Postharvest Quality Loss Research Articles

Hyperspectral transmittance imaging detection of early decayed oranges caused by Penicillium digitatum using NFINDR-JMSAM algorithm with spectral feature separating

Decay caused by Penicillium spp. is the main cause of postharvest citrus quality loss, moreover, the fungus can quickly infect entire batches of citrus fruit resulting in significant economic losses. However, effective detection of early decay remains a challenge due to the lack of distinct visual features. In this study, a Vis-NIR hyperspectral imaging system was developed to acquire full-transmittance images and an NFINDR-JMSAM algorithm was proposed to segment different image pixels. By extracting pure pixels and separating spectral features, the overall classification accuracy of 99.3 % was obtained for all tested samples. The proposed method can also effectively identify scars on the flavedo, citrus stem-end and navel, thereby eliminating their interference with the detection of decayed orange fruit. This study provided a new idea for accurately detecting the early decayed citrus fruit and visualizing the detection results for different tissues by combining hyperspectral transmittance imaging and NFINDR-JMSAM algorithm.

A synoptic review of deficit irrigation methods: sustainable water-saving strategies in vegetable cultivation

ABSTRACT It is elusive and highly challenging to sustain the productivity of vegetable commodities under limited available natural resources and anticipated future climatic scenarios. Amongst available natural resources, water remains the most limiting factor. Present vegetable cultivation practices involve the utilization of excessive quantities of water, thereby leading to the wastage of precious water resources. Therefore, sustainable management of irrigation water is crucial for future vegetable cultivation, as most vegetable crops are vulnerable to water scarcity at different growth stages, which can result in yield and post-harvest quality losses. Adoption of deficit irrigation (DI) is one of the sustainable irrigation water management approaches. DI is a sustainable water-saving approach, as irrigation water is applied in limited or lower quantities than the actual evapotranspiration-based crop water requirement. Strategic application of water at the right time and quantity with the right technique can greatly improve water use efficiency and water productivity. It could also enhance the post-harvest quality with marginal yield loss. Yield losses whatsoever could be compensated by expanding agricultural areas in water-scarce zones by adopting the DI strategy. This review discusses the concept and types of DI and examines its implications for the morpho-physiology and productivity of commercially important vegetable crops.

Changes in fruit quality properties and phytochemical substances of kiwifruit (Actinidia deliciosa) grown in different agro-ecological conditions during cold storage

BackgroundThe changes in the physical structures of the products are the first things that consumers pay attention to. Therefore, it is essential and significant importance to take measures to improve the storage conditions of products and to minimize quality losses. The main objective of the study was to evaluate the effects of agro-ecological conditions on bioactive compounds and fruit quality of kiwifruit during cold storage. The ‘Hayward’ kiwifruit cultivar grown in Ordu, Giresun, Samsun, Rize, and Yalova provinces of Türkiye were kept at 0 ± 0.5 °C and relative humidity of 90 ± 5% for 150 d.ResultsThe kiwifruit obtained from the provinces of Yalova, Ordu, and Giresun experienced the least weight loss during cold storage. Kiwifruit from Samsun and Yalova provinces had the lowest fruit firmness, while those from Giresun had the highest on 150th d. The changes were observed in the skin and flesh colors of the kiwifruit belonging to all cultivation areas. The amount of vitamin C increased throughout the study in all ecological conditions, but the Yalova province’s kiwifruit was found to have the highest levels. Additionally, in all ecologies, kiwifruit showed an increase in antioxidant activity, total phenolics, and total flavonoids, all known to have beneficial effects on human health. The total antioxidant activity and total phenolics were highest in the kiwifruit of Yalova province, but the total flavonoids were found in the kiwifruit of Rize and Ordu provinces.ConclusionThe study’s results revealed that kiwifruit’s bioactive compounds and quality parameters may vary depending on the cultivation area. Additionally, it can be stated that Yalova province kiwifruit experiences the least amount of postharvest quality losses.

