocorra, uma vez que é considerada uma doença quarentenária A1. Problemas associados à aquisição de resistência e a percepção do público em geral sobre o impacto potencial das práticas tradicionais de controle sobre a saúde e meio ambiente levaram a uma crescente demanda por produtos livres de resíduos químicos. Em vista disso, este trabalho verificou o efeito dos extratos aquosos do albedo de C. sinensis, L. edodes, A. blazei e da suspensão de S. cerevisiae no controle da mancha preta dos citros quando associados a refrigeração. Os frutos de C. sinensis var. Valência, após serem tratados pelos extratos, permaneceram durante 21 dias a 3 ºC e posteriormente 4 dias a 25 ºC, foram realizadas cinco avaliações ao longo do experimento. Neste trabalho, também verificou-se a eficiência dos compostos orgânicos voláteis produzidos por S. cerevisiae no controle da mancha preta dos citros quando aplicados em pós-colheita. A linhagem CR-1 da levedura S. cerevisiae foi colocada para crescer em placas de poliestireno contendo meio de batata-dextroseágar e colocada em recipientes de vidro de 3 L fechados, junto com frutos de C. sinensis var. Valência apresentando sintomas de mancha preta dos citros. E por fim, verificou-se a eficiência de diferentes compostos orgânicos identificados a partir da S. cerevisiae, obtidos a partir de produtos disponíveis comercialmente, que foram utilizados para verificar o crescimento micelial a germinação e a formação de apressório por G. citricarpa, e o controle da mancha preta dos citros em pós-colheita. Como resultado, os extratos aquosos do albedo de C. sinensis, L. edodes e A. blazei apresentaram potencial como agentes de controle sobre a mancha preta dos citros em frutos de laranja (C. sinensis var. Valência) associados a refrigeração, pois apresentaram inibição no aparecimento de novas lesões. Os compostos voláteis produzidos por S. cerevisiae inibiram a expressão de sintomas em frutos de C. sinensis var. Valência, quando tratados em pós-colheita, sendo que os compostos orgânicos voláteis, 2-metil-1-butanol e 3-metil-1-butanol apresentaram inibição sobre Guignardia citricarpa in vitro e atuaram como agentes de controle, inibindo o aparecimento de novas lesões em frutos de laranja Valência, apresentando sintomas de mancha preta, quando aplicados em pós-colheita. / The citrus black spot is a disease that restricts the export of Brazilian oranges to the countries in Europe. Except for Citrus aurantium and its hybrids, all other varieties are susceptible to the pathogen. Thus, there is great interest that this disease does not occur, since it is considered a quarantine A1 disease. Problems associated with the acquisition of fungal resistance and the perception of the general public about the potential impact of traditional control measures over the health and the environment led to a growing demand for products free of chemical residues. Thus, this study was carried out to investigate the effect of aqueous extracts of the albedo of C. sinensis, L. edodes, A. blazei and the suspension of S. cerevisiae cells in the control of citrus black spot when associated with cooling. The fruits of C. sinensis var. Valencia, after being treated with the extracts, were stored for 21 days at 3 º C and then 4 days at 25 ° C (there were five evaluations during the experiment). This work also verified the efficiency of volatile organic compounds produced by S. cerevisiae in the control of citrus black spot when applied in post-harvest. The CR-1 strain of yeast S. cerevisiae was put to grow inside polystyrene plates containing potato-dextrose-agar medium. The plates were placed in closed glass containers of 3 L, along with fruits of C. sinensis var. Valencia showing symptoms of citrus black spot. Finally, it was verified the effect of different organic compounds, identified from the S. cerevisiae and obtained from commercially available products, on in vitro mycelial growth, germination and appressorium formation by G. citricarpa and on the in vivo control of citrus black spot under post-harvest conditions. The results showed that the aqueous extracts of the albedo of C. sinensis, L. edodes and A. blazei exhibit potential to control the black spot in orange (C. sinensis var. Valencia) associated with cooling, since they inhibited the appearance of new lesions. The volatile compounds produced by S. cerevisiae inhibited the expression of symptoms in fruits of C. sinensis var. Valencia, when treated in postharvest. On the other hand, the microbial volatile organic compounds, 2-methyl-1- butanol and 3-methyl-1-butanol inhibited the growth of Guignardia citricarpa in vitro and acted as control agents by inhibiting the appearance of new lesions of black spot in fruits of Valencia orange when applied in post-harvest.

