Characterization of postharvest quality and application of conservation techniques in cultivars of purple and yellow carrots newly introduced in Brazil

Abstract

The cultivation of carrot ( Daucus carota L. ) is spread in various regions of the world, with annual production exceeding 35 million tons. In Brazil, the carrot is 4th more produced and 6th most consumed vegetables. Despite the high production, postharvest losses restrict their availability. Postharvest techniques, like the use of refrigeration, packaging, edible coating and blocking of ethylene action, may assist in maintaining quality and reducing losses carrot, and thus offer products in good condition for consumers. To determine the best methods of conservation of a new variety is necessary to evaluate and establish postharvest characteristics of the plant, as well as knowing their chemical composition. Thus, this study will expand the knowledge in the area, targeting varieties of carrots never before planted in the country, and also contribute to the international scene, in which there are few studies on the use of postharvest technologies employed to purple and yellow carrots. The objective of this work is to evaluate and characterize the postharvest quality of cultivars of purple and yellow carrots newly introduced in Brazil and analyze conservation techniques and their interactions with the physiology and biochemistry of the plant in order to identify main characteristics of these varieties and meet technique that extend life without interference in their quality attributes. (AU)