Post-harvest Processing Research Articles

Evaluation of the effect of ultrasound-assisted hot air drying on the drying characteristics and physicochemical properties of cherries based on the entropy-weighted TOPSIS method.

To address the challenges associated with prolonged traditional hot air drying (HAD) times and significant nutrient loss in cherries, this study employs ultrasound-assisted hot air drying (USA-HAD) technology. The study investigates the impacts of various ultrasound (US) frequencies, US powers, and hot air temperatures on the drying kinetics, physicochemical properties, texture attributes, and microstructure of cherries during drying. Cherry physicochemical quality serves as the evaluation criterion, with the entropy-weighted TOPSIS method used to identify the optimal drying parameters. The findings indicate that USA-HAD accelerates the drying process, reduces drying time, and enhances drying efficiency. In comparison to natural drying, USA-HAD significantly preserves polysaccharides, total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, and organic acids in cherries, while boosting antioxidant activity. Concurrently, it reduces color intensity, as well as the hardness, chewiness, and gumminess of dried cherry products. Microstructural observations under different drying methods reveal an increase in surface micropores and relatively intact tissue structure. Under conditions of 55°C, 48W, and 28kHz, cherries exhibit superior overall quality based on the TOPSIS relative closeness degree. This study offers practical insights for optimizing post-harvest processing of cherries. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: In this rapidly evolving era, the application of combination drying technology is clearly on the rise. The USA-HAD treated cherries had better nutritional and bioactive than HAD. The conclusions obtained indicate that the USA-HAD technology has more potential for development.

Fruit-specific effects of tryptophan and melatonin as active components to extend the functionality of red fruits during post-harvest processing

Preserving quality attributes in the distribution chain is a challenging task, particularly in fruits with a brief shelf life. The application of melatonin in cherries, raspberries, strawberries and blueberries stored at room temperature was evaluated, as well as the effects of its precursor (tryptophan) to determine their specificity and interchangeable feasibility for post-harvest applications. The results demonstrated that melatonin is effective in all tested fruits, reducing deterioration rate and its severity, preserving fruit firmness and reducing darkening and weight loss. Furthermore, tryptophan applications incremented melatonin contents in strawberries and blueberries and delayed decay in both fruits. Melatonin reduced postharvest losses in all studied fruits related to its antisenescent properties, while the beneficial impact of tryptophan in extending shelf life was fruit-specific and appeared to be partly mediated by melatonin. Melatonin and tryptophan must be considered as active components of new formulations for extending the shelf life of red fruits during post-harvest processing.

The postharvest process of pistachios in Iran

The postharvest process of pistachios in Iran

Greenhouse Gas Mitigation Potential of the Enhanced Rice Straw Biogas System in the Philippines

Abstract Rice straw is an agricultural waste produced abundantly every rice cropping cycle. Its disposal or removal from the field is a problem to rice farmers every start of the next cropping cycle due to its labor-intensive collection from the field. One traditional practice is soil incorporation; however, rice straw does not degrade easily, and this management practice releases significant amount of greenhouse gas emissions to the environment. An attempt to solve this issue is to utilize rice straw with cattle manure as feedstock for biogas production and use the energy generated for rice post-harvest processing such as grain drying and milling. An Enhanced Rice Straw Biogas facility was constructed in Victoria, Laguna, Philippines and a trial lagoon run was conducted from June to October 2021. The data from the initial run was used as input to the modified Aston-developed Mass Energy Balance Model to determine the biogas production potential of rice straw and cattle manure as bioenergy feedstocks. The proposed system can produce 8,803,567.99 L (296.19 L/kg VS) of biogas which can be converted to 19,502.97 MW electricity and 84,512.86 MJ heat. From the energy generated per batch, 18,417.21 kg rice grain (dry season) or 15,752.79 kg rice grain (wet season) can be dried and milled, with an excess of equivalent kerosene (696.93 L for dry season or 248.46 L for wet season) and electricity (3,745.12 kWh for dry season or 6,182.23 kWh for wet season). Due to biogas utilization, an estimated 3,351 L of fossil-based kerosene and 12,185.91 kWh of electricity equivalent can be avoided. This low GHG emission rice production system (Aston Model) has a theoretical annual carbon footprint of 153,134 kg CO2e and a 28.21% reduction of greenhouse gas emissions compared to the conventional rice production system.

