Also,the response to irradiation dose was not impacted by hand position for these variables, but main effects were significant (P #0.05 for dose and hand position). Dwarf Brazilian bananas ripened 17 to 19 d after harvest, and irradiation did not extend shelf life as reported in other studies for Cavendish bananas (Maxie et al., 1968). Soluble solids content was unaffected by irradiation dose; however, titratable acidity decreased linearly with increasing irradiation dose,
reflecting a possible decrease in organic acids or ascorbic acid in irradiated fruit. Ascorbic acid concentrations can be diminished in irradiated bananas as dose levels increase