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Fruit quality and postharvest losses of yellow pitahaya (Selenicereus megalanthus haw.) in ecuador

Abstract:

Shelf life and fruit quality of yellow pitahaya (Selenicereus megalanthus Haw.) is given by the physicochemical composition, environmental conditions, soil, pre and postharvest handling. The aim of the study was to evaluated fruit quality and posthar- vest losses of two varieties of yellow pitahaya, depending on the harvest season. The fruit is produced in the foothills at Andean Northwest of Ecuador. A randomized design of complete block was used in factorial arrangement with three replications. The Palora and National varieties showed statistical differences in size, TSS, pH and amount of exportable fruit. The early harvest had a positive effect on fruit size and TSS, but not in the pH. The postharvest losses were minimal (1.5%).