A new papaya hybrid was developed in Brazil obtained by breeding with the crossing of progenitors from Solo x Formosa groups. Recently, in the state of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil, this hybrid was introduced by the farmers in their orchards. However, the studies concerning to the conservation potential of these fruits was limited to the tests accomplished in commercial farms. This work purpose was to evaluate the hybrid UENF/Caliman shelf life produced in the state of Rio Grande Norte. Fruit were harvested at physiological maturity, packaged and transported to the Semi-arid Federal Rural University laboratory, in Mossoró City, state of Rio Grande do Norte . Fruits were stored at 25 ºC (±2) and 55 % (± 5) of relative humidity for 0, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 days. The experiment was completely randomized with 6 treatments. Were evaluated the variables: mass loss, external appearance, firmness, pulp color, titratable acidity, pH, soluble solids and total soluble sugars. The hybrid presents phenotypic characteristics of the 'Formosa' papaya group, with elongated fruits, 1,28 kg of medium mass, 2,74 cm of pulp thickness, red coloration of the pulp, high content of soluble solids (13,65%) and sugars (10,53%). The quality variables analyzed limited at postharvest shelf life of the hybrid UENF/Caliman 01 to eight days.
Carica papaya L.; conservation; quality; hybrid
