Post-harvest Management Techniques Research Articles

Characterization of Post-harvest Losses along the Supply Chain of Vegetables in Punjab

Background: The loss of vegetables is immense which is accrued to its perishability and sub optimal level of post-harvest management. There is a technological gap in adoption of harvesting and post-harvesting practices by farmers. There is sparse qualitative and quantitative assessment of post-harvest losses of vegetables in Punjab. The objective of the study is to identify the operation and channel where the losses are crossing the threshold, to estimate the extent of losses and characterize them at various post-harvest operations and levels for selected vegetables in Punjab and to analyse the factors responsible for post-harvest losses. Methods: The sample in survey location consisted of all the stakeholders of supply chain network for vegetables in the state of Punjab, India. The stakeholders consisted of farmers, wholesalers and retailers. The study adopted cluster sampling technique. The clusters selected for the study were Nakodar, Malerkotla and Baba Bakala Sahib and the vegetables selected for the study were potato, pea, tomato, okra and cauliflower. Further snowball sampling technique was used to select 80 farmers from each cluster, making up a total sample of 240 farmers and one reference each for wholesaler and retailer was identified in every cluster. Then using snowball technique, 2 wholesalers and 10 retailers were selected from each cluster. Thus, making total sample of 10 wholesalers and 30 retailers were selected for the study. The instrument used for the data collection was a structured interview schedule. The one-way ANOVA and Tukey’s Honest Significant Difference test were employed to understand the significant difference in post-harvest losses between the selected vegetables and along the supply chain. Result: The results revealed that the maximum losses were observed in tomato crop at farm level (17.71%) and retailer level (30.10%) whereas at wholesaler level maximum losses were recorded in pea (8.19%). The extent of losses at farm level has been higher as compared to wholesaler level and it was highest at the retailer level. At farmer’s level it was observed that there have been significantly higher losses in tomato crop (17.7±13.35). At retailer level, significantly higher losses were observed in tomato (30.10±15.80) whereas at wholesaler level, significantly higher losses occurred in pea (12.29±3.15). There was no significant difference in losses between farmer and retailer level. Major cause of loss reported by tomato growers (88.6%) was infestation of fruits with disease and insect. Main reason of post-harvest losses in okra and cauliflower as stated by farmers were bruises/blackening and over maturity. Since the findings reveal that the major losses in the supply chain of vegetables was due to lack adoption of harvest and post-harvest practices at farmer’s level. It is suggested that field level training should be imparted to farmers regarding post-harvest management techniques.

Standardization of Post-Harvest Management Techniques for Ixora (Ixora spp.)

The objective of this experiment was to optimize the post-harvest handling techniques for four Ixora genotypes grown for loose flower purpose. The experiment was laid out in Factorial Completely Randomised Design (FCRD) with four genotypes namely viz., Red (Ixora casei-G1), Pink (I. chinensis-G2), Orange (I. coccinea-G3) and Yellow (I. chinensis-G4) and six post-harvest treatments replicated three times. Observations were made on the floral quality criteria as well as the physiological characters linked with flower post-harvest quality. The results revealed that among the genotypes, Red (I. casei-G1) proved superior with respect to quality parameters and physiological parameters followed by Pink (I. chinensis-G2). Among the post-harvest treatments, treating flower buds with 4% boric acid and storage under refrigeration @ 50C recorded superior results for all the quality parameters viz., freshness index, flower opening index, colour retention and shelf life and the physiological parameters viz., moisture content, relative water content and physiological loss in weight.

Assessment of Post-harvest Losses of Major Vegetables in Rangareddy District of Telangana

