Physico-chemical changes during maturity of mango (Mangifera indica L.) variety "Neelum"

Studies were carried out on the physico-chemical composition of the develop ing mango (Mangifera indica L.) fruits of variety "Neelum" during fruit mat uration. The results showed that fruit growth in terms of weight, height an d diameter was rapid initially with an increase in stone and pulp percentag e upto 70 days after fruit set. The specific gravity and texture of the fru its (penetration, kg force) also increased with fruit development and reach ed a peak of 1.14 and 12.28 kg force respectively at 70 days after fruit se t. Acidity and ascorbic acid content in developing fruits increased upto 90 and 70 days after fruit set, respectively and then decreased to 1.5% and 7 0.5 mg/100 g, respectively at 110 days after fruit set. The levels of total soluble solids (TSS), total sugars, total carotenoids increased gradually with the maturity upto 120 days after fruit set, Results did not show signi ficant changes in physico-chemical characteristics between 110 and 120 days after fruit set. Hence, the optimum stage of maturity for harvest of mango variety "Neelum" is 110 days after fruit set. TSS in the pulp and the pene tration force of the fruit can also be used as indices for fixing the optim um stage of maturity for harvest of "Neelum" mangoes.