Use of Packaging for 'Hawaii' Papaya Conservation, Sold at CEASA of São Luís, Maranhão, Brazil

Surveys carried out in different microregions of Maranhão highlight papaya as one of the fruits with the postharvest losses estimates. In this context, this study aimed to analyze the efficiency of plastic packaging on postharvest conservation of Hawaii papaya to instruct the Maranhão retail market about viable alternatives to mitigate losses related to this fruit. The papayas were purchased from CEASA of São Luís and sent to the laboratory. Posteriorly, they were randomly separated into 65 groups of 2 units, and then, applying the coverings are made. The experimental design was completely randomized in a split-plot at 4x5 times, with four treatment control [(without packaging), plastic film (FP), hermetic-bag (SH), and perforated-bag (SP)] and five evaluation periods (3, 6, 9, 12, and 15 days of storage); four repetitions and 2-fruits per portion (tray). For the individual biometric characterization, was carried out the measuring of the longitudinal and transverse diameters, fresh mass, pulp yield, seed mass, firmness, and fruit mass loss. Furthermore, for chemical analysis, total soluble solids content, total titratable acidity, and pH were measured. It was found, at the end of the study, that the hermetic-bag is efficient for maintaining the loss of fresh mass, firmness, ripening, total soluble solids content, total titratable acidity, and pH, which are relevant attributes of quality for commercialization of the Hawaii papaya. Therefore, the use of the hermetic-bag is recommended to increase the postharvest shelf life of Hawaii papaya fruit under stored at room conditions and at least for 15 days.