Maturity Definition Maturity Indices

The maturity of fruits and vegetables is an indication of the development of the crop and its progress for becoming a marketable product.  Selection of right stage of maturity for harvest is an important aspect, which has considerable influence on storage life and quality and final acceptance by the consumer.

1.2.1    Definition

 Maturity can be defined as “that stage at which a commodity has reached a sufficient stage of development that after harvesting and post-harvest handling (including ripening, where required), its quality will be at least the minimum acceptable to the ultimate consumer.” 

Maturity can be of two types – physiological maturity and commercial maturity. Physiological maturity refers to the point in the development of an organ (e.g. fruit, leaf) or organism (e.g. ornamental plant) when maximum growth has been achieved and the organ or organism has matured to the extent that the next development stage can be completed.

The commercial or horticultural maturity is the characteristic state of a plant organ required by the consumer.  It is concerned with the timing of the harvest to meet particular market requirements.

1.2.2    Maturity Indices

Potatoes are harvested at any size greater than 2 to 3 inches in diameter.  However, for full season potatoes, the tubers are harvested when the plants begin to turn yellow and die down.