Postharvest Handling Research Articles

Are social conditions important to increase household income? The case of coastal fishers in Makassar City, Indonesia

Social conditions strongly influence changes in household income because they play a critical role in improving the household welfare of coastal fishing communities. The purpose of the study is to analyze the influence of social conditions on the growth of fisherman's household income in Makassar City, Indonesia. Quantitative research method using survey instrument was addressed to 46 fishers' households by applying the purposive sampling technique. The analytical method used was multiple regression with the exponential function model. This study found that social factors such as the age of the head of the family and the number of working family members contributed to changes in the increase in household income because they had a significant positive effect. On the other hand, the number of dependent household members did not contribute anything because it had a negative effect on changes in the income level of fishers' households. Likewise, the wife's level of formal education did not affect the household income. Related to social factors as a determinant of improving the fishers' household economy, efforts to increase it can be made through on-fishing and off-fishing. On-fishing is carried out with the support of a gross tonnage boat. Household members do off-fishing in postharvest handling, handling, processing, and marketing marine products.JEL Classification D10; Q22; Z10

Effect of Maturity Level and Fruit Size on Mechanical Properties of Tomato Fruit (Solanum lycopersicum)

Knowledge of the mechanical properties of fruit is an important parameter for post-harvest handling in order to minimize damage to the product. The purpose of this study was to analyze the effect of maturity level and fruit size on the changes in the mechanical properties of tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum). The study was conducted on three levels of maturities, namely green, turning, and red as well as three kinds of fruit sizes, namely small, medium, and large with a completely randomized design in three replications. Measurement was done by compressing the tomato samples using a compression machine equipped with a loadcell (Loadstar 10kg) and a linear variable deformation transformer (KTC 50mm). Obtained data were than analyzed according to the ASAE S368.4 DEC2000 (R2008) to determine modulus of elasticity, contact area, and maximum compression stress. The results showed that the modulus of elasticity was significantly affected by the maturity level, whereas Smax was significantly affected by both the size and maturity level, and the contact area only affected by the size of the sample. The interaction of the size and maturity level was found to be significant for the modulus of elasticity and Smax values. It was also observed that the tomato of green maturity had the highest modulus of elasticity than tomatoes at turning and red ripeness levels. The smallest modulus of elasticity was 0.5758 MPa for small red tomato, while the largest was 1.9694 MPa for small green tomato. For the contact area, it was found that as the size of the sample increased, the value of the contact area was also increased. The smallest value of contact area was found for small red tomato, which was 0,0006 m2 and the largest value was for large red tomatoes which was 0,0018 m2. The green tomatoes had the largest Smax, followed by turning tomatoes and the last one was red tomatoes. The smallest Smax was 0.1081MPa for large red tomato, while the largest was 0.6427 MPa for small green tomato.

Efeito pré e pós-colheita de ácido giberélico e ácido salicílico em ramos cortados de Asparagus umbellatus

Abstract Asparagus umbellatus is one of the most popular cut foliage plants that widely used in decorations and bouquets. However, there was a lack of information concerning Asparagus postharvest handling. Therefore, in this study, two growth regulators gibberellic acid (GA) and salicylic acid (SA) on concentrations of 0, 100, 200, and 400 μM were applied in two stages viz., pre and postharvest, separately and in combination. Experimental traits including; chlorophyll content, electrolyte leakage, solution uptake, microbial population, relative water content (%), malondialdehyde content, catalase, superoxide dismutase, and peroxidase activity along with plant vase life were evaluated. The results showed that the application of GA and SA lead to significantly extension of the vase life compared to the control. Vase life difference between control (9.34 days) and the superior treatment i.e. GA200+SA200 (14.07 days) was more than 50%. Also, the pre-harvest foliar application of GA and SA increased the vase life slightly compared to the application in vase solution. The extended vase life in the per-harvest experiment was obtained using SA100+GA100 and SA200+GA200 treatments.