Objective: Keeping in view the non-availability of systematic studies on post-harvest loss in Telangana, the current study was undertaken to assess the extent of post-harvest losses in major vegetables viz., tomato and brinjal and to identify the factors affecting post-harvest losses at farm level.
 Methods: Tabular analysis was used to calculate the post-harvest losses, the data was summarized using statistical tools such as average and percentage and multiple linear regression analysis was carried out to examine the factors affecting post-harvest losses at farm level. The present study was conducted in Rangareddy district which is the leading vegetable growing district in Telangana with a sample of 30 farmers,6 wholesalers and 6 retailers for each crop.
 Findings: The overall post-harvest loss in tomato and brinjal was 28.51 and 23.27 kg per quintal respectively and maximum losses was occurring at farm level for both crops. Functional analysis revealed that the factors such as age, education, extent of crop production and labour dummy (where family contribution is >50% in total labour demand ‘1’, else ‘0’) was significant in both crops studied. Timely plant protection measures in case of brinjal also significantly reduced the post-harvest losses. On an average, the per quintal monetary loss was relatively more for brinjal (Rs.239.6/q) than tomato (Rs.236.6/q). The total monetary loss at state level was Rs.251.6 crores for the study crops.
 Conclusion: It is evident from the results that losses are occurring in the value chain due to poor infrastructure and lack of post-harvest management techniques. Proper training on pest management and policies ensuring labour availability during peak harvesting period can aid in reducing the losses.

Analysis of post-harvest losses of banana and the economic wellbeing of farmers in Boyo Division, North West Region of Cameroon

Post-harvest losses of banana affect the economic wellbeing of farmers in Africa especially in Boyo Division in the North West region of Cameroon where majority of the producers are smallholders’ farmers. The study analysed post-harvest losses of banana and its effect on the economic wellbeing of farmers in Boyo Division. Three hundred and eighty respondents were selected from three out of four sub-divisions in Boyo Division using a multi-stage sampling procedure. Data was obtained from the respondents with the aid of questionnaire and focus group discussions. The data obtained was analysed using descriptive statistics. The results revealed that 61,055 bunches of banana were harvested, 21,107 bunches sold, 16,751 bunches used by farmers’ households while 23,197 bunches were lost at post-harvest stages in 2019/2020. This quantity lost was suffered at the farm level, transportation, storage, ripening, processing and sale stages with most losses (11-20) suffered at the farm level. The study further revealed that farmers expected an estimated net amount of 10,570,036 FCFA while an estimated net amount of 2,213,759 FCFA was achieved with post-harvest losses. The study therefore, concludes that post–harvest losses of banana have a positive correlation on farmers’ economic wellbeing and recommends sensitization and training of farmers on post-harvest management techniques.

Impact of edible coating derived from a combination of Aloe vera gel, chitosan and calcium chloride on maintain the quality of mango fruit at ambient temperature

Mango (Mangifera indica L.) is a tropical fruit which is climacteric and highly perishable. Consequently, it is indispensable to address postharvest management techniques by applying eco-friendly technologies to reduce crop losses. Thus, the current study was conducted to evaluate Aloe vera gel’s influence alone and chitosan and calcium chloride (CaCl2) on mango shelf life during the storage time at the ambient temperature (25 ± 2 °C) for 21 days. The results exhibited that A. vera-chitosan coatings were able to remarkably decrease weight loss and ascorbic acid reduction throughout the storage period. Total phenol and antioxidant activity progressively diminished during the storage, and control fruits exhibited the lowest content of the phenol content and antioxidant activity during the storage. The highest correlation (R = 0.95) between antioxidant and ascorbic acid was observed in the A. vera-chitosan treated fruits. Control fruits showed the lowest catalase (CAT) and peroxidase (POD) enzyme activity during the storage time. A. vera-chitosan coating significantly inhibited the activity of polyphenol oxidase (PPO) during the storage period. Oppositely, the coating had no significant effect on total soluble solids (TSS) and titratable acidity (TA) at the end of the experiment. The discoloration trend of the fruits coated with A. vera enriched with chitosan was significantly delayed compared to the control fruits. Finally, A. vera-chitosan coating could be suggested as a suitable coating to preserve the quality of mango fruit throughout storage at the ambient temperature.

