Maturity indices of specific mango varieties produced at medium altitude agro-ecological zone in Kenya

The high postharvest losses (40 – 50%) reported in the mango value chain are partly attributed to lack of reliable maturity indices. Harvest is dictated by intended use and target market for fruits. aim this study was establish indices three commercial varieties namely ‘Van dyke,’ ‘Kent’ ‘Tommy Atkins’ Embu County Kenya. At least eighteen trees (six per variety) were randomly tagged at 50% flowering each selected small-scale farms County. Number days from different stages recorded (computational method). For variety stage, five fruits sampled pool analysed physical (size, density, firmness, colour), physiological (ethylene evolution respiration rate) biochemical (obrix/Total Soluble Solids (TSS), total titratable acidity (TTA) their ratio) maturity. results showed that although size increased as developed, it not a index since some small-sized attained advanced earlier than others large-sized. weight fluctuated developed similar trend observed on specific gravity. Flesh firmness decreased gradually with mean 40.54 N 6.84 N. Tommy Atkins exhibited lowest levels stage 4. Kent had ethylene all while highest rate 21.40 ml/kg/hr 1, which 32.10 TSS: TTA values variety. revealed significant differences despite This confirms unreliability such shape establishing right harvest Computational, should be incorporated determination accurate mango. Key words: Ethylene, maturity, ‘Kent’, Maturity indices, Respiration, Atkins’, dyke’