Postharvest Handling Research Articles

Characteristics of Indonesian Wild honey and Cultivited Honey and Their Antibacterial Activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli

Indonesia's natural wealth is very abundant in the form of flora and fauna that can be developed as raw materials for medicine. Honey in Indonesia is very diverse from Sabang to Merauke. Different types of honey are influenced by regional origin, season at harvest, type of bee, type of plant source of nectar, way of life of bees (cultivated or wild), harvesting method and post-harvest handling. This study aims to determine the characteristics of forest bee honey and cultivated honey and to determine the potential of honey as an antibacterial in the treatment of infectious diseases caused by Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia Coli bacteria. The materials used were Carisa honey samples from Wild honey [Wild Klanceng and Wild Cerana] and Cultivation [Cerana Cultivation], S. aureus and E. coli bacteria. The characteristic test method is in accordance with the Indonesian National Standard and the honey inhibition test against the growth of S. aureus and E. Coli bacteria using the diffusion method. The results showed that Wild Cerana (WC) and Wild Klanceng (WK) honey demonstrated higher water content, ash content, acidity and glucose from Cerana Cultivated (CC) honey. Carissa Honey (beside Cerana cultivated honey) had antibacterial activity against S. aureus and E. Coli at different concentrations. Wild Wild Honey has the highest antibacterial activity compared to other types of honey. Conclusion Indonesian wild honey showed weak antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus. Meanwhile, honey that is cultivated does not have antibacterial activity.

Foliar application of salicylic acid and calcium chloride delays the loss of chlorophyll and preserves the quality of broccoli during storage.

Consumer awareness of broccoli's unusual color, rich flavor, and concentration of desired phytochemicals has led to a steady increase in consumption in recent years. However, its short shelf-life, which is linked with quick discoloration and degeneration after harvest, limits industrial production and marketing. The effect of pre-harvest salicylic acid (SA) and calcium chloride (Ca) and their combination on the post-harvest quality of broccoli during storage (5± 1°C) was explored in this study. The foliar spray treatments reduced weight loss of broccoli head during storage. At the end of storage, Ca (2%) alone and in combination with SA (0.01%) significantly maintained the chlorophyll concentration rather than control. The total phenols, flavonoid, and antioxidant capacity of the Ca (2%) + SA (0.01%) treated samples was significantly greater than the control. SA (0.01%) alone or in conjunction with Ca (2%), showed higher catalase (CAT) activity; however, Ca (1%), alone or in combination with SA (0.01%), showed higher peroxidase (POD) activity. Generally, the marketability of the treated broccoli was significantly greater than the control at the end of storage. Based on these findings, we believe Ca (2%) + SA (0.01%) improves the antioxidant system, delays chlorophyll degradation, and extends the shelf life of broccoli heads stored at 5± 1°C. It is proposed that the green color, marketability, and nutrient content of broccoli during postharvest handling and storage can be retained longer by foliar application of this treatment. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Broccoli (Brassica oleracea L. Italaia) is a widely-consumed floral green vegetable due to its high content of nutrients and bioactive compounds. However, after harvest, florets rapidly senesce and suffer from yellowing which affects the quality of broccoli. The senescence of post-harvest broccoli is characterized by fresh weight loss, chlorophyll degradation, and a significant reduction in nutritional content. Therefore, preventing the decline in the quality of harvested broccoli is essential to maintain its economic and nutritional value. The results of this study showed that pre-harvest foliar application of Ca (2%) + SA (0.01%) with delayed weight loss, chlorophyll degradation, preservation of antioxidant compounds, and increased enzyme activity has a positive effect in maintaining broccoli heads quality during cold storage.

