Postharvest Handling Methods Research Articles

Karakteristik Fisikokimia dan Sifat Fungsional Pati Alami Ubi Kayu Hasil Ekstraksi Secara Sederhana

Starch production is one of the post-harvest handling methods for cassava, and the resulting native starch can serve as a basic ingredient in various food industries. Understanding the physicochemical and functional properties of native starch and starch modifications such as profiles, gelatinization, retrogradation of starch paste, and rheological features is necessary to determine the appropriate application of starch in different products. This study aimed to determine cassava starch's characteristics, focusing on its physicochemical and functional properties to provide value. Native starch produced from cassava variety Adira-4 tends to exhibit relatively high viscosity (9084 cP), low solubility (0.4%), fairly low swelling power (35.39%), and low clarity (49.5%). Its brightness level was 84.81%, which was lower than the quality standard set by the Standard Nasional Indonesia (SNI). It also possessed type A crystallinity with more compact properties, limiting its application due to its functional properties.

Post Harvest Handling of Fruit Crops

Fruits are classified as perishable agricultural commodities. When fruits are harvested prematurely or when they are overripe, their storage life is shortened and their quality deteriorates. Therefore, it is important to harvest fruits at the appropriate stage of maturity in order to ensure good quality and better storage. Nevertheless, the inadequate implementation of proper handling techniques for agricultural produce has led to a significant occurrence of post-harvest losses, resulting in the wastage of valuable resources such as time and financial investments. The lack of appropriate handling procedures and chemical treatment methods are leading to significant losses in commodities. Therefore, it can be deduced that producers are currently experiencing significant economic detriment as a result of inadequate handling techniques, insufficient understanding of the underlying factors contributing to postharvest loss, and a dearth of effective preservation methodologies. However, the mitigation of loss can be achieved through the implementation of appropriate management and handling procedures. This review focuses on various aspects of post-harvest handling methods for preservation of fruits for longer time for processing and value addition.

Total yeast and mold levels in high THC-containing cannabis (Cannabis sativa L.) inflorescences are influenced by genotype, environment, and pre-and post-harvest handling practices.

Total yeast and mold (TYM) levels in inflorescences of high THC-containing Cannabis sativa (cannabis) are regulated to ensure that medicinal and recreational users, especially those with immunocompromised systems, are not exposed to potentially harmful levels. In North America, the limits imposed range from 1,000-10,000 cfu/g of dried product to 50,000-100,000 cfu/g, depending on the jurisdiction. Factors affecting a build-up of TYM in cannabis inflorescences have not been previously researched. In this study, >2,000 fresh and dried samples were assayed for TYM over a 3-year period (2019-2022) to identify specific factors which can contribute to TYM levels. Greenhouse-grown inflorescences were sampled before and after commercial harvest, homogenized for 30 s, and plated onto potato dextrose agar (PDA) with 140 mg/L streptomycin sulfate. Colony-forming-units (cfu) were rated after 5 days of incubation at 23°C under 10-14 h light. PDA provided more consistent counts of cfu compared to Sabouraud dextrose and tryptic soy agars. The predominant fungal genera identified by PCR of the ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 region of rDNA were Penicillium, Aspergillus, Cladosporium, and Fusarium. In addition, four yeast genera were recovered. In total, 21 species of fungi and yeasts constituted the total cfu present in the inflorescences. The variables that significantly (p < 0.05) increased these TYM levels in inflorescences were: the genotype (strain) grown, presence of leaf litter in the greenhouse, harvesting activity by workers, genotypes with a higher abundance of stigmatic tissues and inflorescence leaves, higher temperature and relative humidity within the inflorescence microclimate, time of year (May-October), method of drying buds after harvest, and inadequate drying of buds. The variables which significantly (p < 0.05) decreased TYM in samples were: genotypes with lower numbers of inflorescence leaves, air circulation achieved by fans during inflorescence maturation, harvesting during November-April, hang-drying of entire inflorescence stems, and drying to a moisture content of 12-14% (water activity of 0.65-0.7) or lower which was inversely correlated with cfu levels. Under these conditions, the majority of dried commercial cannabis samples contained <1,000-5,000 cfu/g. Our findings indicate that TYM in cannabis inflorescences are the result of a dynamic interaction between genotype, environment, and post-harvest handling methods. Some of these factors may be altered by cannabis producers to reduce the potential build-up of these microbes. Among the 21 fungal and yeast species recovered from greenhouse-grown cannabis inflorescences, a few could pose a potential threat to human health, while many do not and they could provide beneficial interactions within the cannabis plant. The currently recommended plating methods onto agar media and enumeration of total cfu are unable to distinguish between these two groups.

