The Use of Different Modes of Transportation Affects the Chemical Qualities of Watermelon Fruits (Citrullus lanatus [Thunb]) Transported from the Farm Gates in the Hinterlands to the Urban Markets in the Tamale Metropolis in the Northern Region of Ghana

Abstract

The perishable nature of fruits and vegetables are a major concern to post harvest scientist. Postharvest handling practices particularly, mode of transportation is contributing to loss of essential chemical qualities of watermelon fruits. This study sought to identify the means of transport responsible for chemical damage in watermelons and also to assess watermelon varieties affected by these modes of transport in the Tamale Metropolis in Ghana. It revealed that watermelon conveyed by Kia Mini Truck (0.80 t) mode of transportation experienced the highest chemical damages (13.82 %) while watermelon conveyed by Mini Pick-up Truck recorded the least chemical damage (13.3%). It also showed that Sugar baby variety encountered the highest chemical damages (13.82%) while Crimson sweet variety recorded the lowest value (13.2 %) Keywords : Chemical qualities, Total tartritable acidity, Total soluble solids, and moisture DOI: 10.7176/JBAH/13-4-05 Publication date: March 31 st 2023