Assessment of post-harvest handling of mango and evaluation of mango jam in major mango producing areas of South Omo Zone, SNNPR, Ethiopia

The present study aimed to assess the postharvest handling practice, demonstrate and popularize mango jam processing on rural households’ levels in major mango growing areas of Debub Ari Woreda, South omo, Southern Ethiopia. Training manual was developed and Practical training on processing, post-harvest handling and utilization of mango jam was given for 12 DAs, 7 Administrators and 161 model Farmers comprising of 72 female farmers and 65 model male farmers and 40 model farmer households were interviewed about the technology and postharvest handling practice in the area in which 28 are females and 12 are male. Postharvest handling practice and sensory perception of mango jam and other relevant data were collected, analysed, interpreted and discussed. Results revealed that, 87.5% of respondent are greater than 25 years old and 40.0% attended various levels (elementary to high school) education. The major transportation method and packaging material used as replied by the respondents are 42.5% (use pack animals: donkey, mule and horse) and 47.5% (use sack), respectively. Pest attack (disease, insect) followed by mechanical damage during harvesting, poor packaging material and damage during transportation were identified as the main causes of mango loss specified by the respondents. Therefore, use of the better adapted and pest/disease-tolerant varieties, improved fruit production and harvesting practice, proper storage and transportation facilities, appropriate postharvest innovations and technologies are required to reduce postharvest loss and extend fruit shelf-life. Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. Tech. 12(1): 155-160, June 2022

Factors affecting firmness loss in apples during postharvest handling and cold/controlled atmosphere storage in India: A review

Apples attract humans with their dominant appeal and eating quality. The most dominant properties are color and texture. This review paper discusses the scientifically published results of apple texture through understanding internal properties like structural, physiological, physical, mechanical, water and cell wall contributions and post-harvest handling and storage methods. A critical appraisal is made of factors responsible for inner texture and sustenance during post-harvest and storage periods. The status of research data available is discussed from a firmness point of view of Indian apple varieties vis-à-vis those grown in other countries. Most of the research work on Indian apples reported physico-chemical parameters like weight, diameter, firmness, bio-chemical and nutrient components. The latest literature did not find data for the long term behaviour in CAS (6 to 10 months). The research data on factors responsible for texture loss is also very limited for Indian-origin apples. There are still large gaps in research on firmness loss in apple. Hence, suggestions are made on the scope for future research on apples grown in India for the benefit of farmers, traders, and consumers.

Hygienic assessment of fish handling practices along production and supply chain and its public health implications in Central Oromia, Ethiopia

Fishborne diseases are among the major causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Contamination of the aquatic ecosystem and unhygienic handling practices along the fish supply chain can lead to a contaminated fish. Consumption of raw or under cooked fish and fish products is a major source of fishborne infections in humans. Despite reports of fish contamination with foodborne pathogens in Ethiopia, information regarding the hygienic status of fish handling practices is limited. We assessed fish hygienic handling practices at production sites and along the fish supply chain in three towns in east Shewa zone of Oromia. Data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire interviews and personal observations. The study consisted of purposively selected respondents comprising of 50 fishermen, 10 retailers, 20 food establishments serving fish, and 120 consumers. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square test were used to present the proportion of various actors along the fish production and supply chain and to compare the proportions of observations among the different categories respectively. We observed that the lakes were accessible to animals and exposed to chemical and microbial contaminations through rainwater run-off. Fish were processed under unhygienic practices like washing of filleted fish with lake water, indiscriminate processing at unhygienic landing sites, use of a single knife for processing all fish with infrequent washing and with no disinfection in between. Majority (70%; n = 10) of the retailers and all the food establishments transported fish in vehicles with no cold chain facilities. Good hygienic practices we observed were the use of refrigerators for storage in all retailers and 70% (n = 20) of the food establishments; 30% of retailers used vehicles with a cold chain facility for the transportation of fish. Over three-fourths (77%; n = 120) of the consumers preferred consuming raw fish; 80% of them lacked the knowledge of fishborne diseases. The study revealed a wide range of unhygienic handling practices along fish production and supply chain; lack of infrastructure for post-harvest fish handling and processing, lack of appropriate transportation facilities and presence of knowledge gaps regarding fish borne diseases.

