Tropical and subtropical vegetables (2+1)

Delayed ripening and colour development

• The rate of ripening and colour development are affected by temperature and it slows down with the approach of 25-260C and development of red colour is suppressed above 300C. Similarly, at temperature below 100C, ripening and colour development get hindered. Hence, delayed ripening and colour development is a major problem during both high and low temperature condition at the time of fruit ripening.

Control
1) In spring summer and early autumn winter growing condition the plants should be sprayed with 250 ppm ethrel at turning stage of the fruits which ripening and gives early yield.
2) In winter, when temperature is not favourable for ripening and colour development, the matured green fruits may be harvested and dipped in 500 ppm ethrel solution for 3-4 hours. After treatment, the fruits are heaped under straw covering which hastens ripening.