Challenges in Assessing Repellency via the Behavioral Response by the Global Pest Tribolium castaneum to Protect Stored Grains.

Food security is an increasingly pressing global issue, and by 2050, food production will not be sufficient to feed the growing population. Part of global food insecurity can be attributed to post-harvest losses, including quantity and quality losses caused by stored-product pests like insects. It is thus timely to find management strategies to mitigate these losses and counteract food insecurity. The red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae), a global stored-product pest with a wide range of food sources, was used in this study to assess repellency to a selection of essential oils. Multiple behaviorally relevant methods were used to determine the efficacy of the essential oils in assays to pinpoint the most promising repellents. Experiments were used to assess individual and group behaviors with or without airflow and examined the behavioral variation in distance moved and the time spent away from the oil. It was found that exposure to essential oils and conditions of experimentation considerably influenced T. castaneum's behavioral response, but a clear candidate for repellency could not be chosen based on the collected data. Follow-up research is needed to pinpoint repellents for integrated pest management practices to protect grains from stored-product pests and to justify their use in and around commodities.

Edible coatings on postharvest quality of cherry tomatoes grown in organic and conventional systems

Cherry tomatoes belong to a promising new group of table cultivars, but show significant post-harvest quality losses, which can be reduced with edible coatings use, considered eco-sustainable. In view of the high perishability of tomatoes, the aim of this research was to evaluate the effect of different edible coatings on the shelf life of cherry tomatoes, cultivar Sweet Heaven, under organic and conventional cultivation. The experiment was conducted at the Instituto Federal Goiano, Campus Morrinhos, GO, Brazil, and the treatments were composed of coatings of chitosan, cassava starch, lactic acid and control (no coating). The samples were stored at a room with environment external temperature (± 27°C) for 20 days, arranged in a completely randomized design, with three replications. Every 2 days, the following were evaluated: fresh mass loss and moisture; pH, titratable acidity, soluble solids, lycopene, reducing sugar, vitamin C and ash; and molds and yeasts. Data were submitted to ANOVA and Tukey’s test (p<0.05). The organic system promoted greater shelf life and fruit quality of cherry tomatoes, compared to the conventional. The coating with chitosan provided longer shelf life of organic cherry tomatoes, compared to the other coatings studied, being a strong ally in reducing post-harvest waste and increasing the commercial value of the organic product, with economic strengthening for producers and traders, in addition to reduction of damage to the environment. Under conventional cultivation, the evaluated coatings were not efficient in increasing the shelf life of cherry tomatoes, requiring further studies for this condition.

Combined application of hot water and hexanal-based formulations preserves the postharvest quality of mango fruits.

Mango fruits undergo numerous postharvest quality losses during storage. Hence, the present study aimed to increase the shelf life of mango fruits by applying hexanal-based enhanced freshness formulations (EFF) in combination with hot water treatment (HWT). The findings revealed that, among all the tested applications, the combination of EFF 1.0% + HWT reduced the weight loss, decay incidence, and activity of cell wall degrading enzymes of mango fruits. Also, the combined treatment was effective in maintaining the fruit quality parameters such as soluble solid contents, titratable acidity, ascorbic acid and activity of antioxidant compounds. The present study concludes that the postharvest application of EEF 1.0% in combination with HWT can be used in extending the shelf life of mango cv. 'Langra,' fruits stored at 12° C and 85-90% relative humidity for 35 days. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Transcriptome profiling reveals postharvest quality losses of pink Auricularia cornea

The visually appealing pink Auricularia cornea (PAC) underwent noticeable discoloration when stored at 4 °C, adversely affecting their eye-catching colors, texture, and commercial value. The mechanisms underlying the quality losses during storage remained understudied. Here, data from 12 physiological indicators, 14 texture or color-related indicators, and transcriptome dynamics across 6 stages spanning 35 d were comprehensively evaluated. The results reveal a loss of key quality indicators, such as color, hardness, springiness, cohesiveness, chewiness, and resilience, etc. Enzyme activities associated with low-temperature stress exhibit fluctuating patterns. Quality remains acceptable when refrigerated for seven days. RNA sequencing revealed 1,106 to 1,974 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), based on 4-fold changes and validated via RT-qPCR. DEGs were enriched in processes including cell wall macromolecule catabolism, oxidation-reduction, and alcohol metabolism, along with KEGG pathways related to amino acid, galactose, and lipid metabolism. This study offers valuable insights into optimizing the postharvest preservation of PAC during refrigeration.