On-farm diversity of faba bean (Vicia faba L.) farmers’ varieties in Eastern Hararghe Zone, Ethiopia

Ethiopia is considered as the secondary centre of faba bean diversity. However, the extent of its diversity at present time is not well known in the eastern Hararghe Zone. Therefore, survey study was conducted from December 2018 to March 2019 to identify patterns of on-farm diversity of faba bean farmers’ varieties and their use; and to assess production attributes, constraints, and role of gender in the production and management of faba bean farmers’ varieties in eastern Hararghe Zone. Two stratified agro-ecological zones (Tepid moist mid-highland, M3 and Tepid sub-humid mid-highland, SH3) were selected from the zone. Three Kebeles from each agroecologies were randomly selected. From each Kebele, 12 general informants and two key informants based on their gender and wealth status were selected, making a total of 72 general and 12 key informants, a total of 84 informants. Structured and semi-structured questionnaires were used for the general and key informants, respectively. Data were collected on use of faba bean, cropping practices, diversity, attributes, and gender roles in production and postharvest handling. The data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics using R (version 3.5.2) software. Eight farmers’ varieties of faba bean were identified. Highest varietal diversity (H′ = 1.35) was recorded at Gara Abdula kebele of M3 while the lowest diversity value (H′ = 0.81) was at Obi Kutir 1 kebele of SH3. Variety Safisa was reported for its highest market price (32.8 ETB kg–1) and variety Dabale was the highest yielder (1900 kg ha–1). Most farmers (94%) use traditional seeds and 72% of farmers grow faba bean on < 0.125 ha land area. Baqela Faranji was the widely (33%) cultivated variety. Diseases (100%), weeds (89%) and land shortage (85%) were the main faba bean production constraints. The male adult and female adult family members play the greatest roles in the production and post-harvest management practices of the crop. It is concluded that farmers grow eight faba bean varieties with varied yield potential and market preference by consumers and the majority of them use informal seeds acquired from family members. The results also revealed that the vast majority of the farmers cultivate the crop on small average landholding of less than 0.2 hectare. The results imply that faba bean production and diversity is constrained by small landholding and lack of quality seeds of high yielding improved varieties.

Postharvest Handling of Horticultural Products

Fruit and vegetables are in a live state after harvest [...]

Cuticular wax removal on reactive oxygen species-related mechanisms and on the quality of Hami melon cultivars

Epicuticular wax is the outermost protective layer of fruit against abiotic stress. It is easily removed or destroyed during the postharvest transportation and handling of fruit. In this study, the effects of wax layer removal on the postharvest quality of Hami melon fruit and its possible mechanism were explored. The results showed that wax removal accelerated fruit softening, water loss, and decay, reduced sensory and nutritional quality, and shortened shelf life. At the end of storage, the antioxidant enzyme activity and non-enzymatic antioxidant content of wax-removed fruit were reduced, while the accumulation of reactive oxygen species and lipid peroxidation were accelerated. Moreover, the organelle membrane structure and plastids were destroyed. Therefore, epicuticular wax layer plays an important role in maintaining postharvest fruit quality. This study will improve our understanding of the biological function of Hami melon fruit epicuticular wax and helpful for developing effective preservation measures to delay fruit decay.

Kinetika perubahan kualitas bawang merah (Allium cepa L.) varietas tajuk dibawah pengaruh edible coating dan suhu ruang penyimpanan

Shallots (Allium cepa L.) is one of the important commodities to be developed because it has become a community need that is used as a spice in cooking and medicine. Post-harvest shallots require special treatment, because shallots are easily damaged and difficult to maintain in fresh form. In postharvest handling of fresh produce, coating on the fruit surface and storage room temperature is a good method for longer shelf life. This study aims to build a mathematical model on the storage of shallots by using a coating method made from carrageenan (seaweed) with variations in storage room temperature. Carrageenan concentrations used were 0 % (without treatment), 0.25 %, 0.5 %, and 0.75 %. While the storage temperature used is 5 oC, 15 oC, and 28 oC (room temperature). Mathematical models are used to predict the rate of change (k) in product quality and predict the value of physical quality parameters. Coated shallots and low-temperature storage showed better results on the rate of quality change in shallots which included (firmness, weight loss, total soluble solids, and degree of acidity). The validation test used included the value of the correlation coefficient (R2), P-value on X2 Chi-Square which indicates that the developed mathematical model can be used properly to predict the value of physical quality parameters in shallots