Extension on Efforts to Increase the Quality of Gumantar Coffee Through Improved Harvest and Post-Harvest Techniques

The quality of coffee, including taste and aroma, is determined mainly by the timeliness of harvesting and post-harvest processes. The quality of Robusta coffee produced in Tenggorong Hamlet, Gumantar Village, North Lombok Regency is still relatively low because the harvesting of coffee beans is carried out using the strip picking method and not the selective picking method. The post-harvest method is still inappropriate, especially in the section for producing green beans. This extension aimed to improve the quality of Gumantar Village coffee through activities to increase farmers' knowledge and capacity in conducting harvest and post-harvest processes. Marketing facilitation activities were also carried out using various applicable process standards. The results and evaluation of the activities showed an increase in coffee farmers' knowledge and capacity in selective picking and post-harvest coffee processing. Coffee processing methods that determine the taste, such as green bean preparation and roasting, have also been well understood. The facilitation has resulted in a business identification number (NIB), label and packaging logo with 'Sangakopi' product brand rights, halal certificate, and distribution permit. It is expected that 'Sangakopi' products will enter the NTB Mall shortly.

Characterization of Robusta Coffee Powder with Addition of Palm Sugar and Vanilla Powder to Improve The Quality of Robusta Coffee (Coffea canephora Pierre)

Bondowoso Robusta Coffee is a type of Robusta coffee that has a distinctive taste and high quality. The distinctive taste and high quality are obtained from the results of harvest management and post-harvest processing in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures (SOP). This research will be carried out by testing the characteristics of Robusta ground coffee with a mixture of palm sugar and vanilla flavoring to improve the quality of Robusta ground coffee. This was done by knowing the physicochemical and organoleptic properties of the mixed Robusta ground coffee. The aim of this research is to determine the interaction between roasting level and the composition of palm sugar and vanilla powder on the physiochemical and organoleptic properties of 3 in 1 Robusta Coffee. This research uses an experimental plan arranged factorially with the basic pattern of a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with 4 replications. This design has two factors, the first factor is the roasting level and the second is the mixture composition. The results of this research show (1) The interaction of Roasting Level and Mixture (palm sugar and vanilla powder) has no significant effect on all observed variables such as water content, Brix content, pH value, and powder bulk density. (2) The effect of the main level of roasting has a very significant effect on the observed variables of rainfall density and an insignificant effect on the variables of air content, Brix content and pH value. (3) The effect of the main mixture has a very significant effect on the observed variables of air content, Brix content and powder bulk density and has no significant effect on the variable pH value.

Analysis of the effect of fermentation duration on the organoleptic properties of dried cocoa beans (Theobroma cacao L.) at Nglanggeran Agricultural Technology Park

The post-harvest process of cocoa fruits includes fruit harvesting, cracking, wet bean sorting, fermentation, drying, dry bean sorting, and packaging. One of the post-harvest processes that significantly affects the quality of cocoa beans is fermentation. The fermentation process, facilitated by acetic acid and lactic acid bacteria, aims to reduce moisture content, enhance aroma and flavor, and improve the quality of cocoa beans. Acetic acid bacteria, such as Acetobacter and Gluconobacter, contribute to acetic acid production, giving cocoa beans their characteristic flavor. These bacteria convert alcohol into acetic acid, a process crucial for developing the beans' flavor. On the other hand, lactic acid bacteria, like Lactobacillus and Pediococcus, play a role in the breakdown of complex compounds, enhancing the aroma. These bacteria produce lactic acid, which contributes to the beans' aroma. One factor that influences the success of cocoa fruit fermentation is the duration of fermentation. The optimal fermentation time for cocoa fruits is 5 – 6 days. If it is less or exceeds the optimal time, the fermentation of cocoa fruits will not be perfect. The duration of cocoa fruit fermentation has been proven to affect the aroma, taste, texture, and color of dried cocoa beans. Keywords: Cocoa, Fermentation, Post-harvest process of cocoa, Organoleptic

Production and marketing of aromatic (katarni) rice cultivation in Bihar : an economic analysis

