Postharvest Period Research Articles

Socioeconomic determinants of malnutrition among mothers in the Amoron\u2019i Mania region of Madagascar: a cross-sectional study

Maternal malnutrition, which has been a problem in Madagascar for several years, has been rising despite interventions to improve the situation. This study aims to identify the socioeconomic determinants of malnutrition among mothers who are one of the most vulnerable groups.A cross sectional study was carried out among 670 mothers aged 18 to 45 living in the Amoron’i Mania region of Madagascar. The study was conducted during the post-harvest period. The nutritional status of mothers was assessed by anthropometry. A Body Mass Index (BMI) lower than 18.5 kg/m2 or an arm circumference lower than 220 mm were used to define malnutrition. Data on the characteristics of the mothers and their households were also collected. Multiple logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with maternal malnutrition.The prevalence of maternal undernutrition is estimated at 17% (95% CI: 14–20) according to BMI and 9% (95% CI: 7–11) for Mid Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC). In the multivariate analysis, using BMI, the factors significantly associated with malnutrition were: the household size equal to or greater than 6 (AOR = 1.59 [1.04–3.42], p = 0.029) and use of unsafe water source (AOR = 1.99 [1.02–3.85], p = 0.030). For the MUAC, the factors associated are: use of unsafe water source (AOR = 2.82 [1.01–7.97], p = 0.041) and increased number of children under five years old (AOR = 1.38 [1.02–1.89], p = 0.025).This study confirmed the importance of mothers’ malnutrition in the study area. Fight against maternal malnutrition needs interventions to improve access to safe drinking water and to promote family planning.

Pementasan Tari Mongah dalam Upacara Pangwangan di Desa Bunutin, Kecamatan Kintamani, Bangli

Bunutin village is one of the Bali Aga villages located in Kintamani Subdistrict, Bangli District, which has art in the form of sacred dance and still maintained or preserved by society. The art is known by the people of Bunutin Village with the name of Mongah Dance. Mongah Dance staged every two years at the time of the Pangwangan Ceremony, precisely on sasih kasa according to Balinese calendar calculations. Pangwangan ceremony is a ritual performed during the post-harvest period, aims to neutralize the negative influences or outbreaks of diseases, disasters and pests that attack the environment. This is done by performing a dance-shaped art called Mongah Dance. The formulation of the problem in this research include (1) How to perform Mongah Dance in Pangwangan Ceremony in Bunutin Village (2) How the function and meaning of Mongah Dance in Pangwangan Ceremony. This research is intended to describe the Dance of Mongah Dance in the procession of Pangwangan Ceremony, and to know the function and meaning of the Dance of Mongah Dance in Pangwangan Ceremony in Bunutin Village related to the pattern of agriculture. The theory used in this research is the theory of Robert K. Merton about the real function (manifest) and the hidden function (latent) and interpretive theory of Clifford Geertz. The method used is qualitative research method. Data collection techniques include observation, interview and literature study. Data analysis used qualitative descriptive analysis. The results revealed that Mongah Dance staged at the procession of Pangwangan Ceremony at Pura Bale Agung. At the time of dance performances Mongah dancers are sekaa teruna influenced by the element of trance. Mongah Dance costumes utilize many plants that exist in nature. In the execution of the Dance of Mongah Dance in Pangwangan Ceremony there are manifest and latent functions. The first function is Mongah Dance is the most important element in the implementation of Pangwangan Ceremony, Mongah Dance functioned to keep people away from negative elements, and Mongah Dance can strengthen solidarity among the citizens. In addition to the function as for the meaning contained in the staging of Mongah Dance in Pangwangan Ceremony is the meaning to ask for salvation, meaning as a symbol of harmonization, and the meaning of kinship.