Embora o Brasil ocupe a primeira posição no ranking mundial de produção de lima ácida Tahiti, somente 6,6% desta produção é exportada. Tal aspecto deve-se, parcialmente, às perdas provocadas por danos pós-colheita, as quais estão distribuídas ao longo da cadeia de comercialização da fruta, desde a colheita até o consumidor final. Dessa forma, o objetivo deste trabalho foi determinar os efeitos dos métodos de colheita e das etapas de beneficiamento pós-colheita de lima ácida Tahiti na sua qualidade e conservação. Para atingir este objetivo, foram realizados três experimentos. No primeiro, avaliaram-se os métodos de colheita com a tesoura, por torção, com o cesto e com o gancho, nos períodos de safra e entressafra. No segundo experimento, foram avaliados os mesmos métodos de colheita, para frutas de lima ácida Tahiti destinadas a exportação, as quais após a colheita passaram pelo processo de beneficiamento pós-colheita. No terceiro experimento, avaliou-se o efeito das etapas do beneficiamento pós-colheita na qualidade e conservação da lima ácida Tahiti. Nos três experimentos foram realizadas análises físicas, químicas e sensoriais ao longo do armazenamento a 22ºC±2 e 70±5 de umidade relativa. Nos experimentos envolvendo a avaliação dos métodos de colheita constatou-se que a colheita com o gancho foi a que mais prejudicou os atributos de qualidade da lima ácida Tahiti independentemente de terem sido beneficiadas. Este método causou maior redução da coloração verde da casca das frutas, maior degradação do ácido ascórbico, maior perda de massa, maior incidência de distúrbios fisiológicos e maior alteração do sabor do suco quando comparado aos outros métodos. A quantidade de frutos aptos para exportação foi 23% menor para a colheita com o gancho quando comparado com a tesoura. Tais resultados estão diretamente relacionados com a quantidade de injúrias mecânicas causadas nos frutos no método de colheita com gancho. No experimento com as etapas do beneficiamento póscolheita observou-se que as limas ácidas Tahiti que passaram pelo beneficiamento completo apresentaram maior redução do conteúdo de ácido ascórbico, maior perda de massa, maior incidência de oleocelose, menor quantidade de frutos comercializáveis e maior alteração do aroma e sabor do suco quando comparado aos frutos que não passaram por todas as etapas do beneficiamento. Tais resultados podem ser relacionados ao fato do processo de beneficiamento aplicado nas limas ácidas Tahiti conter etapas consideradas agressivas aos frutos, impedindo que os demais procedimentos tenham resultado eficiente. A avaliação dos distintos métodos de colheita permitiu identificar a colheita com a tesoura como mais eficiente na conservação dos atributos de qualidade da lima ácida Tahiti e também como o método que apresentou maior rendimento de frutas com padrão de qualidade exigido para exportação. O método de colheita com o gancho causa danos físicos aos frutos e prejudica seus atributos de qualidade de forma irreversível. Os procedimentos de beneficiamento pós-colheita das limas ácidas Tahiti têm sua eficiência reduzida quando aplicados em frutos que sofreram danos físicos. / Although Brazil occupies the first position among the worlds largest producers of Tahiti lime, only 6,6% of this production is exported. This situation is partly due to fruit losses caused by postharvest injuries, which are distributed along the fruit supply chain from harvest to the final consumer. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the effects of different harvesting methods and postharvest practices of Tahiti limes on their quality and conservation. For this purpose three trials were conducted. In the first trial, different harvesting methods were evaluated on fruit picked with scissors, by twisting, with basket and with hook, both during the main harvest as well as on the offseason periods. In the second trial, the same harvesting methods were assessed on Tahiti limes classified for export on a commercial packing line. In the third trial, different postharvest stages were evaluated regarding their effects on fruit quality and storage of Tahiti limes. In all the experiments physical, chemical and sensory analyses were conducted during fruit storage at 22±2 °C and 70±5% relative humidity. For the experiments comparing different harvesting methods, fruit picking with hook was found to cause largest injuries on quality attributes