Proteomics analysis reveals new insights into surface pitting of sweet cherry cultivars displaying contrasting susceptibility

ABSTRACT Surface pitting in sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.) is characterised by depressions development on the skin surface. Pitting damage happens during harvest and postharvest handling and develops during cold storage. This study compared two cultivars with contrasting susceptibility to pitting (Kordia: tolerant; Sweetheart: susceptible) using a LC-MS/MS proteomic approach to identify key metabolic and signalling pathways related to this disorder during ripening and postharvest storage. The variability observed in the principal component analysis was driven by the cultivars suggesting that surface pitting susceptibility is triggered by the inherent differences between cultivars. Proteins involved in anthocyanin biosynthesis were more abundant in Kordia. Moreover, CCR (cinnamoyl-CoA reductase) and FLS (flavonol synthase) proteins showed higher abundance in Sweetheart. An overexpression in enzymes related to the synthesis of abscisic acid (ABA), jasmonic acid (JA) and ethylene were found in Kordia. A higher abundance of sucrose synthase (SUS), UDP-glycosyltransferases (UDP-GT) and polygalacturonase-inhibiting proteins (PGIP) were observed in Kordia, while a higher content of invertase (INV) was observed in Sweetheart. The overexpression of the studied pathways suggests that tolerance to surface pitting could be correlated to one or more of these factors, and susceptibility might be given by the inherent differences in the metabolic processes of each cultivar.

Surfactant-Assisted Synthesis of Praseodymium Orthovanadate Nanofiber-Supported NiFe-Layered Double Hydroxide Bifunctional Catalyst: The Electrochemical Detection and Degradation of Diphenylamine.

Physiological storage disorders are caused by ineffective post-harvest handling of horticultural crops, particularly fruits. To address these post-harvest concerns, diphenylamine (DPAH•+) is widely used as a preservative to prevent fruit degradation and surface scald during storage around the world. Humans are negatively affected by the use of high concentrations of DPAH•+ because of the various health complications related to its exposure. As a result, accurate detection and quantification of DPAH•+ residues in treated fruits are critical. Rare earth metal orthovanadates, which have excellent physical and chemical properties, are potential materials for electrochemical sensors in this area. Herein, we present a simple and direct ultrasonication technique for the surfactant-assisted synthesis of praseodymium orthovanadate (PrVO4 or PrV) loaded on nickel iron layered double hydroxide (NiFe-LDH) synthesized with deep eutectic solvent assistance, as well as its application as an effective catalyst in the detection and degradation of DPAH•+ in fruits and water samples. The current work presents supreme electrochemical features of a PrV@NiFe-LDH-modified screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE) where cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) surfactant-driven fabrication of PrV directs the formation of highly qualified engineered structures and the deep eutectic solvent based green synthesis of NiFe-LDH creates hierarchical lamellar structures following the principles of green chemistry. PrV and NiFe-LDH combine to produce a synergistic effect that improves the number of active sites, charge transfer kinetics, and electronic conductivity. Differential pulse voltammetry analysis of PrV@NiFe-LDH/SPCE reveals a dynamic working range (0.005-226.26 μM), increased sensitivity (133.13 μA μM-1 cm-2), enhanced photocatalytic activity, and low detection limit (0.001 μM), which are considered significant when compared with the former reported electrodes in the literature for the determination of DPAḢ+ for its real-time applications.

Shelf-life Prolongation of Spring Groundnut Pods <em>(Arachis hypogaea </em>L.) using Packaging Systems

Preservation of groundnut pods, especially spring varieties is a critical issue due to high moisture, ambient temperature and relative humidity. The dried groundnut pods of spring TG37A variety were packaged in high density polyethylene (HDPE), multilayer ethylene vinyl alcohol/polyethylene bags (EVOH/PE), vacuum, nitrogen flushed packaging, conventional plastic and gunny bags for 180 days at ambient conditions. There was significant (p<0.05) increase in moisture content, free fatty acids, headspace concentration of CO 2 and aflatoxins and decrease in oil content, protein content and headspace concentration of O 2 in all packages except for vacuum package. Vacuum packaged showed the highest oil (40.74%) and protein content (23.05%) and lowest change in moisture content (12.78 %), free fatty acids (21.26%), aflatoxins content (16.73 μg∙kg −1 ), physiological loss in weight (0.24%) and colour change (7.64%) after 180 days of storage. Hence, this study facilitates a farmer friendly technique for post-harvest handling and enhancement of shelf life of groundnut