An examination of the principle of non-destructive flesh firmness measurement of peach fruit by using VIS-NIR spectroscopy

Evaluating the maturity of peach fruit is desirable during both the preharvest and postharvest periods, and flesh firmness (FF) is a representative maturity index. Although a non-destructive FF measurement technique using visible (VIS) and near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy has been developed, the principle has been unclear. This study was conducted to examine the structure of the FF prediction model by comparing with that of the model for measuring water-soluble pectin (WSP) content. Those two prediction models have the same information regions related to the colors of pericarp and mesocarp (chlorophyll) and to a water band in the NIR region. Moreover, a statistical heterospectroscopy analysis between NIR and 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra suggests the possibility that absorptions of methanol and succinate as well as galacturonic acid embedded in a water band play important roles in predicting FF. This approach would enhance the reliability of nondestructive VIS-NIR prediction models in many practical situations.

Large unexplained suite of chemically reactive compounds present in ambient air due to biomass fires

Biomass fires impact global atmospheric chemistry. The reactive compounds emitted and formed due to biomass fires drive ozone and organic aerosol formation, affecting both air quality and climate. Direct hydroxyl (OH) Reactivity measurements quantify total gaseous reactive pollutant loadings and comparison with measured compounds yields the fraction of unmeasured compounds. Here, we quantified the magnitude and composition of total OH reactivity in the north-west Indo-Gangetic Plain. More than 120% increase occurred in total OH reactivity (28 s−1 to 64 s−1) and from no missing OH reactivity in the normal summertime air, the missing OH reactivity fraction increased to ~40 % in the post-harvest summertime period influenced by large scale biomass fires highlighting presence of unmeasured compounds. Increased missing OH reactivity between the two summertime periods was associated with increased concentrations of compounds with strong photochemical source such as acetaldehyde, acetone, hydroxyacetone, nitromethane, amides, isocyanic acid and primary emissions of acetonitrile and aromatic compounds. Currently even the most detailed state-of-the art atmospheric chemistry models exclude formamide, acetamide, nitromethane and isocyanic acid and their highly reactive precursor alkylamines (e.g. methylamine, ethylamine, dimethylamine, trimethylamine). For improved understanding of atmospheric chemistry-air quality-climate feedbacks in biomass-fire impacted atmospheric environments, future studies should include these compounds.

A multicatchment analysis of headwater and downstream temperature effects from contemporary forest harvesting

AbstractStream temperature is a key physical water‐quality parameter, controlling many biological, chemical, and physical processes in aquatic ecosystems. Maintenance of cool stream temperatures during summer is critical for high‐quality aquatic habitat. As such, transmission of warm water from small, nonfish‐bearing headwater streams after forest harvesting could cause warming in downstream fish‐bearing stream reaches with negative consequences. In this study, we evaluate (a) the effects of contemporary forest management practices on stream temperature in small, headwater streams, (b) the transmission of thermal signals from headwater reaches after harvesting to downstream fish‐bearing reaches, and (c) the relative role of lithology and forest management practices in influencing differential thermal responses in both the headwater and downstream reaches. We measured summer stream temperatures both preharvest and postharvest at 29 sites—12 upstream sites (4 reference, 8 harvested) and 17 downstream sites (5 reference, 12 harvested)—across 3 paired watershed studies in western Oregon. The 7‐day moving average of daily maximum stream temperature (T7DAYMAX) was greater during the postharvest period relative to the preharvest period at 7 of the 8 harvested upstream sites. Although theT7DAYMAXwas generally warmer in the downstream direction at most of the stream reaches during both the preharvest and postharvest period, there was no evidence for additional downstream warming related to the harvesting activity. Rather, theT7DAYMAXcooled rapidly as stream water flowed into forested reaches ~370–1,420 m downstream of harvested areas. Finally, the magnitude of effects of contemporary forest management practices on stream temperature increased with the proportion of catchment underlain by more resistant lithology at both the headwater and downstream sites, reducing the potential for the cooling influence of groundwater.