of Tahiti limes, both for sorted and unsorted fruit. This harvest method caused larger degradation of green skin color and ascorbic acid content on fruits, with larger mass loss, increased incidence of physiological disorders and major alterations of juice flavor, when compared to other harvest methods. The amount of fruit classified for export was 23% lower when the harvest was performed with the hook, as compared with scissors-harvesting. These results are directly related to the amount of mechanical injuries caused by fruit harvesting with hook. In the experiment evaluating different postharvest stages it was observed that Tahiti limes that went over all the sorting and grading steps showed larger reduction in ascorbic acid content, with larger mass loss and incidence of oleocelosis, fewer marketable fruit percentage and stronger alterations on juice smell and flavor, when compared to fruits that did not undergo through all the classification steps. These results may be related with the fact that sorting and grading processes currently applied to Tahiti limes in the packing house are considered to be aggressive to fruits, and they prevent from achieving positive effects with other postharvest practices. Scissors-picking of fruits was more efficient for conserving quality attributes of Tahiti limes, and this was also the method yielding higher percentage of fruit meeting the quality standards required for export. Fruit harvesting using the hook caused physical injuries that irreversibly affected fruit quality. Postharvest practices of Tahiti limes had reduced efficiency when applied onto fruits exposed to physical damage.

Este trabalho teve como objetivo quantificar e identificar os danos ocorridos em póscolheita e suas causas ao longo da cadeia produtiva do pêssego cv. ‘Aurora 1’ durante as safras de 2003, 2004 e 2005 e avaliar os efeitos dos sanificantes ácido acético, hipoclorito de sódio, sais de cloro (Sumaveg®), ácido peracético em mistura com peróxido de hidrogênio + ácido acético glacial (Tsunami®) e dióxido de cloro (Tecsaclor®) e de possíveis indutores de resistência como o ácido salicílico, quitosana, biomassa cítrica (Ecolife40®) e irradiação UV-C, no controle curativo e/ou preventivo em pêssegos contra M. fructicola e R. stolonifer. Para a quantificação dos danos pós-colheita, foram realizados levantamentos semanais junto a um produtor da Cooperativa Holambra II no município de Paranapanema-SP em 4 etapas da pós-colheita: (i) após a colheita ou "sacola", (ii) após acondicionamento dos frutos no "contentor", (iii) após a classificação dos frutos na casa de embalagens e (iv) na chegada dos frutos ao leilão para comercialização. Adicionalmente, em todos os anos, foi realizada uma colheita muito cuidadosa, onde o colhedor utilizava luvas para evitar qualquer ferimento nos frutos e retirava-os da planta com todo cuidado e essa etapa foi denominada "colheita ideal". A incidência de distúrbios fisiológicos foi relativamente baixa durante todas as safras avaliadas, variando de 1 a 4%. Foi verificada elevada incidência de injúrias mecânicas na safra de 2003 (26%). A etapa pós-colheita responsável pela maior incidência das injúrias mecânicas foi a ‘classificadora’. Porém com a melhoria no manejo dos frutos durante as etapas pós-colheita nos anos subseqüentes, foi verificada menor incidência de frutos com injúrias mecânicas (9% em 2004 e 3% em 2005). As principais doenças encontradas durante o levantamento foram podridão parda e podridão mole. Houve correlação positiva entre as injúrias mecânicas e a incidência de frutos doentes. A ocorrência de M. fructicola ocorreu principalmente na região do pedúnculo do fruto, sendo responsável pela elevada incidência de frutos doentes nas safras de 2004 e 2005, provavelmente devido a infecções quiescentes não havendo, nesse caso, correlação com as injúrias mecânicas. Os sanificantes, a quitosana, a biomassa cítrica, a irradiação UV-C e o ácido salicílico não foram eficientes no controle curativo e/ou preventivo da podridão parda (M. fructicola) e da podridão mole (R. stolonifer) do pessegueiro. Apenas a irradiação dos frutos com UV-C durante 10 min. foi eficiente no controle curativo de R. stolonifer. Os teores de sólidos solúveis, ácidos e a firmeza da polpa, não foram influenciados pelos tratamentos. / The purpose of this work was to identify and quantify the postharvest damages, as well as their origin, throughout