34se logró prolongar el tiempo de almacenamiento, pero sí la vida en florero al emplear la solución (AgNO3 + Al 2 (SO4)3 + sacarosa).-La morfología de las ceras epicuticulares se conservaron con las soluciones con ácido cítrico y (AgNO3 + Al 2 (SO4)3 + sacarosa).-Las soluciones (acido cítrico+sacarosa) y (AgNO3+Al2(SO4)3+ sacarosa), lograron mantener los haces vasculares libre de oclusiones.

Woolliness in peaches and nectarines is still a problem for stored fruit when submitted to an extended period at low temperature resulting in decreased fruit quality. This study investigated the effects of postharvest treatments with ethylene on the development of woolliness in nectarines, cv. 'Flamekist'. Two maturity stages according to California Tree fruit Agreement Chart: M1 (Code F and G, Green) and M2 (Code K and L, Yellows), were treated with 300 ppm of ethylene and stored at 2 degrees C. Evaluations were done when fruit reached 2 lb pulp firmness. Analyses included: peel color, pulp resistance, soluble solids content, titratable acidity, pH, ethylene and CO2 production and finally development of woolliness. Exogenous postharvest ethylene applications under the conditions of this experiment did not affect the incidence of woolliness. Non-significant differences were measured among treatments stored at 2 degrees C. Reversal of the disorder was not observed. Moreover ethylene-treated fruit with or without woolliness softened at the same rate.

Since early harvested cherimoyas had some postharvest disorders due to maturity at-harvest and the traditional harvest index is not accurate, the objective of this investigation was to determine color evolution during growth, maturation and different harvest times to evaluate the postharvest behaviour of the fruit after ripening period of 6 days at 18 degrees C. The fruits were marketed early in the season, between 4 and 5 months before potential harvest; size and color were measured every month using a sizer and a Minolta Colorimeter. At-harvest firmness, soluble solids, pH and titratable acidity were measured as well. The cherimoyas were kept at 18 degrees C for 6 days. The smooth color evolution of cherimoyas is better detected by colorimeter measurements. Values over L* 55,5 and Chroma 36 allow to obtain acceptable quality for export fruit.

Cactus pear (Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill.) fruits were subjected to postharvest water dip treatments and wax application. Hot water dip (2 min at 55degreesC.) and tap water dip (2 min at 25degreesC.) both with or without wax were made. The fruit was cold stored at 0degreesC. and 85%-90 % relative humidity (RH). Fruits evaluation was made 28, 35 and 42 days after cold store at 0degreesC. and after 3 days simulated shelf life at 18degreesC. and 50-60 RH. Dehydration, decay, spine damage (red spots), external appearance, peel color, fruit firmness, soluble solids, pH and titratable acidity were evaluated. In addition, a panel using a non-structural pattern evaluated the acceptability of different treatments. Hot water dip treatments reduced rotting and red spots, improving external appearance.

Rhizopus stolonifer, Penicillium minioluteum, Alternaria alternata, Botrytis cinerea, Fusarium flocciferum y Cladosporium herbarum fueron aislados de pudriciones en postcosecha de brevas e higos. Se efectuaron pruebas de patogenicidad, determinandose que todos los hongos fueron patogenos cuando se practicaron heridas en los frutos. Alternaria alternata y Cladosporium herbarum no causaron pudricion en frutos sin heridas, lo cual indica que son patogenos que necesitan frutos con un alto grado de senescencia o de heridas para poder infectar. En el caso de los frutos con heridas, los patogenos mas agresivos fueron Rhizopus stolonifer y Penicillium minioluteum, mientras que en los frutos sin heridas fue Botrytis cinerea. Se describen los sintomas causados por los diferentes hongos.