EVALUATING THE ECOPHYSIOLOGY OF SURVIVAL FOR MAPANIA CUSPIDATA (MIQ.) UITTIEN (CYPERACEAE) TRANSPLANTATION

SHABDIN, Z., NORI, H., MEEKIONG, K. &amp; FAIZ, M. F. M. 2021. Evaluating the ecophysiology of survival for Mapania cuspidata (Miq.) Uittien (Cyperaceae) transplantation. Reinwardtia 20(2): 69–75. — This study aimed to investigate the ecology of the sedge Mapania cuspidata at three different locations in East Malaysia, namely Gunung Gading, Matang and Bengoh, and the survival of M. cuspidata transplanted in pots exposed to different light intensities in Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, East Malaysia. The highest species density was recorded in Matang with a total density of 1.98 individuals/ha followed by Bengoh (1.42) and Gunung Gading (0.96). In these locations, the soil pH ranged from 4.9 in Bengoh to 5.7 in Matang where as soil organic matter content was between 3.47% in Bengoh and 8.68% in Gunung Gading. The highest light intensity was recorded in Matang with 0.94 kLux, and produced plants with the highest chorophyll content (64.8 SPAD value). This study found that the transplanted M. cuspidata had 90% survival over a four month experiment, produced ~ 8 new leaves, took an average of 15.8 days to produce a new leaf and had a chlorophyll content of ~30.3 SPAD value regardless of the intensity of light where the plants were exposed to. The findings of this study suggests that M. cuspidata can grow well in any light conditions and therefore it is also possible to transplant and re-establish other Mapania species in new location. It is hoped that the initiative to relocateother Mapania species of concervation concern will be effective if adequate post-harvest handling methods are practiced.

Perceptions of Smallholder Farmers on Influence of Packaging Postharvest Handling Technology on Quality of Tomatoes in Kisii and Nyamira Counties, Kenya

Reduction of damages, retention of quality of fresh horticultural produce as well as protection against mechanical damages is due to proper packaging. The study aimed at assessing perceptions of smallholder farmers on influence of packaging postharvest handling technologies on quality of tomatoes in the counties of Kisii and Nyamira. The study objective was to assess perceptions of smallholder farmers on influence of postharvest handling methods of packaging on quality of tomatoes in Kisii and Nyamira Counties. The research used descriptive survey research design, multistage sampling technique, purposive sampling to sample counties of Kisii and Nyamira, simple random sampling to sample three sub counties of Kisii Central, Bomachoge Borabu and Borabu Sub Counties. A total of 168 registered smallholder farmers from a target population of 1001 were sampled. Extension officers from Kisii Central, Kenyenya and Borabu were contacted and informed on the purpose of the interview, importance of data in research and the need to respond truthfully to ensure that data collected is reliable. The semi-structured questionnaire was administered to smallholder tomato farmers. Descriptive statistics was analyzed in the form of percentages, means and standard deviation and presented in the form of tables and charts. Inferential statistics was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS) version 20 software. Pearson’s Correlation was used to show the relationships between the variables of dependent and independent with results revealing that methods of packaging had weak positive influence on postharvest quality of tomatoes (r=.286, p&lt;.05). Therefore, necessity to sensitize smallholder farmers on principles of proper packaging of tomato for quality delivery to the market.

Post-harvest losses of citrus fruits and perceptions of farmers in marketing decisions

Citrus is a non-climacteric fruit that breaks easily. Poor postharvest handling methods have resulted in severe losses to farmers. This research was conducted in 2017 at Dau Subdistrict, Malang Regency, East Java, using a purposive sampling method to understanding the losses of citrus fruits and perceptions of farmers in marketing decisions. A total of 177 citrus farmers participated in this study. Citrus farmers experienced food loss and waste is 34% in total all activity. From the value chain activities carried out by most citrus farmers: production and harvesting, handling and storage, processing, and packaging, as well as distribution and markets, farmers experience food loss and waste of 13%, 10%, 4%, and 7% respectively. Postharvest losses were influenced by farmers' perceptions of selling citrus fruits, especially prices, cash payments and the frequency of delivery of citrus fruits. By knowing the critical point most detrimental, farmers can take action to minimize losses.