Bihar has been traditionally an aromatic rice growing state of India, where varieties like Katarni, Tulsi, Manjari, Badshahbhog, Br9 etc. are grown since decades. Among these, the most important katarni rice is being cultivated in about 368 ha, area in district of Bhagalpur, Bhanka and Munger. Due to its aromatic and other qualities this variety has also been awarded G.I. Tag in the year 2016. The present study is based on primary data (kharif 2019) collected from a sample of 90 katarni rice growers selected randomly from the Jagadishpur block of Bhagalpur district to analyzecost of cultivation, resource use efficiency, marketable surplus, price-spread and constraints. The findings show that the average cost of cultivating katarni rice was estimated as Rs. 50326 per ha, including 82.84 and 17.16 per cent of variable and fixed cost, respectively. The yield of katarni rice was estimated as 24.52 q ha-1. The resource use efficiency showed that seed, fertilizer, irrigation and labor were underutilized and therefore their quantity is to be increased to increase the yield of katarni rice. The marketable surplus of katarni rice was estimated as13.70 and 37.17 quintals on two categories of farms, respectively. The higher producers' share in consumers' price (71.79 per cent) was found under Channel II and Channel III while it was 68.33 per cent under Channel I. The major production constraints identified were rainfall pattern (Garrett Score: 65.48) followed by quality seed (GS: 54.27), availability of urea (GS: 55.63) and pest & diseases (GS: 62.50). The important marketing constraints included selling produce at village market (GS: 64.44). The area under this variety is found to be declining due to introduction of other high yielding varieties.The study concludes that in spite of low productivity and various constraints, the farmers of area are traditionally & religiously attached with katarni rice and feel proud to cultivate it. Therefore, to protect this premium rice variety there is need for assured availability of quality seed, irrigation and post-harvest processing including marketing with remunerative price.

Impact of post-harvest processing and roasting conditions on the physicochemical properties, phenolic compounds, and antioxidant capacity of cocoa beans from the Brazilian Amazon

Interest in cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) and its derivatives has grown mainly due to the high concentration of phenolic compounds (PC), which exhibit potentially beneficial effects on human health. Brazil is the sixth-largest producer of cocoa beans worldwide, with the Amazon region, particularly the state of Pará, playing an increasingly significant role in this production. This study evaluated the effects of pod storage, fermentation time, type of drying platform, municipality and roasting time and temperature on cocoa beans from the Brazilian Amazon. Parameters such as moisture, pH, and cut test were assessed, and individual phenolic compounds were quantified by HPLC-DAD. The Folin-Ciocalteu assay was used to evaluate total phenolic compounds (TPC), and antioxidant capacity was measured using DPPH and ORAC methods. Results showed that the phenolic content and antioxidant capacity of the beans are influenced by the municipality of origin. Fermentation time was the pre-processing condition that most significantly influenced the physicochemical and bioactive properties of the beans, causing reductions of 55–76% in individual phenolic compounds and 43.5–60.57% in antioxidant capacity after seven days. While roasting tends to degrade most phenolic compounds, catechin can form or stabilize at higher temperatures and longer roasting times.

Impact of Coffee Roasting and Grind Size on Acidity and Bitterness: Sensory Evaluation Using Electronic Tongue

Coffee flavor is profoundly influenced by numerous factors, including the origin’s terroir and variety, as well as post-harvest processing, drying, and sorting. Even specialty coffee beans, carefully selected for their high quality, can exhibit a wide range of flavor profiles depending on how they are roasted and ground. Traditionally, the coffee industry has used the Brewing Control Chart, which considers total dissolved solids (TDS) and extraction (E), to guide professionals toward achieving consistent flavors. However, this chart has limitations in representing the complex chemical composition and its influence on the sensory attributes of coffee. This study explores a more comprehensive approach to evaluating coffee quality by utilizing a taste sensing system (electronic tongue) to measure acidity and bitterness for full-immersion brewing. We investigate the impact of brew ratio and grind size on these taste attributes, while also considering the influence of roast level. Our findings demonstrate that finer grind sizes significantly affect TDS and E, while roast level and grind size significantly affect sensory attributes, as measured by the taste sensing system. This approach complements the traditional Brewing Control Chart by providing a more nuanced understanding of how roast level and grind size influence coffee flavor.