Origin of black-green defect in the artificial drying of immature coffees

The unevenness of coffee maturation leads to a large portion of green berries in the harvest. Post-harvest management techniques seek to minimize defects during the drying process, such as black-green defects in harvested immature berries. The present study aimed to investigate the minimum occurrence of black-green defects in the drying of immature coffee berries subjected to different temperature conditions and relative humidity values. In addition to fitting mathematical models to the experimental data, the effective diffusion coefficient and the water reduction rate (WRR) were determined. Nine coffee crops (Coffea arabica L.) of the Topázio Amarelo variety were harvested manually and selectively during the green maturation stage, with an initial water content of 2.106 ± 0.05 kg.kg-1 (dry basis, d.b.). After drying, the coffee was subjected to a drying treatment in a fixed-layer dryer with combined dry bulb temperatures (Dbt) of 35, 40 and 45 °C and dew point temperatures (Dpt) of 2.6, 10.8 and 16.2 °C until a final water content of 0.124 ± 0.05 kg.kg-1 (db) was reached. After drying, black-green defects were quantified as percentages. In addition to the drying kinetics, the WRR and effective diffusivity were evaluated. The lowest percentage of black-green defects occurred at a temperature of 35 °C and a Dpt of 2.6 °C (11.00%), which is the most suitable treatment for drying natural green coffees. The highest percentage of defects occurred when a Dbt of 35 °C was combined with a Dpt of 16.2 °C (14.17%). This combination showed the lowest effective diffusion coefficient of 0.551 x 10-11 m2 s-1. The Midilli model had the best fit to the experimental data for all drying combinations. The lowest WRR was 0.063 kg.kg-1.h-1 and was observed when a Dbt of 35 °C was combined with a Dpt of 16.2 °C. Keywords: Drying; Coffee; Diffusion coefficient; Mathematical modelling.

Shrimp/prawn farming status in south-west region of Bangladesh in context of quality control and food safety issues

To determine hazardous antibiotics/chemicals and pesticides residues in Good Aquaculture Practice(GAP) and non-GAP farms and exploring the post-harvest management techniques of shrimp/ prawn forensuring its food safety issues, a study was conducted from July 2016 to June 2019 in three upazilas viz.Bagerhat Sadar, Rampal and Kachua of Bagerhat district. A total of 550 shrimp/prawn farms were randomlysurveyed considering GAP criteria. The farms were categorized as Category A- the farms which comply 90-100% GAP criteria; Category B- farms which comply 70-< 90% GAP criteria and Category C- farms whichcomply 50-<70% GAP criteria. From the study it was found that only 1.67±0.58 % farms were underCategory-A, 37.67±6.81 % farms were under Category-B and 53±6.08 % farms were under Category-C. Atotal of 108 shrimp/prawn samples were collected in which 30% samples were from GAP farms and 70%samples were from non-GAP farms. Collected samples were analyzed for hazardous antibiotics/chemicals andpesticides residues (Heptachlor, Endrin, Dieldrin and DDT) using LC-MS and GC-MS machine. Nohazardous Nitrofuran and Chloramphenicol metabolites were found from the collected samples and noresidual concentrations of Heptachlor, Endrin, Dieldrin and DDT were found from GAP samples. In non-GAP samples, 14.8% samples contained some residues of Heptachlor, Endrin and Dieldrin in which 10.2%samples residues were lower than the Maximum Residual Limit (MRL) which is not harmful for humanhealth. Only 4.6% samples had residues which were slightly higher than the MRL. Exploration of postharvestmanagement techniques of shrimp and prawn were done by observing the icing system quality andtransportation system from farms to market/depot. It was found that 5.67±2.08% farmer used proper icingand transportation system as well, 16.33±3.21% farmers used moderate icing and transportation system and78±2% farmers used poor icing and transportation system. It was also observed that pathogenic bacterialload was higher in poor icing and transportation system as well than the proper icing and transportationsystem. From the study it can be concluded that, if farmers follow at least 50% of the GAP criteria then thefoods (shrimp/prawn) will be safer for human consumption.

Edible Coating Based on Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffaL.) Mucilage Applied to Soursop Fruits in Postharvest Storage