Quality prediction of different pineapple (Ananas comosus) varieties during storage using infrared thermal imaging technique

Infrared thermal imaging is a powerful tool used to monitor the quality and safety of various agricultural products. In this study, infrared thermal imaging was used to evaluate the quality of pineapples during storage. Freshly harvested pineapples of different varieties were stored at 5 °C, 10 °C, and 25 °C for 21 days with 360 samples at each storage temperature. The thermal images were segmented to obtain feature selection based on image parameters. The physicochemical properties of pineapples including firmness, pH, total soluble solids, moisture content, and colour measurements for different varieties were also determined using standard reference methods. Significant differences were found between image parameters and the physicochemical properties of pineapples as well as in the interaction between the applied storage treatments. The prediction performance of pineapple quality was developed using partial least squares regression which obtained R2 values up to 0.94 for all the quality parameters of the pineapple varieties. The results revealed that 10 °C was found to be the most ideal storage temperature for all the physicochemical properties of the fruit. The variation in the image parameters in relation to the different varieties and storage temperatures were successfully discriminated with overall classification accuracies higher than 97% using support vector machines. Therefore, infrared thermal imaging is feasible as a non-destructive tool for monitoring the fruit quality which could enhance the operation and postharvest handling of pineapples under different storage conditions.

Pengaruh Sistem Produksi Dan Peran Penyuluh Pertanian Terhadap Keberhasilan Usahatani Jamur Tiram Putih (Pleurotus ostreatus)

This study aims to find out the relationship between the Production System And Role of Agricultural Extensionists on the Success of White Oyster Mushroom Farming (Pleurotus Ostreatus). The analysis unit is farmers of White Oyster Mushroom Farming. The technique of determining respondents was carried out in a census of 60 units. Analysis techniques are used pearson correlation and path analysis. The results of the study obtained by the production system in the business activities of white oyster mushrooms inCugenangSubdistrict are characterized at the level of application of white oyster mushroom cultivation technology consisting of dimensions: from the process of providing raw materials; production process; harvesting and post-harvest handling; Distribution and warehousing obtained a rate of achievement of 78.87 % good criteria. The role of PPL is related to the business activities of white oyster mushrooms inCugenangSubdistrict which consists of dimensions: Advisors; Technicians; Liaison; Organizer; and innovators obtained a level of achievement of 77.01 % good criteria. The success of the white oyster mushroom farming business inCugenangSubdistrict consisting of dimensions: productivity; product quality; continuity ; and farming efficient . Obtained a level of achievement of 77.50 % good criteria. There is a strong relationship between the role of PPL and the production system in the white oyster mushroom farming business inCugenangSubdistrict, indicated by the correlation coefficient r = 0.93. The better the role of PPL, the better the production system. The production system and the role of PPL have a positive effect on the success of white oyster mushroom farming inCugenangSubdistrict. Production System contribution was obtained 81,23 % and contribution of PPL Role 12.60 %.

Thin layer drying kinetics and quality dynamics of persimmon (Diospyros kaki) treated with preservatives and solar dried under different temperatures.

