EFFECTS OF POSTHARVEST STORAGE AND GENOTYPE ON QUALITY AND SHELF LIFE OF FRESH SOUTHERNPEAS [VIGNA UNGUICULATA (L.) WALP.

Abstract

Postharvest storage of southernpeas is crucial in the production process. Governed by consumer demands, farmers strive for a product that is high in quality and freshness, and has an appropriate texture and appealing color. Improper storage of southernpeas results in their premature deterioration, lack of acceptance, and possible loss of profit. Therefore, an appropriate storage facility and temperature should be devised that will benefit both farmer and consumer. In an effort to prevent potential losses of southernpeas, a study was conducted to determine the best environmental condition at which to store and to potentially extend shelf life. In 2004, two experiments were conducted on the University of Arkansas Agriculture Research and Extension Center, Fayetteville, Ark., to determine the best genotype and storage environmental condition to maintain a quality marketable prod-uct. In the first experiment, a screening of 23 southernpea genotypes was conducted from single plots to determine which genotypes could maintain their appearance the longest in a refrigerated environment. In the second experiment, two separate plantings were made of five southernpea genotypes in a randomized block design in two separate fields. Upon maturity, 12 mature green pods of each genotype were subjected to a sweated and unsweated treatment. After shelling, seeds were subjected to one of three different environmental conditions: cool regime, room temperature, and ambient air, evaluating each on the basis of changes in physical appearance; a hot water dip treatment was also examined. A refrigerated environment at or near 37 to 41 °F was the best environment to store southernpeas for nearly 2 weeks. The sweated treatment also aided in the shelling process and appeared to maintain the appearance of each genotype longer.