Assessment of Postharvest Management of Frafra Potato (Solenostemon rotundifolius (Poir.) J. K. Morton)

Abstract

Frafra potato (Solenostemon rotundifolius (Poir.) J.K. Morton) is an underutilized tuber crop cultivated in the interior Savanna areas of Ghana, Nigeria, Benin, Togo, Burkina Faso and Mali. The crop derives its importance from agronomic advantages in poor soils, and yield advantage with limited production inputs compared to other tuber crops. The study highlights salient integrated crop production and postharvest management practices of the crop. Emphasis was put on current and future areas to improve postharvest quality and shelf-life; an area which remains pretty new. Similar to other root and tubers, the tubers suffer much postharvest losses (PHL) due to their high moisture content, susceptibility to physical damage, and high metabolic activity. In general, PHL emanate from primary physio-chemical deterioration (such as weight loss, respiration, compositional changes and sprouting), and decay caused by microbial invasion and physiological disorders. Consequences of PHL losses include reduction in quantity and quality as well as price discounts. There is scanty information on crop-specific postharvest management technologies, and the extent of PHL in Frafra potato.  However, PHL may fall within the worldwide estimate of 30 to 60% across root and tuber crops. To reduce PHL, integrated crop management practices including choice of variety, quality of planting materials, soil fertility management, field pests and diseases management, good harvesting and handling practices, appropriate storage, and use of postharvest treatments, require critical consideration. This chapter provides preliminary information and minimum technologies on good postharvest management of Frafra potato. Certainly, access to improved storage and processing technologies can propel production to economic proportions. Such pieces of information can be updated as more research information and recommendations are generated in future studies.