the production chain of "Aurora 1" peaches during the 2003, 2004 and 2005 seasons and to evaluate the effects of different sanitizing agents (acetic acid, sodium hypochlorite, chlorine salts (Sumaveg®), peracetic acid in a mixture of hydrogen peroxide with glacial acetic acid (Tsunami®) and chlorine dioxide (Tecsaclor®) and of possible resistance inductors, such as salicylic acid, chitosan, citric biomass (Ecolife40®) and UVC irradiation on the curative and/or preventive control of M. fructicola and R. stolonifer in peaches. In order to quantify the postharvest damages, weekly evaluations were carried out in a commercial crop at Holambra II Cooperative in Paranapanema - SP. Four postharvest stages were evaluated: (i) after harvest, (ii) after fruits being placed in a container, (iii) after fruit classification in the packinghouse, and (iv) before loading peaches in the truck. Moreover, a careful harvest, with fruit pickers wearing gloves to avoid injuries when removing fruits from plants, was conducted every year the study was carried out. This stage was named "ideal harvest". The incidence of physiological disorders was relatively low during all years evaluated, ranging from 1 to 4%. A high incidence of mechanical injuries (26%) was observed in the 2003 season. The highest incidence of mechanical injuries was verified for the stage known as "classification". However, improved fruit handling during the postharvest stages in subsequent years resulted in a lower incidence of mechanical injuries (9% in 2004 and 3% in 2005). The main diseases found during this study were brown rot and soft rot. There was a positive correlation between mechanical injuries and incidence of fruit diseases. The occurrence of M. fructicola, responsible for the high incidence of diseased fruit during the 2004 and 2005 seasons, was mainly observed in the peach’s shoulder region. This may be due to quiescent infections showing no correlations with mechanical injuries. The sanitizing agents, the chitosan, citric biomass (Ecolife40®), UVC irradiation and salicylic acid were not effective in the curative and/or preventive control of brown rot (M. fructicola) and soft rot (R. stolonifer) in peaches. The UVC irradiation of fruits for 10 min. showed positive effects on the curative control of R. stolonifer. The soluble solids, titrable acidity and the firmness were not affected by the treatments.

A Podridão Mole, causada por espécies do gênero Rhizopus, sendo a espécie R. stolonifer a mais comum, é uma das principais doenças pós-colheita de pêssegos. O desenvolvimento do patógeno prejudica a comercialização de pêssegos em mercados atacadistas e varejistas, consistindo em uma das principais causas de rejeição de frutos e da redução do preço de venda da caixa de pêssego. O fungo pode causar podridões em outros frutos e vegetais com níveis similares de perdas. Essa doença está intimamente relacionada à presença de danos físicos ou mecânicos, exemplificados pela presença de injúrias na superfície do fruto, já que Rhizopus é conhecido por penetrar seus hospedeiros via ferimentos. Poucos trabalhos investigaram os mecanismos de penetração do patógeno em pêssegos. Alguns concluíram que o fungo não produz enzimas que auxiliem na penetração direta de frutos. No entanto, observações da ocorrência da doença em pêssegos aparentemente não injuriados sugerem que a penetração direta pode ocorrer. A principal medida de controle da doença consiste no manejo cuidadoso dos frutos justamente para evitar ferimentos. O objetivo desse trabalho consistiu em avaliar os mecanismos de penetração de R. stolonifer em pêssegos, injuriados ou intactos, e caracterizar o progresso espaço-temporal da Podridão Mole nesses frutos. A atividade de enzimas esterases produzidas pelo fungo foi avaliada qualitativamente, a partir da reação de discos de micélio e suspensões de esporos do patógeno em água ou solução nutritiva em diferentes períodos de incubação (0, 4 e 8 horas) com substrato indoxil acetato, para observação da produção de cristais de coloração azul índigo. Os tratamentos que continham discos de micélio e suspensão de esporos em solução nutritiva, após 8 horas de incubação, adquiriram tonalidades mais escuras de azul, devido à formação de cristais oriundos da reação entre enzimas esterases e substrato. Avaliações ao espectrofotômetro foram conduzidas para determinar a quantidade de enzimas produzidas por