Preservation of Postharvest Quality of Fresh-Cut Cauliflower through Exogenous Putrescine, Citric Acid and Salicylic Acid Treatments

Cauliflower is among the perishable vegetables after harvest. In recent years, the popularity of fresh-cut cauliflower has increased among consumers as a minimally processed product. This study was carried out to determine the effects of exogenous putrescine (PUT), citric acid (CA) and salicylic acid (SA) treatments on postharvest quality of fresh-cut cauliflower stored at 4±0.5 °C and 90±5% relative humidity for 21 days. In the study, a total of seven different treatments using two different doses (0.5 and 1.0 mM) of PUT, CA and SA were investigated. To evaluate the quality of fresh-cut cauliflower, the necessary measurements and analyzes were performed at periodic intervals on days 0, 7, 14, and 21 of storage. The results demonstrated that quality properties changed significantly depending on the postharvest treatments and storage durations. With the increase of storage duration, weight loss and ash content increased, while K, Zn and Cu contents decreased. In general, the treatments examined in the study had positive effects on postharvest quality of cauliflower. Among the treatments, especially 1.0 mM PUT was found to be more effective. Compared to the control, 1.0 mM PUT treatment decreased weight loss by 61.32%, though it increased protein content by 14.48% and P content by 21.55%. It was concluded that 1.0 mM PUT treatment can be recommended as an alternative application method to extend the storage life of fresh-cut cauliflower and reduce postharvest quality losses.

PRESERVING THE POSTHARVEST QUALITY OF THOMPSON SEEDLESS GRAPE BY USING PROPOLIS AND ALOE VERA GEL COATING

This study was aimed to save Thompson Seedless grapes and quality has been preserved through cold storage using an edible covering made from propolis and aloe vera gel. Thompson grapes have high value economically, but after they are picked, their shelf life is reduced due to a rapid decline in quality. Based on the rapid weight loss, low carotene content, softening, and frequent berry degradation, uncoated berries exhibited a rapid deterioration at 5°C and 85–90% relative humidity (RH). On the contrary, the above criteria relating to post-harvest quality losses were greatly delayed in those berries treated with propolis and aloe vera gel and may extend the storability up to 30 days at 5°C. Interestingly, weight loss, berries cracking, and decaying which greatly increased in uncoated berries throughout storage—were reduced by this edible coating. According to the author's knowledge, propolis has never been used as an edible coating on grapes, which would be a novel and intriguing way for it to be used commercially and a substitute for the usage of chemical treatments during postharvest.

Effect of storage duration and storage technologies on pest infestations and post-harvest quality loss of stored sesame seeds in Ethiopia

