Ethylene and CO2 emission rates in tropical fruits investigated by infrared absorption techniques

Ethylene and CO2 emission rates of about 10 different types of tropical and exotic fruits species from the north region of Rio de Janeiro State in Bra zil have been studied. For intact fruits ethylene concentration as low as 0 .30 nL h(-1) were measured using a commercial CO2 laser driven photoacousti c set-up coupled with a continuous sample-through system. The stimulation o f ethylene production by wounding on the ripening of fruit was also studied as well as the respiration behaviour of the fruits species through the mea surement of CO2 emission rates using a commercial Uras 14 analyser. This st udy is important from the agricultural and commercial point of views allowi ng better control for fruits production, storage and transport contributing this way to improve quality and reduce losses.