The soursop fruit (Annona muricataL.) is a crop of significant economic value for Nayarit, which is characterized by having a bittersweet taste, making it attractive to the consumer. However, the soursop has rapid maturation which causes a short shelf life. Several postharvest management techniques have been applied to reduce its metabolic processes, such as refrigeration, use of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP), and controlled and modified atmospheres. In recent years, polysaccharide-based coatings have been applied to fruits. Therefore, the objective of this investigation was to evaluate the physicochemical and biochemical changes, as well as the antioxidant activity of soursop fruits with a mucilage-based coating (2%), stored at 22°C and 15°C with a 90% RH. Weight loss, firmness, color, soluble solids, acidity, pH, phenols, flavonoids, vitamin C, and antioxidant activity were evaluated. The results obtained in the coated fruits stored at 15°C showed lower weight loss (6.4%), lower firmness (29.7 N), higher TSS concentration (10.4°Bx), and lower acidity (0.38%) compared with the uncoated fruits. The total phenolic content decreased in coated fruits stored at 22°C (54.3 mg EGA/100 g FW). The highest antioxidant activity (DPPH method) was recorded in fruits coated and stored at 15°C with an average value of 257.9 mg EAA/100 g FW. Moreover, a high concentration of vitamin C was observed in fruits coated and stored at 15°C and 22°C (20.5 and 17.5 mg EAA/100 g FW), concluding that the coating based on roselle mucilage (2%) in combination with a temperature of 15°C prevents weight loss, decreases titratable acidity, and increases the content of phenols and vitamin C. Furthermore, an increase in the shelf life up to eight days and in the antioxidant activity at the maturity of consumption was observed in the fruits coated with 2% roselle mucilage stored at 15°C.

Extension of Avocado Fruit Postharvest Quality Using Non-Chemical Treatments

Developing postharvest management techniques using environmentally friendly and non-chemical approaches is key to extending the shelf life of avocados in a safer and health conscious manner. Avocados are prone to postharvest deterioration caused by mechanical damage, chilling injury, soft landing, uneven ripening and decay. Among the different cultivars of avocados commercially grown worldwide, the ‘Hass’ variety continues to be the most predominant due to its nutty flavour and functional properties. Most of the literature on postharvest decay and disorders affecting avocado fruit quality during storage and marketing is dedicated to the Hass avocado. Some of these postharvest problems are unique to the ‘Hass’ avocado can possibly be controlled by simply investing more research into other cultivars. These postharvest losses can be significantly controlled using eco-friendly technologies, such as modified atmosphere, physical heat treatments and most importantly investing in natural biodegradable products with naturally inherent antimicrobial properties. Thus, this review includes the recent research-based information on the use of non-chemical treatments on the improvement of fruit health and quality.

신선 깻잎의 수출 확대를 위한 수확 후 관리

Current research trends and postharvest management techniques were reviewed to expand the export of perilla leaves and to ensure a competitive quality. We summarized the results of quality change factors according to the environment of perilla leaves during transportation for export. Main problems came from deterioration such as pesticide residues, microbiological hazards and low temperature disorder. In terms of the pesticide residues, this issue can be avoided by ensuring that the pesticide safe use standard is employed and the maximum residue limit is not exceeded during cultivation. To control the microbiological hazards, hygiene concepts and continuous attention are required from harvest to packaging. To reduce the quality degradation after harvesting, precooling is an essential process to extend shelf life. Perilla leaves are susceptible to low temperature damage. The low temperature disorders occur depends on the type of MA film and/or outer packaging materials. So the distribution temperature should be set carefully. Overall, to expand the export, the quality must be considered, along with the use of recommened packaging materials, postharvest treatment and the proper temperature. Finally, to prevent aging after harvest, ethylene biosynthesis suppression and elimination techniques are also required, so ethylene removal techniques are necessary to extend shelf life.

Microbiome-driven identification of microbial indicators for postharvest diseases of sugar beets

BackgroundSugar loss due to storage rot has a substantial economic impact on the sugar industry. The gradual spread of saprophytic fungi such as Fusarium and Penicillium spp. during storage in beet clamps is an ongoing challenge for postharvest processing. Early detection of shifts in microbial communities in beet clamps is a promising approach for the initiation of targeted countermeasures during developing storage rot. In a combined approach, high-throughput sequencing of bacterial and fungal genetic markers was complemented with cultivation-dependent methods and provided detailed insights into microbial communities colonizing stored roots. These data were used to develop a multi-target qPCR technique for early detection of postharvest diseases.ResultsThe comparison of beet microbiomes from six clamps in Austria and Germany highlighted regional differences; nevertheless, universal indicators of the health status were identified. Apart from a significant decrease in microbial diversity in decaying sugar beets (p ≤ 0.01), a distinctive shift in the taxonomic composition of the overall microbiome was found. Fungal taxa such as Candida and Penicillium together with the gram-positive Lactobacillus were the main disease indicators in the microbiome of decaying sugar beets. In contrast, the genera Plectosphaerella and Vishniacozyma as well as a higher microbial diversity in general were found to reflect the microbiome of healthy beets. Based on these findings, a qPCR-based early detection technique was developed and confirmed a twofold decrease of health indicators and an up to 10,000-fold increase of disease indicators in beet clamps. This was further verified with analyses of the sugar content in storage samples.ConclusionBy conducting a detailed assessment of temporal microbiome changes during the storage of sugar beets, distinct indicator species were identified that reflect progressing rot and losses in sugar content. The insights generated in this study provide a novel basis to improve current or develop next-generation postharvest management techniques by tracking disease indicators during storage.