Control of anthracnose, caused by Colletotrichum musae, on postharvest organic banana by thyme oil

Anthracnose in organic bananas is an aggressive, difficult to control postharvest disease. Essential oils have been studied in order incorporate them into integrated pest management, and to reduce synthetic fungicides during the postharvest period. In vitro assays showed that thyme oil was the best essential oil to control mycelial growth of Colletotrichum musae. This essential oil was tested in vivo because of its fungicidal effect. The results showed that, after storage and shelf life at 20 °C, severity inhibition of C. musae on fruit treated with 500 μL L−1 of thyme oil (30.8%) was higher (p < 0.05) than with other treatments. Moreover, 500 μL L−1 of thyme oil reduced weight loss, retained color and firmness, and slowed the changes of chemical parameters in organic bananas during storage. After the postharvest period, panelists did not detect thyme oil odor, and overall appearance was also better, when using thyme oil, than in non-treated fruit. These results suggest that thyme oil may be potentially used for controlling anthracnose in organic bananas during the postharvest period, without a negative effect on its physicochemical and sensory quality.

Estádio de maturação e repouso pós-colheita dos frutos na qualidade de sementes de pimenta biquinho

The objective of this work was to evaluate the physiological quality of “Biquinho” pepper seeds at different maturation stages and post-harvest rest periods. The experimental design was completely randomized, with treatments distributed in a 3 X 5 factorial scheme, being three maturation stages of fruit selected visually on the exocarp colors (stage 1 – green fruit, stage 2 – orange fruit, and stage 3 – red fruit) and five post-harvest rest periods (0, 7, 14, 21 and 28 days). Soon after harvest, the fruits had the length, diameter and thickness of the pulp measured. The water content and the mass of the seed dry matter, emergence and seedling emergence speed index were evaluated. It can be concluded that the “Biquinho” pepper fruit reaches higher values in length, diameter and thickness of the pulp in maturation stage 3 (red fruit). In the absence of post-harvest rest, fruits in stage 3 provided seeds with higher physiological quality. The rest of the fruits allowed the continuity of the seed maturation process, which gradually increased its physiological quality, and the best results were verified for the fruits submitted to 28 days of rest.

Mothers' dietary practices in the Amoron'i Mania region Madagascar.

IntroductionMadagascar has one of the highest prevalence's of malnutrition worldwide. Dietary practice is an important element to consider in the fight against malnutrition. This study aims to describe mothers' dietary patterns and dietary diversity and to identify characteristics associated with this dietary diversity.MethodsA cross sectional study was carried-out among 670 non-pregnant mothers aged 18 to 45, who had delivered more than 6 months earlier and were living in the Amoron'i Mania region of Madagascar. The study was conducted during the post-harvest period. A food frequency questionnaire were used to assess the dietary pattern and the women's dietary diversity score was established from the 24-hour recall data.ResultsAlmost all (99%) of mothers ate rice every day and 59% ate green leaves. Fifty three percent of mothers had consumed fruit less than once per week, 55% for legumes, 67% for vegetables and 91% for meat. Dietary diversity score ranged from 1 to 7 and 88% of mothers had a low dietary diversity score (<5). On multivariate analysis, factors significantly associated with low dietary diversity were: low education level (AOR=3.80 [1.58-9.02], p=0.003), parity higher than 3 (AOR=2.09 [1.22-3.56], p=0.007), birth interval ≥ 24 months (AOR=4.01 [2.08-7.74], p<0.001), rice production availability ≤ 6 months (AOR=2.33 [1.30-4.17], p=0.013), low attendance at market (AOR=4.20 [1.63-10.83], p<0.001) and low movable property possession score (AOR=4.87 [2.15-11.04], p<0.001).ConclusionMother's experience poor diet diversity. Unfavorable socioeconomic conditions are associated with this poor food diversification.