Poor postharvest handling, microbial infestation, and high respiration rate are some the factors are responsible for poor storage life of perishable commodities. Therefore, effective preservation of these commodities is needed to lower the damages and extend shelf life. Preservation is regarded as the action taken to maintain desired properties of a perishable commodity as long as possible. Persimmon (Diospyros kaki) is perishable fruit with high nutritive value; however, has very short shelf-life. Therefore, effective preservation and drying is needed to extend its storage life. Drying temperature and preservatives significantly influence the quality of perishable vegetables and fruits during drying. The current study investigated the effect of different temperatures and preservatives on drying kinetics and organoleptic quality attributes of persimmon. Persimmon fruits were treated with preservatives (25% honey, 25% aloe vera, 2% sodium benzoate, 1% potassium metabisulfite, and 2% citric acid solutions) under different drying temperatures (40, 45, and 50°C). All observed parameters were significantly affected by individual effects of temperatures and preservatives, except ash contents. Similarly, interactive effects were significant for all parameters except total soluble sugars, ash contents, and vitamin C. Generally, fruits treated with citric acid and dried under 50°C had 8.2% moisture loss hour-1, 14.9 drying hours, 0.030 g H2O g-1 hr-1, 1.23° Brix of total soluble solids, 6.71 pH, 1.35% acidity, and 6.3 mg vitamin C. These values were better than the rest of the preservatives and drying temperatures used in the study. Therefore, treating fruits with citric acid and drying at 50°C was found a promising technique to extend storage life of persimmon fruits. It is recommended that persimmon fruits dried at 50°C and preserved in citric acid can be used for longer storage period.

Peningkatan Kualitas Penanganan Pascapanen Kopi di Gapoktan Sejahtera Umbulharjo, Cangkringan, Sleman, Yogyakarta

The coffee farmers of Farmer Union (Gapoktan) Sejahtera Umbulharjo had a lack of knowledge of good coffee post-harvest handling such as the best harvesting time, fermentation, drying, roasting green been extracting, and packaging roasted coffee need to be improved through extension and training postharvest handing. This research aimed to improve the quality of the coffee postharvest handling. The methods employed are extension and training. The result showed the increase of Gapoktan farmers’ understanding, especially in harvesting technique (pre-test score 33,33 and post-test score 93,33) and drying coffee (pre-test score 44,44 and post-test score 100). In addition, the improvement of postharvest handling reduced the drying time from 30 days to 14 days.

Status of Precision Farming Technologies in Indian Context – A Review

Precision farming is a farm management method that involves using software technologies and principles to control spatial and temporal variability in all aspects of agricultural production in order to improve crop performance and environmental quality. It's quickly gaining traction in developed countries as a tool for addressing the issue of agricultural sustainability. Precision farming has been garnering greater attention in the Indian context as the digitization era in agriculture and horticulture has progressed. Though widely adopted in industrialised countries, it is still in its infancy in most developing countries, such as India, where it requires integrated and long-term efforts ranging from pre-harvest tillage to post-harvest handling of Agri - Horti crops. Knowledge of latest breakthroughs in the field of precision agriculture. The use of technology makes it easier to anticipate future issues. As a result, this article provides an overview of precision farming technology development and current state in India.

Determining effects of temperature abuse timing on shelf life of RTE baby spinach through microbial growth models and its association with sensory quality

Maintaining cold chain integrity during postharvest handling is of paramount importance to ensure the quality and shelf life of ready-to-eat (RTE) fresh-cut produce. However, breaks in cold chain may occur due to supply logistical issues and system failures. This study evaluated the effect of temperature abuse encountered i) immediately after processing and ii) in a late stage of shelf life on microbial growth and on related quality attributes of RTE baby spinach. Baby spinach samples, maintained at 1 °C and transported to the research facility via a refrigerated truck within 2 d of commercial production, were divided into two groups. The first group was immediately transferred to refrigerated rooms maintained at 1, 4, 8, 12, 16, and 20 °C while the second group was transferred to the same storage temperatures after 6 d of storage at 1 °C. Total aerobic bacteria, psychrotrophic bacteria, and yeast and mold counts indicated that all tested microorganisms grew slowly when held consistently at 4 °C, but more rapidly when stored at 8 °C and above. The effect of temperature abuse on microbial growth was described by a no-lag phase (primary) model and a suboptimal Huang square-root (secondary) model, which were validated and therefore can be used to predict the microbial growth in baby spinach with a reasonable accuracy. Indigenous microbial populations were highly associated with sensory attributes, with a negative correlation between aerobic plate acount and overall quality. The results of this study accentuate the importance of cold chain maintenance during the distribution of RTE baby spinach and the potential application of predictive modeling for estimating shelf-life. Such models can help the industry make science-based decisions to improve safety and quality of fresh produce. It can also serve as the basis for future artificial intelligence research to optimize the shelf life of RTE produce.