Small-scale postharvest practices among plantain farmers and traders: A potential for reducing losses in rivers state, Nigeria

High postharvest losses (PHLs) caused by poor postharvest management of perishable staple foods is a serious food security problem in Nigeria. Adoption of suitable postharvest management techniques is necessary to maintain produce quality and minimize avoidable losses by relevant stakeholders. The challenge is that most popular postharvest technologies are unsuitable for small scale farmers and traders who are a majority in the Nigerian food supply chains. This paper proposes the adoption of small-scale friendly postharvest techniques in the form of small-scale postharvest practices (SSPPs). To justify this proposal, the impact of SSPPs adoption on self-reported losses were investigated in Rivers State Nigeria. The factors influencing plantain farmers and traders intention to use SSPPs were also studied. Multistage and snowball sampling techniques were used to obtain data from farmers and traders, respectively. Data were obtained via face-to-face interviews using structured questionnaire. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, chi-square test of independence and multiple linear regression analyses. The results indicate that farmers adoption of SSPPs was negatively correlated with quantitative losses (r = - 0.142) and qualitative losses (r = - 0.412). Gender, education level, occupation, amount of produce harvested, and information access were significantly associated with farmers adoption of SSPPs. From the regression analysis, attitudes (β = 0.523, p < 0.05), awareness knowledge (β = 0.100, p < 0.05) and perceptions (β = 0.293, p < 0.05) of farmers significantly predicted their intention to use SSPPs. The regression model was significant (R2 = 0.552, F(3, 308 =126.264, p < 0.05)), with attitudes, awareness and perceptions explaining 55.2% of the variation in the dependent variable, intention. Based on the results, we recommend that plantain farmers and traders should integrate small scale postharvest practices in their operations because it will help them maintain produce shelf life and minimize avoidable losses. Policy makers, food security proponents and relevant institutions should take the necessary action by formulating tailored intervention programs that would facilitate adoption of SSPPs at farm and market levels. These recommendations will positively impact food security efforts in the country.

Main changes in the kiwifruit industry since its introduction: present situation and future

History since the 1st ISHS Symposium: in 1987, the first ISHS Kiwifruit Symposium was held in Padua, Italy. At that time, the kiwifruit industry was in its infancy. Thirty years later, kiwifruit have become an important fruit crop in several countries. Production and marketing situation: New Zealand domesticated the species and still remains very important in international markets. At the end of the last century, Italy became the biggest producer of kiwifruit in the northern hemisphere, followed by France, the Iberian Peninsula and Greece, while, in the southern hemisphere, New Zealand and Chile are the most important countries. The biggest change over the last decade has been the increasing importance of China, now producing more than half the world’s kiwifruit and the largest producer of yellow- and red-fleshed kiwifruit (Actinidia chinensis var. chinensis). Also, Turkey and Iran have increased their plantings. Kiwifruit industry change: 30 years ago, the kiwifruit industry was based on a single cultivar (‘Hayward’) belonging to a single variety of one Actinidia species (A. chinensis var. deliciosa), but now yellow- and some red-fleshed kiwifruit cultivars are being cultivated. Change in pre- and post-harvest management: most pre- and post-harvest management techniques and parameters were originally defined for ‘Hayward’ grown under New Zealand conditions, and may not be suitable for other cultivars or even ‘Hayward’ grown under different conditions. The growing systems and the harvesting indices may have to be changed to ensure high-quality fruit for both green- and yellow-fleshed cultivars recently introduced. Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae (Psa): the disease is still a real problem, and the yellow- and red-fleshed cultivars cultivars of A. chinensis var. chinensis seem particularly susceptible. Breeding: Psa-resistant or -tolerant cultivars remain the optimal solution. Fruit quality: kiwifruit are now marketed throughout the world, and consumers are more demanding in terms of fruit quality, safety, etc. It is challenging, indeed presumptuous, to forecast the future but, in the next few years, the main changes might be the replacement of existing cultivars with others tolerant or resistant to Psa and market evolution, with export from new countries.