Revealing the sterilization impact on paprika fingerprint: Key markers identified using untargeted metabolomics by liquid chromatography-Orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometry

Paprika (Capsicum annuum L.) is a popular spice known for its unique properties. Spices are susceptible to microbiological risks arising from harvest factors such as high moisture or environmental contamination. To ensure microbiological safety, post-harvest processing based on heat sterilization, free of chemicals and radiation, is becoming essential in the European market. This study introduces a novel metabolomics approach using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) coupled with quadrupole-Orbitrap-high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) to assess the sterilization impact on paprika's metabolomic composition. Sterilized and untreated samples were distinguished by OPLS-DA, achieving perfect predictability with high-quality parameters (R2Y = 0.988, Q2 = 0.904). The methodology identified 19 key markers, including fatty acids, amino acids, etc. Sterilization reduced fatty acids such as linoleic acid but increased other metabolites such as DL-malic acid and flazin. This research introduces new metabolomics strategies to ensure paprika quality and other valuable spices, focusing on unexplored sterilization processes.

Aflatoxins in Cameroon: Occurrence, Potential Health Risks and the Way Forward in Implementing the Partnership for Aflatoxin Control in Africa (PACA) Country-Led Model

Aflatoxin hazard is present among the main food dangers in Cameroon. This paper gives insight on how affected crops and commodities such as maize and groundnuts are likely to be contaminated with aflatoxin. Possible negative effects of aflatoxin include hepatic injury, cancer risk, kwashiorkor, and marasmus kwashiorkor is also discussed. Therefore, this report recommends using the Partnership for Aflatoxin Control in Africa (PACA) method for Cameroon. This policy also targets aflatoxin control to be a country-led, multi-sectoral approach. The aims of the study propose useful strategies for guiding the PACA approach; these include raising awareness of the health risks of aflatoxins, enhancing the laws on food safety, supporting adequate agricultural practices, and improving proper disposal and utilization procedures of post-harvest storage and processing systems. Government authorities and research institutes must collaborate to successfully execute aflatoxin control measures. The report emphasizes the need of capacity building, resource allocation, and monitoring systems in ensuring the efficacy of these initiatives. Thus, Cameroon can apply the PACA concept and the mentioned measures to decrease the level of aflatoxin contamination. Therefore, enhance the conditions for food safety and decrease the level of health risks. Consequently, this research provides useful information and suggestions to policymakers, researchers, and any party interested in Cameroon’s aflatoxin-related programs. This paper emphasizes the need for capacity enhancement, resource mobilization, and the proper monitoring and implementation of the strategies. Through the application of the PACA approach and the above-outlined strategies, Cameroon can reduce the incidence of aflatoxin contamination and its disturbing impacts on consumer health and food security. In conclusion, the findings and recommendations of this paper are highly informative to policymakers, researchers, and other interested stakeholders in Cameroon’s aflatoxin management processes.

Fisheries management for food security in the Maldives

Purpose. The goal of the study was to assess trends in providing food security with a special emphasis on efficiency of the local fisheries and offer evidence-based improvements, which can improve resource management and protect disadvantaged population in the Maldives from nutrition insecurity aggravated by strong import dependency. Methodology / approach. The methodological basis of this study was a set of modern qualitative economic and quantitative mathematical methods including factor analyses, econometric and optimisation modelling. This approach ensured holistic research and reasonable recommendations on providing food security and maintaining efficient fisheries management compared to international experience and intrinsic aspects that determine a fish catch and consumption in the Maldives. Results. The conclusions of the paper relate to the further development of fisheries to combat the identified negative trends in domestic fish consumption and an unstable fish catch by atoll in the Maldives. The conducted factor analysis detected relationships between a fish catch, fishing trips, engaged vessels, fish species, and fishing methods. The study findings proved the optimal locations where it is advisable to establish additional fish storages and ice plants taking into account indicators of a poverty rate, a share of children, and a population density. The research conclusions allow the authors to state that the outlined scientific proposals can essentially improve food security in the Maldives, which is threatened by land shortage and overpopulation. Originality / scientific novelty. The scientific novelty of the work is in presenting a clarified picture of challenges that Maldivian fishermen face nowadays. The scientific novelty lies in the identification of weaknesses in fisheries management and the proposals of areas of potential growth that are crucial for ensuring food security not only on poor islands but for the whole country. Practical value / implications. The main practical value of the research results is the development of recommendations for increasing fish catch and organising post-harvest processing, which are vital for the Maldivian fishery, as it is the country's main export sector. In addition, the study contributes to food security in the Maldives through proposed interventions aimed at supporting the most disadvantaged populations in the scattered atolls.