Review on potential and challenges of aquaculture practice in Ethiopia

The purpose of this review is to assess Ethiopia's fish stocks, capacities, challenges and aquaculture practices. Although Ethiopia has many rivers and lakes used for fish production, there are still problems related to fish production and productivity to increase private interests and the country's gross domestic product. In the country, it is fact that the main challenge contributed to low production and aquaculture practice including site and species selection, environmental impact, lack of awareness, inefficient fishing gears, poor transportation access, poor postharvest handling, low price at the landing site, improper market place and lack of infrastructure and technologies. Also traditional means of fish preservation and transportation contributed much to the low quality of preserved fish and short lifespan of fish products. All fishing activities are carried out in the natural environment and aquaculture has not yet been established in the country. In order to develop effective aquaculture in Ethiopia, it is first necessary to assess its true potential and thereby develop effective strategies. Practical introduction and training of business owners and filling of all necessary aquaculture systems are the pillars.

English

Bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) experiences significant loss during postharvest handling. This study aimed to provide an alternative postharvest handling technology for the vegetable. The factor studied was Ca CaCl2 at 4 levels: 0% (distilled water), 3, 6 and 9%. Weight loss and total soluble solids were determined at an interval of 3 days whereas total chlorophyll, Fe, ascorbic acid and Ca content were determined at an interval of 4 days. Shelf life elapsed when fruit lost 25% of their initial weight. Calcium CaCl2 reduced weight loss by up to 16.7%, increased Ca content by up to 252.7%, maintained total soluble solids by up to 11.8%,&nbsp; total chlorophyll by up to 23.3%, Fe by up to 10.1%, ascorbic acid by up to 13.9% and Ca content by up to 13.7% and extended shelf life by up to 3 days. Calcium CaCl2 at 6% was the best treatment and therefore can be used by bell pepper growers, retailers and consumers to maintain postharvest quality of bell pepper. Key words: Chemical treatment, fruit vegetable, fresh weight loss, ascorbic acid.

Nivalenol Mycotoxin Concerns in Foods: An Overview on Occurrence, Impact on Human and Animal Health and Its Detection and Management Strategies.

Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites produced by fungi that infect a wide range of foods worldwide. Nivalenol (NIV), a type B trichothecene produced by numerous Fusarium species, has the ability to infect a variety of foods both in the field and during post-harvest handling and management. NIV is frequently found in cereal and cereal-based goods, and its strong cytotoxicity poses major concerns for both human and animal health. To address these issues, this review briefly overviews the sources, occurrence, chemistry and biosynthesis of NIV. Additionally, a brief overview of several sophisticated detection and management techniques is included, along with the implications of processing and environmental factors on the formation of NIV. This review’s main goal is to offer trustworthy and current information on NIV as a mycotoxin concern in foods, with potential mitigation measures to assure food safety and security.

Kaempferol rhamnoside catabolism in rosette leaves of senescing Arabidopsis and postharvest stored radish.