Postcosecha de frutos: maduración y cambios bioquímicos

&#x0D; La formación de frutos carnosos involucra tres etapas: crecimiento, desarrollo y maduración. El objetivo de esta revisión se enfoca en la recopilación de la información sobre investigaciones relevantes relacionadas con la maduración de los frutos y los cambios bioquímicos que ocurren durante el manejo postcosecha de éstos. Para realizar esta búsqueda de estudios se hizo uso de múltiples bases de datos (Scielo, Redalyc, Elsevier, Scopus, Wiley online library, Sciencedirect, Springer). La maduración del fruto es un importante proceso que activa a todo un conjunto de rutas bioquímicas que hacen que éste sea atractivo y deseable para los consumidores. El estudio de la maduración de los frutos ha sido de gran interés en la investigación ya que los cambios bioquímicos y fisicoquímicos que ocurren durante esta etapa ocasionan grandes pérdidas económicas. Es importante tener conocimiento de los procesos, lo que permite que los investigadores biotecnologos y fitomejoradores generan mas conocimiento o propongan materiales hortofrutícolas sobresalientes, aplicación de técnicas de manejo poscosecha mas efectivas y aprovechables para disminuir las pérdidas postcosecha.&#x0D;

AN ANALYSIS OF SMALLHOLDER FARMERS’ SOCIO-ECONOMIC DETERMINANTS FOR INPUTS USE: A CASE OF MAJOR RICE PRODUCING REGIONS IN TANZANIA

This study analyzed smallholder farmers’ socio-economic determinants for inputs use in major rice producing regions in Tanzania. A sample for the study comprised of 842 rice farming households from five major paddy (rice) producing regions of Mbeya, Morogoro, Shinyanga, Mwanza and Tabora. These sample households were drawn from FAO database extracted from the Tanzania National Panel Survey (2010-2011). Household socioeconomic and farm production information were extracted from the database. Descriptive analyses were used to summarize the collected information. Probit model was used to assess determinants of input use among the farming households. The study found that the probability of using agricultural inputs increase with education level, quantity of crops produced, livestock, farm income while it decrease with total number of livestock and nonfarm income owned by a household. The study also found difference in input use preferences among regions; in Mbeya more use in maize while in Shinyanga more input use in rice. Based on these findings, our study concluded that in order to raise the use of agricultural fertilizer among smallholder farmers, policy makers and development agencies should put more efforts on developing and implementing sustainable strategies such as improving market infrastructure that lead to improved access to input and output markets thereby improving farmers’ incomes. Price policies are also important to increase and stabilize farmers’ incomes and incentivize use of and investment in improved agricultural technologies such as improved agricultural inputs, seeds and post-harvest management techniques.

An Analysis of the Pre and Post Harvest Management Techniques in Rice Production: The Case of Unvda Ndop, North West Region, Cameroon

This paper examines the adoption of improved pre and post harvest management techniques with a view to finding means to improve on the livelihood of rice farmers. These farmers were selected from two divisions (Bui and Ngoketunjia) where rice is being produced by the Upper Nun Valley Development Authority (UNVDA) in the North West Region of Cameroon. The study was to identify; the major causes of pre and post harvest losses, the management techniques adopted to overcome these losses, the socio economic characteristics of farmers that influence the adoption of the techniques. The multistage random sampling technique was used to get a sample of 120 rice farmers, from whom necessary information were elicited using questionnaires. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics and binomial logit model. The results revealed that marital status, quantity of grains harvested, membership into a common initiative group and surface area cultivated were statistically significant factors influencing adoption of pre and post harvest management techniques. Also household size, farming experience and farm type were positively and statistically not significant factors while gender, age of farmer, level of education and income level affected adoption negatively and were not statistically significant Lack of financial incentives, inadequate machinery, poor soils, were major constraints faced by respondents. It was recommended that all factors that significantly affect adoption of technologies be improved.