Sesame seeds, being a crucial traditional oilseed crop in Ethiopia, face challenges related to storage and insect pests that can adversely affect their quality and quantity. Farmers often sell their sesame seeds immediately after harvest at lower prices due to concerns about pest damage during storage. This study aimed to assess the impact of different storage containers and storage durations on reducing infestation by storage insect pests and minimizing losses of stored sesame seeds over a six-month period. The findings revealed that hermetic storage solutions, particularly PICS and SGP bags, effectively suppressed insect development, minimized losses, and maintained seed viability without the need for insecticides. Weight loss in PICS and SGP bags remained consistent regardless of the storage duration, whereas jute and PP bags exhibited a significant increase in weight loss. Lower seed germination rates were observed in PP and jute bags, whereas PICS and SGP bags maintained consistent germination rates throughout the storage period. PICS and SGP bags also exhibited a significant decrease in oxygen levels and an increase in carbon dioxide levels, contributing to the reduction in insect infestation. In comparison, traditional storage bags such as jute and PP bags exhibited higher insect counts, seed damage, and greater weight loss compared to hermetic bags. Therefore, hermetic storage solutions are recommended for farmers to minimize losses and preserve seed viability. During the study, three insect species were identified as the most prevalent in stored sesame seeds: Corcyra cephalonica, Tribolium spp (T. castaneum & T. confusum), and Rhyzopetha dominica. The maximum insect counts of these species were recorded in jute bags. At the beginning of the experiment, the average seed damage across all storage units was 1.9%, which increased to 14.1% in jute bags and 9.3% in PP bags after six months of storage.

Bi-objective model for multi-level supply chain by focusing on quality of agricultural products: a case study

PurposeDue to the importance of quality to customers, this study considers criteria of quality and profit and optimizes both in a multi-echelon cold chain of perishable agricultural products whose quality immediately begins to deteriorate after harvest. The two objectives of the proposed cold chain are to maximize profit and quality. Since postharvest quality loss in the supply chain depends on various decisions and factors, in addition to strategic decisions, the authors consider the temperature setting in refrigerated facilities and transportation vehicles due to the unfixed shelf life of the products which is related to the temperature found by Arrhenius formula.Design/methodology/approachThe authors use bi-objective mixed-integer nonlinear programming to design a four-echelon supply chain. The authors integrate the supply chain echelons to detect the sources and factors of quality loss. The four echelons include supply, processing, storage and customer. The decisions, including facility location, assigning nodes of each echelon to corresponding nodes from the adjacent echelon, allocation of vehicles to transport the products from farms to wholesalers, processing selection, and temperature setting in refrigerated facilities, are made in an integrated way. Model verification and validation in the case study are done based on three perishable herbal plants.FindingsThe model obtains a 29% profit against a total cost of 71 and 93% of original quality of the crops is maintained, indicating a 7% quality loss. The final quality of 93% is the result of making a US$6m investment in the supply chain, including the procurement of high-quality raw materials; facility establishment; high-speed, high-capacity vehicles; location assignment; processing selection and refrigeration equipment in the storage and transportation systems, helping to maximize both the final quality of the products and the total profit.Research limitations/implicationsThe proposed supply chain model should help managers with modeling decisions, especially when it comes to cold chains for agricultural products. The model yields these results – optimal location-allocation decisions for the facilities to minimize distances between the network nodes, which save time and maintain the majority of the products’ original quality; choosing the most appropriate processing method, which reduces the perishability rate; providing high-capacity, high-speed vehicles in the logistics system, which minimizes transportation costs and maximizes the quality; and setting the right temperature in the refrigerated facilities, which mitigates the postharvest decay reaction rate of the products.Practical implicationsComparison of the results of the present research with those of the traditional chain (obtained through experts) shows that since the designed chain increases the profit as well as the final quality, it has benefits for the main chain stakeholders, which are customers of agricultural products. This study model is expected to have a positive impact on the environment by placing strong emphasis on quality and preventing excessive waste generation and air pollution by imposing a financial penalty on extra demand production.Social implicationsSince profit and quality of the final product are two important factors in all cultures and communities, the proposed supply chain model can be used in any food industry around the world. Applying the proposed model induces growth in local industries and promotes the culture of prioritizing quality in societies.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first research on a bi-objective four-echelon (supply, processing, storage and customer) postharvest supply chain for agricultural products including that integrates transportation logistics and considers the deterioration rate of products as a time-dependent variable at different levels of decision-making.

