Effect of Drop Height and Impact Surface on Quality of Guava var. Piraweh Ampalu

Abstract

Drop height and impact surface need to be considered during fruit postharvest handling to minimize the loss of quality and quantity. This study investigated the effect of the drop height factors (0 cm, 60 cm, 80 cm, and 100 cm) and the surface impact (cartons, plastic crates, steel plate) on guava quality var Piraweh Ampalu during temporary storage. An experimental method was conducted by treatment of drop height and impact surface with three replications. The results showed that the drop height and impact surface affected the guava’s weight loss and bruised area. In addition, the drop height also affected the TSS content. Meanwhile, the pH value of guava was not influenced by the drop height, the impact surface, or their interaction. Furthermore, absorbed impact energy increased along with the increasing drop height. It also correlated with the bruised area. A soft impact surface such as cartons and a drop height lower than 60 cm was recommended to prevent the quick deterioration of guava quality.