R. stolonifer quando cultivado em meios com glicose ou cutina, como únicas fontes de carbono. O patógeno foi capaz de crescer em ambos os meios e observou-se maior atividade de enzimas esterases quando o patógeno foi cultivado em meio com cutina. Solução de diisopropil fluorofosfato, inibidor de enzimas cutinases, foi depositada sobre frutos e impediu a manifestação da Podridão Mole em pêssegos inoculados com suspensão de esporos do fungo em solução nutritiva. Pêssegos feridos ou não foram inoculados com suspensão de esporos de R. stolonifer em água e solução nutritiva para estudo do progresso espaço-temporal da Podridão Mole. Frutos sadios colocados próximos a frutos inoculados artificialmente apresentaram sintomas da doença, a qual se disseminou com mesma taxa de progresso em todos os tratamentos. O processo infeccioso de R. stolonifer em pêssegos e nectarinas também foi observado em microscopia óptica e eletrônica de varredura e verificou-se a penetração direta de tecidos intactos pelo fungo. Os resultados obtidos nesse trabalho demonstraram que R. stolonifer é capaz de penetrar diretamente frutos intactos através de esporos germinados em aporte nutritivo externo ao fruto e estolões miceliais. Essas estruturas produzem enzimas esterases, principalmente cutinases, que auxiliam no processo infeccioso. / Soft Rot, caused by Rhizopus stolonifer, is one of the main postharvest diseases on peaches. The pathogen development is prejudicial to the stone fruit commercialization in wholesale and retail markets and the disease can cause reduction in the price of peaches, being one of the main causes of fruit rejection. The pathogen has been responsible for causing rots in other types of fruit and vegetables, with similar level of losses. The disease is related to the occurrence of mechanical and physical damages and the presence of injuries on the fruit surface contributes to the infection by Rhizopus, which is known as a strictly wound parasite. Few studies have investigated the mechanisms of the pathogen penetration in peaches. Some have concluded that the fungus does not produce enzymes that assist in the direct penetration of fruit. However, observations of disease occurrence on apparently uninjured peaches suggest that direct penetration can occur. Careful management to avoid injuries on the fruit is the most important disease control measure. The objective of this research was to evaluate the penetration mechanisms of R. stolonifer on injured or uninjured peaches and characterize the spatio-temporal progress of Soft Rot on these fruit. To determine the esterase enzymes activity, produced by the pathogen, micelial discs and spore suspensions of R. stolonifer on water or nutrient solution in different incubation periods (0, 4 and 8 hours) were added to indoxyl acetate solution, to observe the presence of crystals of indigo blue color. The treatments with micelial discs or spore suspensions on nutrient solution, after 8 hours of incubation, showed darker shade of blue, because of the production of crystals from the reaction between the esterase enzymes and the indoxyl acetate. Spectrophotometer evaluations were carried out to determine the amount of enzymes produced by R. stolonifer when it was grown on culture media with glucose or cutin, as sole carbon sources. The pathogen was able to grow on both media and higher esterase activity was observed when the fungus was grown on cutin media. Diisopropyl fluorophosphate solution, a cutinase inhibitor, was placed over the fruit and prevented Soft Rot development on peaches inoculated with the fungus spore suspension on nutrient solution. Injured or uninjured peaches were inoculated with R. stolonifer spore suspensions on water or nutrient solution to study the spatiotemporal progress of Soft Rot. Healthy fruit placed next to artificially inoculated peaches showed symptoms of the disease, which has spread with the same rate of progress in all treatments. The infectious process of R. stolonifer on peaches and nectarines was also studied on optic and scanning electron microscopy and direct penetration of intact tissues by the fungus was observed. The results of this work showed that R. stolonifer is capable of direct penetration on uninjured peaches by spores germinated on external nutrient support and by micelial stolons. These structures produce esterase enzymes, especially cutinase, that help in the infectious process.