To export, it is not only necessary to achieve quality standards, but also, phytosanitary standards. The main function of irradiation is quarantine control of fruit flies, therefore it is necessary to combine with treatments which focus at keeping fruit quality. The objective of this work was the evaluation of the quality of papaya submitted to irradiation and heat shock treatment through immersion in hot water. Green papayas selected were submitted in the following treatments: a) control, b) 250 Gy, c) 500 Gy; d) heat shock (60ºC for 30 seconds), e) 250 Gy + heat shock and f) 500 Gy + heat shock. The papayas were stored at 21 ±1ºC with relative humidity of 85-90%, and then after 8 days, they were evaluated by their soluble solid content, pH, titratable acidity, firmness, decay index and internal color. The analysis of fresh matter loss and external color were executed at 0, 2, 4 and 7 days after irradiation. It was observed that in treatments submitted to hot water (d, e, f) decay was controlled and in combined treatments (e, f) it was verified higher firmness. In the second day, irradiated treatments (b, c, e, and f) were yellower than the others. As to the other factors evaluated, there were no differences between treatments.
Irradiation; post harvest; fruit flies; heat treatment; hot-water dip