Status of postharvest handling of fresh produces in Nepal and interventions to minimize the losses

Status of postharvest handling of fresh produces in Nepal and interventions to minimize the losses

Exploring Farmers’ Knowledge and Approaches for Reducing Post-Harvest Physiological Deterioration of Cassava Roots in Malawi

Cassava utilisation in Malawi is negatively affected by rapid deterioration of fresh roots, primarily caused by postharvest physiological deterioration (PPD). A study was conducted to assess farmers’ knowledge and approaches used to minimize losses from PPD. Multi-stage sampling was used to identify districts, Extension Planning Areas (EPA’s) and farmers. Data were collected from 519 farmers using a structured questionnaire. Results revealed that PPD (74.0%) was the major post-harvest constraint followed by pests and diseases (62.1%). Farmers had varying knowledge levels on signs and causes of PPD. They were knowledgeable on PPD signs with 91.5% ably identifying PPD through change of pulp colour. The farmers also had moderate knowledge on causes of PPD, citing high temperature (57.6%) and over-staying of roots (56.2%) as main causes of PPD. Key methods for preventing PPD are: storage (43.0%) and piece-meal harvesting (40.4%). Only 2.6% of the farmers exploited varietal difference in dealing with PPD as some varieties (Sauti, Mpuma, Ching’amba, and Kalasa) take three to five days before showing PPD signs. Farmers’ knowledge levels and PPD preventive methods could be strengthened through: provision of training on post-harvest handling, improvement in storage and processing technologies; and application of advanced breeding techniques to exploit genetic variation in cassava germplasm.

Microbial Contamination and Occurrence of Aflatoxins in Processed Baobab Products in Kenya.

Baobab fruit demand has been on the rise in the recent past, and in an attempt to match the demand, farmers and middlemen are forced to harvest immature fruits which are not fully dried. To ensure an acceptable moisture content, baobab fruits are subjected to solar drying, which is a slow process and often carried out in open and unhygienic conditions raising safety concerns. This study was conducted to investigate the microbial and aflatoxin contamination levels in ready-to-eat baobab products from selected formal and informal processors in specific counties of Kenya. Selected processed baobab products were sampled randomly from formal and informal processors and analyzed for the total aerobic count, Enterobacteriaceae, yeast and molds, ergosterol, aflatoxins, moisture, and water activity. The moisture and water activity of baobab pulp and candies from formal processors ranged between 7.73% and 15.06% and 0.532 and 0.740 compared to those from informal processors which ranged from 10.50% to 23.47% and 0.532 to 0.751, respectively. In this study, baobab pulp from formal processors had significantly (p = 0.0008, 0.0006) lower Enterobacteriaceae and yeast and molds loads (0.7 ± 0.29 and 3.1 ± 0.38 log 10 CFU/g, respectively) than pulp from informal processors (3.1 ± 0.70 and 5.3 ± 0.11 log 10 CFU/g, respectively). Similarly, the Enterobacteriaceae counts of candies from formal processors (nondetectable) were considerably lower (p = 0.015) than those from informal processors (1.8 ± 0.56 log 10 CFU/g). The ergosterol content in these baobab product samples ranged between 0.46 and 1.92 mg/100 g while the aflatoxin content ranged between 3.93 and 11.09 × 103 μg/kg, respectively. Fungal and aflatoxin contamination was detected in 25% and 5% of pulp from formal and informal processors, respectively, and in 5% of candies from informal processors. Microbial contamination in processed baobab products shows an unhygienic processing environment while the fungal and aflatoxin contamination may indicate poor postharvest handling, transport, and storage conditions of baobab fruits along the baobab value chain.