Integrated transcriptomic and miRNA-seq analysis of Pak-choi provides insight into the molecular mechanisms involved in the preservation of postharvest quality by white LED light irradiation

Low-intensity white light-emitting diode (LED) irradiation effectively delays postharvest senescence in pak-choi at 20 °C and 90 % relative humidity. In this study, RNA-seq and miRNA-seq analyses were conducted on samples collected at 0 d (initial sample) and 5 d (CK and LED-treated samples) to evaluate the regulatory effects of white LED irradiation on miRNA. The resulting data revealed a total of 23 differentially expressed miRNAs (DEmiRNAs) in the CK/LED group on 5 d of storage. LED irradiation induced the expression of AP2 family genes and the biosynthesis of aliphatic glucosinolates by modulating the level of bra-miR172 family miRNAs. LED irradiation also stimulated the expression of genes associated with the photosynthetic pathway in pak-choi and regulated biosynthesis of ascorbic acid and resistance-associated transcription factors by modulating the level of novel miRNAs. Furthermore, LED irradiation suppressed cellulase and polygalacturonase activity, and maintained the pectin content. These findings demonstrate the ability of white LED light irradiation to significantly delay the postharvest senescence process in pak-choi by modulating miRNA expression.

Investing in technology to address labour shortages in UK fresh produce and horticulture: How does this redefine standards of good agricultural practice

The global agri-food sector is becoming more fragile as a result of supply chain shocks like COVID-19, Brexit and conflict, which is posing a growing challenge to the horticultural industry. As a result, it is becoming clearer how crucial seasonal agricultural migrant workers are to ensuring food security. Delivering GAP requires taking into account the effects of COVID-19 and Brexit on the UK’s fresh produce and horticulture sectors as well as the potential for increased demand for automation and Agriculture 4.0. In the medium and long run, the market conditions may favourably accelerate automation and the adoption of Agriculture 4.0 as a workable solution to the workforce shortage. The greatest opportunities for automation and the application of new technology will be found in the transport, harvest, and post-harvest processes. Investment in automation and technology adoption depends on access to finance, appropriate training and upskilling, and other stakeholders’ support (e.g. by retailers). We conclude that understanding the need for automation, embracing Agriculture 4.0, utilising labour schemes, and envisioning how work and farming will change in the future is critical when examining GAP in the context of an integrated approach within the fresh produce and horticulture sectors.

Alternative fermentation method of cocoa beans: The use of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum subsp.plantarum HL-15 as starter culture and valorization of cocoa pulp by-product

Inconsistency in quality remains a problem for Indonesian cocoa beans. This resulted in low-priced cocoa beans, significantly affecting the livelihood of its farmers. Optimization in cocoa bean processing methods focused on practical and high-value-added technology is urgently needed to solve the issue. This study aimed to evaluate the potential application of an alternative method based on de pulping treatment and adding Lactiplantibacillus plantarum subsp. plantarum HL-15 as a starter culture in cocoa post-harvest processing. The physical and sensorial quality of cocoa beans obtained from the method were evaluated. Microbiological growth patterns during fermentation were analyzed to better understand the effect of L. plantarum HL-15 addition. Economic comparative analysis was done to assess the feasibility of implementing the alternative method. The results showed that depulping and adding L. plantarum HL-15 before fermentation could produce high-quality cocoa beans with an outstanding sensory profile. Lactiplantibacillus plantarum subsp. plantarum HL-15 exhibited the ability to regulate microorganism consortia and suppress the growth of fungi. Combining this fermentation technique with by-product utilization based on the production of probiotic drinks could support the smallholder's livelihood by increasing the added value of cocoa beans and providing significant income.

In the Depths of Wash Water: Isolation of Opportunistic Bacteria from Fresh-Cut Processing Plants.

