Fruit characterization of twenty accessions of cactus pear (Opuntia spp.) -: II -: Changes in post-harvest

The main changes during post-harvest were determined for 20 cactus pear accessions cultivated in the experimental orchards of the Universidad Autonoma of Chapingo: 'Reyna', Amarillo 2289, Amarillo Aguado, Amarilla Espinosa 3389, 'Milpa Alta', 'Burrona', Cardon Blanco, Colorada, 'Copena CE-II', 'Copena T-12', 'Copena T-5% 'Cristalina', Jarilla Grande, Liso Forrajero, Rojo 3589, 'Roja Pelona', 'Roja Vigor', 'Rubi Reina', 'Sangre de Toro' and 'Solferino 2589'. The accessions exhibited important differences in terms of post-harvest changes. The accessions that lost the most weight were 'Alfajayucan', 'Copena T-12' and 'Copena T-5'; 'Roja Pelona' had the lowest weight loss. Cardon Blanco and Amarilla Espinosa presented the highest rate of respiration while Solferino 2589 had the lowest. Cardon Blanco, Sangre de Toro and 'Copena CE-II' softened the most (least pulp firmness) and also had high rates of respiration while 'Reyna' had the least softening.