Flavonol rhamnosides including kaempferitrin (i.e., kaempferol 3-O-α-rhamnoside-7-O-α-rhamnoside) occur throughout the plant kingdom. Mechanisms governing flavonol rhamnoside biosynthesis are established, whereas degradative processes occurring in plants are relatively unknown. Here, we investigated the catabolic events affecting kaempferitrin status in the rosette leaves of Arabidopsis thaliana L. Heynh. (Arabidopsis) and Raphanus sativus L. (radish), respectively, in response to developmental senescence and postharvest handling. On a per plant basis, losses of several kaempferol rhamnosides including kaempferitrin were apparent in senescing leaves of Arabidopsis during development and postharvest radish stored at 5°C. Conversely, small pools of kaempferol 7-O-α-rhamnoside (K7R), kaempferol 3-O-α-rhamnoside (K3R), and kaempferol built up in senescing leaves of both species. Evidence is provided for ⍺-rhamnosidase activities targeting the 7-O-α-rhamnoside of kaempferitrin and K7R in rosette leaves of both species. An HPLC analysis of in vitro assays of clarified leaf extracts prepared from developing Arabidopsis and postharvest radish determined that these metabolic shifts were coincident with respective 237% and 645% increases in kaempferitrin 7-O-⍺-rhamnosidase activity. Lower activity rates were apparent when these ⍺-rhamnosidase assays were performed with K7R. A radish ⍺-rhamnosidase containing peak eluting from a DEAE-Sepharose Fast Flow column hydrolyzed various 7-O-rhamnosylated flavonols, as well as kaempferol 3-O-β-glucoside. Together it is apparent that the catabolism of 7-O-α-rhamnosylated kaempferol metabolites in senescing plant leaves is associated with a flavonol 7-O-α-rhamnoside-utilizing α-rhamnosidase.

Postharvest Technologies of Fresh Citrus Fruit: Advances and Recent Developments for the Loss Reduction during Handling and Storage

Citrus spp. are spread mainly in the Mediterranean basin and represent the largest fruit source for human consumption. Postharvest losses, mainly due to diseases and metabolic disorders of fruits, can cause severe wastage, reaching 30 to 50% of the total production. Preserving quality and extending shelf life are essential objectives for postharvest technological innovation, determined by the proper handling, treatment, storage and transport of harvested produce. Moreover, the application of novel sustainable strategies is critical for the reduction of synthetic fungicide residues on fruit surfaces and the impact on the environment caused by waste disposal of fungicides. In this article, the current knowledge about the safest and more sustainable strategies, as well as advanced postharvest handling and storage technologies, will be critically reviewed.

Effect of postharvest handling of shallots in supporting the sustainability of the availability of shallot seeds

The need for shallots in Indonesia is increasing every year. Consequently, the sustainability of the availability of shallot seeds is a very important for the fulfillment of the production. The availability of qualified seed is determined by how well the postharvest handling is done by the farmers. This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of the postharvest handling by practiced the farmers to ensure the availability of shallot seeds. The research was done at a shallot farmer group which was the most advanced in postharvest handling in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. It was found that the harvest age for seeds ranged from 56-70 days after planting (45-83%), of which 30-60% yielded for seeds. Drying by laying on the ground surface was 68-90%, for 7-8 days (60%). All farmers applied pesticides to the seeds before storage. Yield loss during storage was about 30-60% (78% of respondents). These findings concluded that the postharvest activities practiced by the farmers were not optimal yet, this condition threatened the sustainability of the availability of shallot seeds. Therefore, to maintain the availability of the shallot seeds, it was necessary to improve postharvest activities.

Assessment of enset (Enseteventricosum) (Welw) Cheesman) processing and it’s postharvest: Constraints in post-harvest handling and farmer’s preferences

Assessment of enset (Enseteventricosum) (Welw) Cheesman) processing and it’s postharvest: Constraints in post-harvest handling and farmer’s preferences

Assessment the Volatile Organic Compound of Avocado during Ripening Process and Mechanical Damage Using Electronic-Nose System

The appearance of fruit color and texture of avocado is a quality parameter commonly used by consumers when choosing the fruit, they buy. Intention to repurchases could be determined by the fruit’s internal quality properties, such as taste associated with volatile organic compound (VOC). The quality of the fruit will decrease after harvesting. It is also susceptible to mechanical damage during harvest and post-harvest handling. This research aimed to identify VOC during the ripening process and mechanical damage of avocado using E-nose. A metal-oxide semiconductor-based electronic nose (E-Nose) system was used to determine the changes in volatile organic production. The results showed that VOC changes during the ripening period. In addition, there was a change of VOC in mechanically damaged fruit. This study shows the potential application of e-nose to identify mechanically damaged avocados.