Development of Speaking Plant Approach Technique for Intelligent Greenhouse

Abstract The Research Center for High-technology Greenhouse Plant Production of Ehime University provides a seamless technology development to establish INTELLIGENT GREENHOUSE SYSTEMS (IGS). The core concept as the basis of IGS is ‘Speaking plant approach (SPA)’, which was originally proposed by Udink ten Cate et al. and Hashimoto who is a professor emeritus at Ehime University. The SPA concept defines that optimal crop cultivation conditions should be based on the physiological status of the plants. The first step of the SPA is to obtain physiological information from a living plant. As a successful example, a chlorophyll fluorescence imaging robot, which can be used to grasp theheterogeneous distribution of photosynthetic activity of tomato plants in a greenhouse, is introduced. The primary feature of this robot is the feasible design, automated simple operation and low-cost, for implementation in commercial tomato production greenhouses. In addition, it is also focusing on the development of postharvest management techniques to improve the fruit quality. Here, a study to investigate the effects of storage temperature on the color of tomato fruit would be briefly introduced.

Restoration of Coast Redwood (&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Sequoia sempervirens&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;) Forests through Natural Recovery

The management of second-growth Sequoia sempervirens (coast redwood) forests for the purpose of restoration and ecological conservation is a growing trend. However, little is known about the long-term regenerative potential of this forest type in the absence of post-harvest management techniques such as thinning and planting. Data on forest composition and structure were collected on a chronosequence (80 - 160 years) of mature recovering stands in the southern coast redwood range using a replicated, randomized, plot design. Results indicated that many stand characteristics including tree density, canopy cover, redwood dominance, species richness, herbaceous cover, and shrub cover reached levels statistically equivalent with old-growth reference sites in recovering stands within the time frame of this chronosequence. The recovery of individual herbaceous understory species was inconsistent however. While the cover of redwood-associated species (Oxalis oregana, Trientalis latifolia, and Disporum hookeri) reached levels statistically equivalent to old-growth reference sites, others (Trillium ovatum and Viola sempervirens) did not. Total basal area and species evenness also trended toward, but did not reach, old-growth conditions. The arboreal aspects of coast redwood forests appear to be remarkably resilient following a single logging event, and recover rapidly in the absence of active restoration techniques. The protracted recovery of certain redwood associated herbaceous understory species will require further study.

ASPECTS OF POSTHARVEST MANAGEMENT OF SELECTED FIELD-GROWN CUT FLOWERS

Downward pressure of prices, rising cut-flower-imports, environmental consciousness and constraints are some of the leading factors to enhance and popularize extensive and organic flower production. Austrian growers question whether to intensify high input protected cultivation systems and/or to shift to low input extensive field growing systems. In general grading, sorting, cooling and application of floral preservatives are the main post-harvest management techniques that can be applied throughout the post-harvest chain. Usually the produce is commercialized on the central Viennese Green Market, on regional markets or at direct sales centers. Post harvest treatments suitable for organic and conventional integrated field-grown specialty cut flowers were tested to maintain product quality passing the post harvest-chains.

A sustainable extension package for rural and urban communities: An undertaking in western Sri Lanka

The biggest challenge of agricultural extension in urban communities is how to reach the appropriate target group, because the majority of people are engaged in agricultural production as well as homestead development in a part-time or restricted-time basis, and have different interests. Therefore, an agricultural extension research package, initiated in late 1990, is being tested, with special reference to the horticultural interests of the population in the Western Province. It has three modules: first, dealing with rehabilitation of already existing fruit trees (rambutan, mango) for long-term economic benefits; second, strengthening the income-generating activities at the homestead level, namely leafy vegetable cultivation, value-added products from fruits and vegetables, cultivation of vegetables in pots and hanging baskets, in situ budding, and post-harvest management techniques in fruits, vegetables and flowers; third, the improvement of soil fertility and waste management—particularly soil conserva...