EFICIÊNCIA DE MÉTODOS ALTERNATIVOS UTILIZANDO ATMOSFERA MODIFICADA PASSIVA, NO CONTROLE DA PODRIDÃO DE MELÃO CANTALOUPE

This research avollue the efficiency of Potassium permanganate (KMnO4) plus other alternatives to control rot of melons. The trials were carried out at Embrapa Agroindústria Tropical located in Fortaleza, Ceara state, Brazil. Cantaloupe melons, hybrid 'Vera Cruz', were harvested from Dinamarca Indústria Agricola farm, located in the 304 BR km 38 - Nova Betânia - Mossoró, Rio Grande do Norte State. Fruits were sorted for uniformity, rinsed with alcohol 70%, inoculated with Fusarium pallidoroseum, and assembled for treatments with 600ppb of 1-methyiciclopropene (1- MCP); 1, 2 or 3g of Potassium permanganate; Carnauba wax; and Funginat (a blend essential oil). Five fruits were placed per box, and each box taken as a repetition. Fruits were also divided into two lots: not packed and packed in Xtend. Vermiculite sachets impregnated with potassium permanganate (KMnO4) were distributed according to the weight of the fruits in each box. Upon treatments, fruits were stored under low temperature, 3 ± 2°C, and relative humidity of 85 ± 2% for 14 days. After that period, fruit packages and boxes were removed from storage, low temperature and room temperature (23 ± 2°C and 90 ± 2% RH), respectively. Evaluations were loss of mass and grading from 15th to 18th day of storage. The experimental design was completely randomized in a factorial system 5x2, being five treatments (1- MCP, KMnO4, Carnaúba wax, Funginat, and control fruits), and two modified atmospheres (with and without X-tend). Results on disease incidence were written in percentage per box, transformed into arc sine and degrees of quadrant. The analysis of variance was performed with the aid of the ESTAT - System for Statistics Analysis, version 1.0, UNESP. Results showed significant difference principally regarding the use of packaging, suggesting that the use of modified atmosphere affects the quality of melons by increasing fruit shelf life. It has been also concluded that association of modified atmosphere with other postharvest technologies may increase modified atmosphere efficiency.