Platinum nanoparticles supported on dendritic mesoporous silica nanoparticles with tunable size as ethylene scavengers for food preservation

Platinum-loaded dendritic mesoporous silica catalysts (Pt/DMS) with the size controlled by changing the molar ratio of NaSal/CTAB (φ) were successfully prepared using an incipient impregnating method. The resulting catalysts with high specific surface areas and distinctive central-radial pore channels exhibited excellent ethylene catalytic oxidation at low temperatures, enabling the complete ethylene conversion at 25 °C for 60 h and even at 0 °C for 200 min. The φ value plays an important role in controlling the DMS support structure and Pt activity. The high efficiency of low-temperature ethylene oxidation and long-term stability for Pt/DMS are attributed to high Pt dispersion, small Pt size, high Pt0 content and the rapid CO oxidation process. As an ethylene scavenger, Pt/DMS delayed the postharvest decay, deterioration, and storage quality loss of bananas and avocados, demonstrating the significant potential of as-prepared catalysts in the applications associated with fruit and vegetable (F&V) preservation.

The Effects of Some Post-Harvest Organic Acid Treatments on the Storage Quality of Brussels Sprouts

In this study, the effects of ascorbic, folic, and salicylic acid treatments on post-harvest quality losses in 'Franklin F1' Brussels sprouts stored at 4°C for 28 days were investigated. Weight loss (%), color values (L*, a*, b*), total soluble solids (TSS, %), pH, titrable acidity (TA, %), total chlorophyll (mg/g), and CO2 concentration (ppm) were all measured at 7-day intervals. When the findings were compared to the control group, it was observed that all of the treatments were effective in reducing losses in the examined properties. At the end of the storage period, it was found that ascorbic acid was the most effective in terms of weight loss, pH, and TA features, salicylic acid in terms of L* value, and folic acid in terms of preventing pH, total chlorophyll, and CO2 concentration changes. There has been no research on the effects of ascorbic, folic, and salicylic acid treatments in Brussels sprouts during the post-harvest period, and the goal of this study is to fill in the gaps in the literature and give light on future research. It is thought that determining the appropriate doses of the treatments performed in future studies, as well as examining the efficiency of the treatments in more detail, will be beneficial.

Uçucu Yağ Uygulamalarının Depolama Devresinde Şeker Pancarı (Beta vulgaris L.) Kalitesine Etkileri

This study was carried out in order to determine the effects of dill, clove and hyssop essential oils and fungicides applied on sugar beet roots on beet storage quality during the storage period. The roots of Esperanza (KWS) variety, which was produced in the experimental areas in 2019, were used in the study. Roots were treated with 100, 500 and 1000 ppm doses of dill (Anethum graveolens L.), clove (Szygium aromaticum) and hyssop (Echinophora tenuifolia) essential oils, synthetic fungicide (80% Thiram) and Tween-80 right after harvest and the roots were placed in the storage. Weight loss of roots determined at 15-day intervals from the beginning of the storage period, dry matter ratio, brix, polar sugar, reducing sugar and alpha amino nitrogen contents, phytotoxicity and fungal infection development at the end of the 3-month storage period. The applications made in the research significantly affected the post-harvest weight and quality losses in beet. Depending on the applications, the weight losses at the end of the 3-month storage period varied between 9.43-19.90%, and the weight losses in essential oil applications were lower than the control. The highest dry matter content and brix values were obtained from clove essential oil and fungicide and Tween-80 applications. While Tween-80 and fungicide applications increased the polar sugar content compared to the control, 1000 ppm clove essential oil caused a significant decrease in the polar sugar content. In the study, reducing sugar and alpha amino nitrogen contents of roots applied 1000 ppm essential oil E. tenuifolia essential oil were lower. E. tenuifolia essential oil showed the highest antifungal activity against white mold and green mold infections. It was concluded that with the application of essential oil to the roots after the harvest, both weight and quality losses and the development of fungal diseases can be reduced, however, some active substances may cause phytotoxicity in the roots.

Relationships of Matrix Metalloproteinase 1 and a Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase to Collagen Metabolism in Haliotis discus hannai.