Guava fruit (Psidium guajava) damage and disease detection using deep convolutional neural networks and thermal imaging

ABSTRACT Guava is a fruit grown predominantly in the tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Its skin is thin and soft. Although postharvest handling and transportation of fruits are unavoidable, hand harvesting is preferred to avoid physical injuries. Visually identifying internal damage is a laborious and time-consuming task. In this study, 4129 thermal and digital images of guava fruits were collected. A digital image-based convolution neural network (CNN) model was developed to classify the quality of damaged and diseased fruits. The surface temperatures of all three levels of maturity-indexed and damaged fruits were measured using thermal images. During the storage period, the temperature of the immature fruits was less than half of the mature fruits. Because the architecture was trained on dehydrated and diseased guava, it accurately predicted fruit quality. The prediction accuracy of the developed CNN model was approximately 99.92%.

Prediction of the cracking susceptibility of tomato pericarp: Three-point bending simulation using an extended finite element method

Fruit cracking is one of the most common physiological disorders that causes fruit loss and reduces tomato fruit marketability and quality. In this study, a three-point bending extended finite element (XFEM) model including five parts: a loading probe, exocarp, mesocarp, pre-crack, and two rigid fixed support points was developed for investigating the cracking susceptibility of pericarp during fruit development and postharvest handling. During pericarp cracking simulation, a displacement load of the probe was applied over a cuboid pericarp sample to replace the increasing turgor pressure of mesocarp cells. The XFEM-based three-point bending model with average tissue mechanical data was found to be able to reproduce the probe loading force-pericarp deflection behavior and the crack propagation length-pericarp deflection behavior in the three-point bending test up to 6 mm tomato pericarp deflection deformation with an average relative error of about 7.8% and 5.2%, respectively. The XFEM model’s crack propagation area and volume were affected by environmental temperature, exocarp and mesocarp thickness. Three multiple linear regression mathematical models were established for quantitatively predicting the tomato pericarp cracking susceptibility. It was found that the factors affecting the cracking susceptibility of pericarp in descending order include exocarp thickness, pericarp deflection, mesocarp thickness, and temperature. This study provides a new approach to quantitatively predict the cracking susceptibility of tomato pericarp, especially in the breeding industry for reversely and quickly locating the fruit anti-cracking gene.

Quality evaluation of gluten‐free brown rice pasta formulated with green matured banana flour and defatted soy flour

Irrespective of the high production of bananas, large quantities are lost due to deficient postharvest handling. The main aim of the present work was to develop gluten-free brown rice pasta by utilization of unripe banana flour (UBF) and defatted soy flour (DSF). To improve the nutritional value of pasta, UBF was substituted in brown rice flour at the levels of 10% to 50% with 10% DSF. With increasing substitution byUBF, hardness, chewiness values were decreased, which were more pronounced when the substitution was more than 30%. The increasing level of UBF had a positive effect on sensory attributes up to 30% replacement. Fiber and protein content were improved with increasing replacement by UBF compared with wheat-based control pasta. Based on texture, sensory, proximate, and color analysis, gluten-free brown rice pasta partially replaced with 30% UBFand 10% DSF were optimized. Novelty impact statement Development of protein and fiber enriched gluten-free brown rice pasta is possible by utilization of defatted soy flour as source of protein, and green matured banana powder as source of fiber. This will be not only gluten-free but also nutritionally enriched diet for the celiac disease people as well as for the common peoples too. Utilization of brown rice flour, green matured banana flour, and defatted soy flour will be helpful for the rice, banana, and soybean growers as well as for the rice milling and pasta processing industries.