The fruit and vegetable industry in post-harvest processing plants is characterized by a substantial consumption of water resources. Wash waters may serve as an environment for the periodic or permanent habitation of microorganisms, particularly if biofilm forms on the inner walls of tanks and flushing channels. Despite the implementation of integrated food safety monitoring systems in numerous countries, foodborne pathogens remain a global public health and food safety concern, particularly for minimally processed food products such as vegetables and fruits. This necessitates the importance of studies that will explore wash water quality to safeguard minimally processed food against foodborne pathogen contamination. Therefore, the current study aimed to isolate and identify bacteria contaminating the wash waters of four fresh-cut processing plants (Poland) and to evaluate the phenotypic antibiotic resistance profiles in selected species. Bacteria were isolated using membrane filtration and identified through mass spectrometry, followed by antibiotic susceptibility testing according to EUCAST guidelines. The results revealed that the level of contamination with total aerobic bacteria in the water ranged from 1.30 × 106 cfu/mL to 2.54 × 108 cfu/mL. Among the isolates, opportunistic pathogens including Enterococcus faecalis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella oxytoca, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Serratia marcescens, and Proteus vulgaris strains were identified. An especially noteworthy result was the identification of cefepime-resistant K. oxytoca isolates. These findings highlight the importance of monitoring the microbial microflora in minimally processed foods and the need for appropriate sanitary control procedures to minimize the risk of pathogen contamination, ensuring that products remain safe and of high quality throughout the supply chain.

水射流技术在农业领域的应用研究现状

Water jet technology, as a non-contact cutting and crushing technique, is commonly used in industries such as cleaning, rust removal, cutting, drilling, and mining. It enables a green and environmentally friendly production process by avoiding environmental pollution, heat generation, blade replacement, and sharpening issues. Cutting, cleaning, and crushing techniques are widely applied in various stages of agricultural production, but mostly through contact-based methods. The application of non-contact water jet technology in the agricultural field is still in its infancy. This paper summarized the current application status and research progress of water jet technology in different operational stages of agriculture, including sowing, management, field harvesting, and post-harvest processing. The specific requirements of key parameters for different operational objects and stages were analysed. Furthermore, the challenges encountered in the application of water jet technology in agriculture and provides prospects for future research directions were discussed. The review is intended to provide references for the promotion and green sustainable development of water jet technology in the agricultural field.

Integration of volatile and non-volatile metabolite profile, and in vitro digestion reveals the differences between different preparation methods on physico-chemical and biological properties of Gastrodia elata

Gastrodia elata Blume (G. elata) is a traditional medicinal and edible plant whose quality is significantly influenced by post-harvest processing. To obtain an optimal post-harvest processing method for G. elata, this study employed sensory evaluation, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry (GC-IMS), and non-targeted metabolomics, in conjunction with an in vitro digestion model, to assess the impact of different processing and drying methods on the quality of G. elata. The findings showed that the steam treatment followed by heat pump drying resulted in the highest levels of total phenols, total flavonoids, and polysaccharides in G. elata, and caused more pronounced damage to its microstructure. This treatment also maintained the highest antioxidant activities and optimal acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibition capacity throughout in vitro digestion, meanwhile, effectively eliminating the unpleasant odor and achieving the highest sensory scores. Furthermore, non-targeted metabolomic analysis revealed noteworthy alterations in the metabolite profile of G. elata, mainly related to purine metabolism and the biosynthesis of amino acids pathways. This study provides valuable insights into the post-harvest processing of G. elata.

Influence of the Season of Year and Stage of Postharvest Processing on Anthracnose Severity in Bananas in a Savanna Climate in the Brazilian Northeast

ABSTRACTBanana cultivation has great socio‐economic importance in the Cariri region (state of Ceará), Brazil. This study aimed to monitor the severity of anthracnose (caused by Colletotrichum musae) in bananas (cv. Prata) collected at three postharvest processing steps (dehanding, first washing and second washing) in packinghouses of four producing companies (A, B, C and D) in the wet (February–May) and dry (September–December) seasons of production in 2019. Averaged across packing companies and processing stages, disease severity was higher in the wet season (42.4%) than in the dry season (19.6%), but disease variability, expressed by the coefficient of variation, was higher in the dry season. In most cases, there were significant (p ≤ 0.05) differences among processing stages within each packinghouse and season, but the stage with the highest disease severity was not consistent. In other words, there was no predictable change in disease severity from dehanding to first and second washing. It was impossible to identify a single pattern in the severity of anthracnose in banana fruits collected from different companies and stages of postharvest processing, and this may be associated with the management adopted in each production area.