Physicochemical and rheological properties of potato starch syrup supplemented with superfine Hypsizigus marmoreus mushroom powder

Potatoes (Solanum tuberosum) are one of the most economically important crops in the world. However, limited postharvest handling technologies and a lack of value-added product options result in substantial food loss in their value chain. In this study, we investigated the possibility of potato-derived starch as a raw material for syrup. Supplementation with superfine Hypsizigus marmoreus mushroom powder (MP; average median diameter, 4.791 μm; 3%) was evaluated for added nutritional value and improvements in sensory properties. Two syrup samples (PSS, potato starch syrup without MP; PSM, potato starch syrup with MP) were prepared, analyzed, and compared with commercial rice syrup (CRS). The addition of MP significantly improved the physicochemical characteristics of PSS. The addition of MP to PSS resulted in a significant increase in total polyphenol, total pectin, reducing sugar content, and dextrose equivalent; however, it significantly reduced the pH and light transmittance. CRS had the lowest viscosity of all samples at the same shear rate; however, the addition of MP reduced the viscosity of potato starch syrup (PSM&lt;PSS). Electronic tongue analysis indicated that MP enriched umami and saltiness flavors, and reduced bitterness and sweetness scores of PSM. Thus, potato starch is a potential raw material for potato syrup production, and the addition of superfine H. marmoreus MP ameliorated certain quality characteristics of PSM.

Soursop fruit storage: Edible coating based on Hibiscus sabdariffa mucilage

Soursop fruit (Annona muricata L.) is a crop of important economic value for the state of Nayarit, however, it has a fast ripening that causes a short shelf life. Several post-harvest handling techniques have been applied to reduce its metabolic processes, such as refrigeration, the use of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) and controlled and modified atmospheres. In recent years, polysaccharide-based coatings have been applied to fruits. The aim of this research was to evaluate the physicochemical changes of soursop fruits coated with hibiscus calyx mucilage (2%), stored at 22 °C and 15 °C. Weight loss, firmness, pH, total soluble solids, acidity and colour were evaluated. Results for coated fruits stored at 15 °C showed lower weight loss (6.4%), lower firmness (29.7 N), higher TSS concentration (10.4 °Bx) and lower acidity (0.38%) compared to uncoated fruits. Coating with hibiscus mucilage and storage at 15 °C for four days decreased fruit weight loss. It was also observed that storage under these conditions allows a lower concentration of total soluble solids and organic acids. The coatings did not intervene in the decrease of fruit peel colour. Key words: coating, mucilage, soursop, postharvest. Introduction Mexico is the world's leading producer of soursop, with a national production of 30, 790 T in 2019. In this sense, the state of Nayarit was the largest producer of soursop with 23,230 T (Servicio de Información Agroalimentaria y Pesquera [SIAP], 2020). Soursop production contributes to the economic growth of Nayarit; however, there is a problem in the handling of the fruit due to the high respiration rate and ethylene production leading to softening of the fruit, resulting in a short post-harvest shelf life (Balois-Morales et al., 2019). Nayarit does not have an adequate postharvest system, which leads to inadequate fruit handling during handling (Jiménez-Zurita et al., 2016), causing production losses (Tovar-Gómez et al., 2011). Therefore, there is interest in investigating postharvest technologies that allow prolonging shelf life while maintaining the nutritional quality of the fruit (Moreno-Hernández et al., 2014). As an alternative to improve postharvest handling and maintain the quality of fruit and vegetable products, the use of edible coatings has been implemented (Park et al., 2014). Edible coatings based on polysaccharides have gained importance because they create a modified atmosphere through a semi-permeable layer in the fruit that allows gas exchange, reducing metabolic processes and prolonging the postharvest life of the fruit (Solano-Doblado et al., 2018). Among the polysaccharides of interest, mucilages have been used due to their highly branched structure, complex polymeric and hydrocarbon nature that allows modifying the rheology of a solution (Dugarte et al., 2019). Coatings made from mucilage allow a decrease in weight loss, delay in the concentration of total soluble solids, as well as colour improvement (Zambrano et al., 2017). In the above context, hibiscus mucilage could be used as a material for the preparation of an edible coating to prolong the shelf life of fruits. With this in mind, the effect of hibiscus mucilage-based coating (2%) on physicochemical changes during postharvest storage was evaluated in this study.