In response to physical, chemical, and/or biological stimuli, considerable tissue self-degradation occurs in abalone, causing severe post-harvest quality loss. During this process, the extracellular matrix (ECM) is greatly degraded by endogenous proteases. The main component of the ECM is collagen, primarily type I collagen. Although the activity of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), which can specifically degrade collagen, is precisely regulated by tissue inhibitors of MPs (TIMPs), indicating that MMPs and TIMPs play crucial roles in the regulation of tissue self-degradation, few studies have reported the interaction between MMPs and TIMPs. In this study, we reveal collagenases to participate in postmortem tissue self-degradation of Haliotis discus hannai by degrading type I collagen. The recombinant MMP-1 catalytic domain (rMMP1c) of abalone with high purity and enzyme activity is expressed using a prokaryotic expression system. The optimum temperature and pH for rMMP1c are 37 °C and 7.0, respectively. The thermal denaturation temperature of rMMP1c is 67.0 ± 0.9 °C. Ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) and 1,10-phenanthroline can completely inhibit rMMP1c activity, while Ba2+, Ca2+, and Mg2+ can significantly elevate it. TIMP is also expressed using HEK 293F cells. Recombinant TIMP (rTIMP) shows good inhibitory activity toward rMMP1c. Inhibition kinetics analyses reveal rTIMP to be a competitive inhibitor of rMMP1c. Biolayer interferometry reveals that rTIMP can effectively bind with rMMP1c, with an equilibrium dissociation constant value of 263 nM. rMMP1c effectively degrades type I collagen γ-β-α chains in turn, and rTIMP can significantly inhibit rMMP1c degradation activity. These results provide a theoretical basis for the study of MMP and TIMP interaction and elucidate the possible mechanism for abalone tissue self-degradation.

Postharvest Management Practices of Maize in Ethiopia: A Review

Postharvest losses and their management practices of Maize production in Ethiopia were overviewed. Agriculture is vital for addressing food security problems in Ethiopia. Agriculture contributes to overcoming the food security problem through growth that distributes its benefits as widely as possible by increasing production and productivity. About 30 to 50 per cent postharvest loss is because of inappropriate collection, transport, storage and pest control systems in Ethiopia were found tremendous for different cereal grains. The review was done by collecting the various published and unpublished materials relevant information from different literature sources like libraries, research report, journals, books and Internet center. Postharvest quantity and quality loss of cereal grains in developing countries appear to be initiated mostly at the farm level, so the potential solutions for the problem are needed at the same level. To minimize losses and increase the shelf life of the food grains which inhibit the growth of pests and provide proper storage facilities, appropriate packaging materials and transportation facilities are required. A corrective suggestion on suitable approaches to loss reduction in postharvest handling of maize grains was reviewed. As the result of review, it concludes that further studies are needed concerning physical, bio-chemical and socio-economic aspects at each production level.

Increasing the Storability of Fresh-Cut Green Beans by Using Chitosan as a Carrier for Tea Tree and Peppermint Essential Oils and Ascorbic Acid.

The quality of fresh-cut green beans deteriorates rapidly in storage, which contributes to increased food waste and lower perceived customer value. However, chitosan (Cs) and certain plant essential oils show promise in reducing postharvest quality loss during storage. Here, the effect of Cs and the combinations of Cs + tea tree oil (TTO), Cs +x peppermint oil (PMO), and Cs + ascorbic acid (AsA) on the quality of fresh-cut green bean pods (FC-GB) is studied over a 15-d storage period at 5 °C. All four FC-GB treatments reduced weight loss and maintained firmness during storage when compared to uncoated FC-GB. Furthermore, all treatments showed higher total chlorophyll content, AsA, total phenolic compounds, and total sugars compared to the control. The best treatment for reducing microbial growth was a combination of Cs + AsA. Additionally, the combination of Cs with TTO, PMO, or AsA showed a significant reduction in the browning index and increased the antioxidant capacity of FC-GB up to 15 d postharvest.