Mould Characterization and Mycotoxin Quantification of Chia Seeds (Salvia hispanica L.) Grown in Kenya

Chia seeds are functional food that have been considered highly nutritious. They have high levels of polyunsaturated fatty acid content therefore counteract lifestyle disorder such as cardiovascular diseases. This study sought to determine the level of mould contamination in chia seeds; enumeration and characterization of the types of molds and quantification of mycotoxin level, for chia seeds grown and sold in Kenya. A complete randomized block design with triplicates was used in the study. Samples were collected at random from farmers and distributors in Nyeri, Nakuru, Busia and Trans Nzoia counties. Moulds species were isolated from PDA and MEA Medias and morphological characteristics was determined under X 40 magnification power. Mould counts were found to be between 1.33 X 103cfu/ml to 2.67 X 103cfu/ml. Mould characterization done by microscopic and macroscopic technique showed evidence of Rhizopus spp, Trichoderma spp and Fusarium spp. Amongst the three genera found, Rhizopus spp was the predominantly occurring mould. The percentage moisture content of chia seeds samples ranged from 6.49&amp;plusmn;1.26 and 9.16&amp;plusmn;0.43. Significant variations on moisture content (p&amp;lt; 0.05) were observed among chia samples from different farmers. Aflatoxin was not detected in all chia samples. It can therefore be concluded that the chia samples were not contaminated with aflatoxin although different species of mold were present. Farmers need to be trained on proper postharvest handling methods of chia seeds, as well as proper storage and an objective method of analyzing the moisture content of the chia seeds need to be developed.

FUNGAL INFECTION OF STORED ARABICA COFFEE (Coffea arabica) BEANS IN SOUTH SULAWESI PROVINCE, INDONESIA

Indonesia is the world’s fourth-largest coffee producer after Brazil, Vietnam, and Columbia, in which one of its well-known coffee originates from the Toraja region, South Sulawesi. As such, Indonesia has to compete with these countries in producing good quality coffee beans. Consequently, this research aimed (a) to obtain information on the postharvest handling methods of Arabica coffee (C. arabica) beans in Tana Toraja, North Toraja Regencies, and Makassar Municipality, Indonesia, and (b) to investigate the occurrence of fungi (including ochratoxin A producing fungi) in stored Arabica coffee beans collected from various stages of the delivery chain. The data collection process included surveys, interviews, and sample collections conducted in May and July 2016 at each level of the delivery chain. The moisture content (MC) and the physical quality of the beans were also measured to determine its quality. Sixty-four (64) coffee bean samples were collected, consisting of 27 samples from the farmers, 15 samples from the collectors, 13 samples from the traders, and 9 samples from the exporters. The results showed that the moisture contents of coffee beans collected from the farmers and bean collectors (42.5%) were significantly higher than the maximum tolerable limit determined by the Indonesian National Standard (SNI) (13%), while the MC of the beans from the traders and exporters (9.7-10.9%) was significantly lower. Based on the total defective values, coffee beans from the farmers had more diverse grades (1-6) than those at other levels. Penicillium citrinum was the dominant fungus found in those beans collected from the farmers, collectors, and traders, while Aspergillus niger was the dominant fungus found in those beans from the exporters. At trader level, 46% of the samples were infected by Aspergillus ochraceus and A. niger, which are known as ochratoxin A (OTA) producing fungi. At exporter level, 44% of the samples were infected by A. ochraceus, while 78% of the samples were infected by A. niger. Thus, the postharvest handling methods conducted especially by farmers and collectors of Arabica coffee beans should be improved to reduce the moisture content and to increase the grade quality of the coffee beans.

Post-Harvest Handling Practices and Losses for Legumes and Starchy Staples in Uganda

High postharvest losses in developing countries negate the efforts geared towards improving food security. Poor produce quality including high prevalence of mycotoxin contamination is another significant problem. Appropriate postharvest handling and processing provide opportunities to reduce postharvest losses and improve food safety. This study was aimed at establishing the postharvest handling practices and estimating qualitative and quantitative postharvest losses for maize, millet, sorghum, beans, groundnuts, cassava, and sweet potatoes among farmers in 3 districts (Kamuli, Apac and Nakasongola) in Uganda, representing different agro-ecological zones. The study was done in late August 2014 after the first season harvests (June-August). Farmer interviews, focus group discussions and key informant interviews were used to collect data on postharvest loss estimates and postharvest handling practices. Samples of the different foods were collected and analyzed for physical quality characteristics, mould count and aflatoxin contamination using standard laboratory procedures. The results show predominance of rudimentary and inappropriate postharvest handling methods. Postharvest loss estimates were generally high, with values of 41%, 33%, 33%, 26%, 31%, 22%, 17% and 19% for maize, millet, sorghum, beans, groundnuts, cowpea, sweet potatoes and cassava respectively. The highest loss for all the crops was recorded at storage. Prevalence of aflatoxin contamination was 44%, 91%, 55%, 36%, 35% and 60% for maize, sorghum, groundnuts, millet, sweet potatoes and cassava respectively. Sorghum, maize and groundnuts were found to have the highest aflatoxin contamination levels. Chi-square test (p = 0.024, odds ratio = 5) showed that grain dried on bare ground had higher aflatoxin levels than that dried on a covered surface. The findings of this study reveal a serious need for postharvest interventions as a strategy to address food security.

