Tropical and subtropical fruits (2+1)

Maturity Indices

Maturity Indicies

• Custard apple fruits are climacteric, therefore they are harvested when they are mature, firm and plumpy, on maturity, fruit turn light green.
• The inter aereolar space widens the fruits turn creamy white, the skin between the segments or tubercles turn into light yellow colour.
• For transporting over distant market, the fruits are to be picked before full ripening and are packed in single layer, well ventilated wooden boxes with soft cushioning material.
• A good bearing tree gives about 100-150 fruits i.e., about 8-10 tonnes/ha.
• The fruits are highly perishable and cannot be stored for long duration.
• It can be stored in good condition up to 7 days by treating them with 8% wax emulsion.