Post-harvest micro-flora on major cultivars of Indian mangoes

This study examined the surface micro-flora on nine major mango varieties collected from nine states of India in three different harvesting stages (early, mid and late). Mango surface supported substantial microbial component, including various species of bacteria, filamentous fungi and yeasts. Total microbial population was in the range of 10(5)-10(8) and was significantly different in different cultivars as well as harvesting stages. However, all the mango varieties invariably showed highest microbial population in third harvesting stage. Comparative microbial population of yeast, mold and bacteria showed significant variation in different mango varieties at the third harvesting stage except for Alphonso from Maharashtra and Karnataka. Microbial population on mango fruit surface was strongly influenced by climatic factor, stages of fruit development and varietal specificity. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.