English

Eastern Ethiopia is among the regions naturally known for producing the best quality Hararghe specialty coffee. However, due to poor pre-and post-harvest handling practices, the quality of its coffee is below level of its inherent quality characteristics. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate different harvesting and postharvest handling methods on the inherent quality of Hararghe coffee. The experiment was designed as a factorial combination of two harvesting (selective and strip harvesting) and six postharvest processing methods (dry processed dried on bare, cemented and plastic sheet ground floor; and dry, wet and semi-washed processed dried on raised mesh wire) methods in a CRD with three replications. The samples were prepared from one Hararghe coffee genotype (H-622/98) planted at Mechara Agriculture Research Center. A team of certified panelists did its raw and organoleptic quality evaluation. The results indicated that the main effect of harvesting and postharvest processing methods were highly significantly influenced all coffee quality parameters evaluated. Selective harvesting was produced highest overall coffee quality (above 80%) that can be categorized under specialty coffee grade. Dry processing method coupled with drying coffee on raised mesh wire was best in producing coffee beans with high raw quality. In contrast, dry processing using bare ground produced inferior coffee for all quality attributes. The highest raw quality score (32.33%) was observed from the dry processed coffee on mesh wire while wet processing produced the highest cup quality (44.88%). The highest overall coffee quality (75.21%) was recorded for wet processed followed by dry processed coffee on mesh wire. Thus, it can be concluded that like wet processing, dry processing of selective harvesting and drying on raised mesh wire and/or plastic sheet floor can produce superior specialty coffee under Hararghe conditions. Key words: Hararghe coffee, specialty coffee, raw quality, organoleptic quality.

Effects of Variety and Postharvest Handling Practices on Microbial Population at Different Stages of the Value Chain of Fresh Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) in Western Terai of Nepal.

Background. Fresh vegetables such as tomato should have low microbial population for safe consumption and long storage life. The aerobic bacterial count (ABC) and coliform bacterial count (CBC), yeast, and mold population are the most widely used microbial indicators in fresh vegetables which should be lower than 4 log CFU g−1 for safe consumption. The stages of the supply chain, postharvest handling methods, and crop varieties had significant effects on microbial population. ABC, CBC, yeast, and mold population were significantly highest (P < 0.05) at retail market (5.59, 4.38, 2.60, and 3.14 log CFU g−1, resp.), followed by wholesale market (4.72, 4.71, 2.43, and 2.44 log CFU g−1, resp.), and were least at farm gate (3.89, 3.63, 2.38, and 2.03 log CFU g−1, resp.). Improved postharvest practices (washing in clean water and grading and packaging in clean plastic crate) helped to reduce ABC, CBC, and mold population by 2.51, 32.70, and 29.86 percentage as compared to the conventional method (no washing and no grading and packaging in mud plastered bamboo baskets). Among varieties, Pusa ruby had the lowest microbial load of 2.58, 4.53, 0.96, and 1.77 log CFU g−1 for ABC, CBC, yeast, and mold count, respectively. Significantly negative correlation (P < 0.05) was observed between fruit pH & ABC and pH & mold count. Although the microbial quality of fresh tomato is safe in the local market of western Terai of Nepal both in conventional and in improved practices however still it is essential to follow improved postharvest handling practices in production and marketing of newly introduced tomato cultivars (high-pH cultivars) for ensuring the safe availability of fresh tomato in the market.

The pattern of genetic diversity within Litsea coreana (Lauraceae) in China: an implication for conservation

Based on three chloroplast markers (psbA-trnH, trnL-trnF, and trnT-trnL), we identified eight haplotypes in 23 samples of Litsea coreana collected from seven provinces across southern and southwestern China. The Hap6 was the most widely distributed haplotype. The genetic diversity was highest in Sichuan Province and its adjacent regions. Therefore, these regions should be areas of priority for conservation of L. coreana in the future. In addition, our molecular dating analyses indicated that the uplift of the Tibetan Plateau and past climate changes accounted for the diversification of L. coreana in China. Finally, we found that the chemical components of L. coreana were significantly affected by both collection time and postharvest handling methods.