Textural thermo-mechanical properties of sweet cherry for postharvest damage analysis.

In this study, the textural thermo-mechanical properties of three sweet cherry varieties were systematically investigated by the puncture test of whole fruit, uniaxial tension of the exocarp, and uniaxial compression test of mesocarp. It was found that the puncture test can not only reflect the shear mechanics of the exocarp in vivo at the tissue level, but it can also characterize the resistance level of fruit to puncture damage at the macroscopic level, particularly when the puncture failure stress is used. The environmental temperature had negative and positive significant effects on the puncture failure stress and the puncture failure deformation of the sweet cherry (p < .05), respectively. The environmental temperature showed a negative significant effect on the failure stress and elastic modulus of the sweet cherry exocarp under tension and mesocarp under compression (p < .05). As the environmental temperature increased from 5 to 40°C, the elastic modulus of the Black pearl, Summit, and Tieton sweet cherry exocarp ranged from 2.28 to 1.72, 2.57 to 1.47, and 1.98 to 1.24 MPa, respectively; and that of mesocarp ranged from 0.33 to 0.21, 0.27 to 0.19, and 0.43 to 0.23 MPa, respectively. The obtained exponential function relationships between environmental temperature and each mechanical parameter are useful for predicting the thermo-mechanical properties of sweet cherry across a 5-40°C continuous temperature range. This study provided systematical thermo-mechanical data for predicting the mechanical damage of sweet cherry in postharvest handling using the thermo-mechanical coupling numerical simulation.

Supply Chain Management of Mango (Mangifera indica L.) Fruit: A Review With a Focus on Product Quality During Postharvest

Mango (Mangifera indicaL.) is a widely consumed fruit in tropical/subtropical regions around the world due to its excellent flavor and taste, and valuable source of nutrients and phytochemical compounds. As a climacteric fruit, mango is easily perishable after harvesting due to the ripening process, environmental conditions, and improper postharvest handling, leading to significant quality losses as well as economic loss throughout a supply chain. Postharvest losses are attributed to harvesting at an improper maturity stage, poor postharvest pretreatment, improper packing and packaging, inappropriate storage temperature and distribution conditions. These caused mechanical damage, sap burn, spongy tissue, weight loss, fruit softening, decay, chilling injury, and postharvest diseases. Currently, each step in the supply chain has been applied many postharvest technologies to reduce the quality losses of mango fruits as well as improving their marketability with the highest retention of quality. This review documented available possible causes for the quality losses and observed the physicochemical changes of mango fruit when applying postharvest technologies at each critical step in the mango supply chain from harvesting, pre-treatment, packaging, storage, to distribution. The summarized information is expected to provide comprehensive quality changes of mango fruits and point out the proper technology at each step of the supply chain.

Extending the Shelf Life of Curly Red Chili (Capsicum annuum) Using KMnO4

Curly Red Chili have a shelf life of only a few days. In order to be more durable, post-harvest handling is needed to extend the shelf life of the fruit, among others, by reducing the ethylene content. There are several ways to reduce the ethylene content; one can use potassium permanganate (KMnO4), which works as an ethylene absorber. The purpose of this study was to determine the appropriate concentration of KMnO4 to extend the shelf life of Curly Red Chili. The research was conducted at the Post-Harvest Laboratory, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Muhammadiayah Yogyakarta. The research was arranged in Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with a single factor. Treatment including four concentrations, that is: KMnO4 0%, KMnO4 0.05%, KMnO4 0.10%, KMnO4 0.15%. Each treatment was repeated three times, each replicating three samples. The data were analyzed using variance analysis at the 5% level and mean separations with Duncan's Multiple Range Test at the 5% level. The results showed that KMnO4 has a positive effect of extending the shelf life of Curly Red Chili, where the KMnO4 concentration of 0.10% is the best. At this concentration, the shelf life of Curly Red Chili can be extended up to 21 days.