Abstract

LOPEZ GARCIA, Elizabeth et al. Physical and microbiological factors in the deterioration of huitlacoche in post-harvest. Rev. Mex. Cienc. Agríc [online]. 2017, vol.8, n.3, pp.545-558. ISSN 2007-0934.  https://doi.org/10.29312/remexca.v8i3.30.

The huitlacoche (Ustilago maydis (DC) Corda) is a good source of nutrients in the diet. During post-harvest handling, the product shows a rapid senescence, attributed to the high rates of dehydration and respiration of the product, in addition to its composition. In order to prolong shelf life, the effect of high relative humidity and low storage temperature on the physical properties of huitlacoche (whole and in galls) and the presence of phytopathogenic fungi were evaluated. The results showed that at 3 ºC the dehydration rate decreased, maintaining the visual quality for longer, both the whole huitlacoche and in galls. Storage with high relative humidity at room temperature favored the proliferation of phytopathogenic host species such as Fusarium oxysporum, Rhizopus stolonifer and Penicillium expansum. The highest incidence and severity was shown by F. oxysporum inoculated with a wound in the gall, while R. stolonifer, although with a lower incidence than the other two species, was able to survive up to 10 ºC. The results demonstrate that the management of huitlacoche at 3 °C and high relative humidity in ambient air is feasible, as it counteracts the rate of dehydration and eliminates the risk of proliferation of host phytopathogenic fungi.

Keywords : Ustilago maydis; phytopathogenic fungi; relative humidity; refrigeration; shelf life.

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