Field survey of postharvest handling of cut flowers produced in the Up country of Sri Lanka for the local market

Cut flowers produced for the local market come mainly from the Up-country region of Sri Lanka. Using a questionnaire, a field survey was carried out to find out information on aspects of postharvest handling and postharvest losses in Up-country produced cut flowers supplied to the local market. Forty-seven personnel involved in the cut flower handling chain in and around Nuwara Eliya town, Ragala, Bandarawela and Kandy were interviewed. A variety of postharvest problems related to Up-country cut flower production were identified. Inadequate knowledge on proper pre-and postharvest handling methods among the majority of farmers and sellers contributed largely to considerable postharvest losses in cut flowers. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4038/cjsbs.v41i1.4538 Ceylon Journal of Science (Bio. Sci.) 41 (1): 67-70, 2012

Post-harvest attributes and consumer acceptability of green mealies (Zea mays) stored at ambient and refrigeration temperatures in Swaziland

Maize (Zea mays) is the staple food of the Swazi people and many traditional societies in Africa. When freshly harvested, the product is referred to as green mealies and is highly valued in Southern Africa. Green mealies are highly perishable compared to dry maize because of their high water content which affects their keeping quality. There is need therefore to find suitable post-harvest handling methods to retard deterioration processes of green mealies. Thus, the main objective of this study was to investigate the consumer acceptability of boiled green mealies which were initially stored at various temperatures ( 1.5 o C, 5°C and ambient temperature). The study also investigated the effect of storing samples under these conditions on total soluble solids (TSS) and mass loss. The study was carried out at the Food Science and Technology Laboratory of the University of Swaziland, Luyengo Campus. Two experiments were conducted where, in each experiment, there were three treatments (storage at 1.5 o C, 5 o C or ambient temperature) replicated three times. The treatments were arranged in a randomized complete block design (RCBD). Data pertaining to TSS, mass loss and sensory evaluation at 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 days after storage were collected. Total soluble solids ranged between 2.55 and 6.3% and mean mass loss ranged from 2.68 to 11.53 % by the end of the experiment. There were significant (p<0.05) differences with respect to the acceptance of the samples from various storage temperatures by a consumer panel. Green mealie bread or bolied green mealies previously stored at 1.5 o C were most accepted by consumers followed by samples stored at 5 o C and lastly those stored at ambient temperature. All the samples of green mealies lost quality to a certain extent during storage which showed that loss of quality can not be stopped but can be minimised.

Value-adding Australian sardines: Factors affecting rates of deterioration in sardine ( Sardinops sagax) quality during post-harvest handling

Deficiencies in sardine post-harvest handling methods were seen as major impediments to development of a value-adding sector supplying Australian bait and human consumption markets. Factors affecting sardine deterioration rates in the immediate post-harvest period were investigated and recommendations made for alternative handling procedures to optimise sardine quality. Net to factory sampling showed that post-mortem autolysis was probably caused by digestive enzyme activity contributing to the observed temporal increase in sardine Quality Index. Belly burst was not an issue. Sardine quality could be maintained by reducing tank loading, and rapid temperature reduction using dedicated, on-board value-adding tanks. Fish should be iced between the jetty and the processing factory, and transport bins chilled using an efficient cooling medium such as flow ice.

Evaluation of Postharvest Handling Methods for Transcontinental Truck Shipments of Cut Carnations, Chrysanthemums, and Roses1

Abstract The longevity and quality of flowers experimentally shipped from California to Maryland by refrigerated trucks for 4–5 days were comparable with or better than simulated air-shipped flowers when properly handled. Flowers shipped by air are usually not refrigerated in transit. Best results with ‘White Sim’ carnations (Dianthus caryophyllus L.), ‘Albatross’ standard chrysanthemums (Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat) and ‘Cara Mia’ roses (Rosa hybrida L.) were obtained when flowers were pretreated after harvest with a chemical solution for 16 hours, precooled prior to shipment and shipped in insulated boxes. Preshipment pulsing of carnations and chrysanthemums increased longevity and bloom diameter. Pulsing of ‘Cara Mia’ roses extended longevity and prevented “bent neck.” Chrysanthemums and roses benefited from ice in the box even with good refrigeration but carnations did not. Carnations and chrysanthemums cut at a tight bud stage suffered much less than open blooms from heat stress conditions during handling of flowers.