Suppression of internal browning and maintenance of antioxidants in beeswax plus salicylic acid coated pear fruit during different storage conditions

SummaryPostharvest application of edible waxes blended with antioxidants is an effective strategy to regulate postharvest quality and antioxidant losses in fruits. Effect of beeswax coatings (BW 1.0% and 2.0%) alone or enriched with salicylic acid (SA) on antioxidant properties of pear fruit was studied during 67 days of cold storage and 20 days of supermarket storage conditions respectively. Results showed that under both the storage conditions fruits coated with BW + SA maintained higher total phenolic content (TPC), antioxidant activity and ascorbic acid content (AsA) as compared to the control. Furthermore, combined coatings significantly reduced polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activities and inhibited internal browning (IB) in pears throughout cold and supermarket storage. Overall, the BW 2.0% + SA 2.0 mM exhibited the most competitive effect in terms of preserving the antioxidant properties and preventing internal browning in pears during storage.

Comprehensive Assessment of the Dynamics of Banana Chilling Injury by Advanced Optical Techniques

Green-ripe banana fruit are sensitive to chilling injury (CI) and, thus, prone to postharvest quality losses. Early detection of CI facilitates quality maintenance and extends shelf life. CI affects all metabolic levels, with membranes and, consequently, photosynthesis being primary targets. Optical techniques such as chlorophyll a fluorescence analysis (CFA) and spectroscopy are promising tools to evaluate CI effects in photosynthetically active produce. Results obtained on bananas are, however, largely equivocal. This results from the lack of a rigorous evaluation of chilling impacts on the various aspects of photosynthesis. Continuous and modulated CFA and imaging (CFI), and VIS remission spectroscopy (VRS) were concomitantly applied to noninvasively and comprehensively monitor photosynthetically relevant effects of low temperatures (5 °C, 10 °C, 11.5 °C and 13 °C). Detailed analyses of chilling-related variations in photosynthetic activity and photoprotection, and in contents of relevant pigments in green-ripe bananas, helped to better understand the physiological changes occurring during CI, highlighting that distinct CFA and VRS parameters comprehensively reflect various effects of chilling on fruit photosynthesis. They revealed why not all CFA parameters can be applied meaningfully for early detection of chilling effects. This study provides relevant requisites for improving CI monitoring and prediction.

Supply Chain and Logistics of Fish: A Case Study of Jamalpur District Markets in Bangladesh

Fishery sector plays a vital role in the socio-economic development of Bangladesh. In the fish economy of Bangladesh, one of the most flourishing traffic activities is fish marketing. This study was aimed to investigate the fish species availability, supply chain, quality loss, price behavior and constrains associated with fish marketing in order to provide better suggestion for efficient fish marketing in Jamalpur district of Bangladesh. Data were collected form Sadar upazila markets by using a structured interview schedule, focus group discussions (FGD) and key informant interviews (KII) with the stakeholders involved in supplying fish from farm to fork, such as- aratdars, retailers, and consumers during 2020-21. A total 78 fish species were found (72 Fresh water and 2 Marine water), among them 20 frequently, 17 less amount, 25 occasionally, and 16 species were rarely available in the market. It was estimated that 72% fish species were sourced from culture fishery whereas 28% were from capture fishery. About 91.5% fishes in Jamalpur markets were supplied locally, whereas rests were from other districts. The post-harvest quality losses of fish in the sampled markets were assessed which indicate that small indigenous species (SIS) spoiled quicker than medium to large sizes fishes due to different factors. The price behavior of the fish market influenced by the demand of the fish species, quality, size, catching sources (culture fishery or capture fishery) and the purchasing time (beginning, middle or last time of market). The study found positive correlation between the market price and fish quality. Several problems of fish market were identified resulting consumer dissatisfaction and financial losses for fish traders. Considering the importance of fish market to the economy, this study suggested to take necessary steps for establishing modern fish market to ensure the adequate quality maintenance of fish with efficient marketing.