Post-harvest quality of pineapple guava [Acca sellowiana (O. Berg) Burret] fruits produced in two locations at different altitudes in Cundinamarca, Colombia

The quality of pineapple guava fruits during post-harvest storage depends directly on their quality at harvest and is influenced by climatic conditions during growth. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of climatic conditions on certain parameters of fruit quality during post-harvest storage. Twenty trees were tagged in two locations within the department of Cundinamarca (Colombia), recording the climatic conditions during fruit growth until harvest. The fruits were differentiated by place of origin and stored at 18 ± 1ºC (76 ± 5% relative humidity, RH) for 11 d or 5 ± 1ºC (87 ± 5% RH) for 31 d, evaluating several quality attributes every two d. The places of origin were San Francisco de Sales (1,800 m a.s.l., 20.6oC, 63-97% RH, with an average annual precipitation of 1,493 mm) and Tenjo (2,580 m a.s.l., 12.5oC, 74-86% RH, with an average annual precipitation of 765 mm). The results indicated that the fruits stored at the highest temperature were sweeter and had reduced weight and firmness, lower acidity, and faster postharvest senescence (lower post-harvest durability). The postharvestN fruit characteristics were determined by considering the fruit quality during growth and the influence of climatic conditions during cultivation in each location. At the higher altitudes, the total soluble solid content in the fruits was higher and firmness decreased, and the total titratable acidity and weight loss were lower. For fruit color, significant differences were not observed that would demonstrate the effect of climatic conditions during the post-harvest period.

THE FUNGAL DISEASES IN KIWIFRUIT STORAGE, AND NON-CHEMICAL METHODS USING TO PREVENT THESE DISEASES

The kiwifruit is originated Southeast Asia whose production and consumption is increased each day. The production quantity has reached 3.447.605 tonnes around the world. It is also important to protect the quality of kiwifruit which has a high vitamin C, in the postharvest period. One of the most important problems of kiwifruit is infections originated by fungus during storage. The most common fungal disease in kiwifruit storage is Botrytis cinerea. The first symptom is seen after a few week storage. Because the pathogen can develope in the cold storage conditions, it causes decay and serious economical damage. Although the chemical methods is used to prevent this disease, with the increasing consumer awareness and due to caused the risk both environmental and human health, the tendency towards non-chemical methods of combat has been increased. The aim of this study is to compile the studies on non-chemical struggle methods used in Botrytis cinerea struggle. It was found that the most common non-chemical treatments are curing, heat applications, ultraviolet light applications, gamma radiation applications, ozone application and essential oil applications. Because these physical methods are not risk to the human health, it will guide for future research.

Fatty acids and sugar composition of avocado fruit during harvesting time and post-harvest ripening period: a review

In a study of the maturity of avocado fruit it is important to elucidate the lipid metabolism in the fruit during growth and storage, since the avocado stores a large amount of lipids in the edible pulp. Meanwhile the fatty acids may then form fats by combining with glycerol, a sugar metabolism product, and sugar metabolism of the avocado fruit should be considered.

Superação da dormência em sementes de Brachiaria humidicola cv. BRS Tupi pelo uso de ácido giberélico

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of gibberellic acid in different concentrations and periods of immersion acting as promoters of dormancy overcoming of Brachiaria humidicola cv. BRS Tupi of different lots and storage times before treatments. The experiments, in number of four, were carried out with different seed lots, in a factorial scheme in different post-harvest storage periods (6, 7, 8 and 9 months), in which the treatments consisted of immersion of the seeds in solutions with (0, 50, 150, 300 and 600 mg L-1) for three exposure periods (12, 24 and 48 h), compared to a control (without treatment) in a completely randomized design. The evaluations were: imbibition curve, germination, germination speed index, first germination count and viability by tetrazolium test. The seeds responded positively to all treatments after eight months of storage, while the controls remained dormant. None of the treatments provided a viability loss and they demonstrated the storage possibility. For periods above 24 h of imbibition there is a risk of root protrusion, which may lead to the death of the seed.

Fatty acids and sugar composition of avocado fruit during harvesting time and post-harvest ripening period: a review

In a study of the maturity of avocado fruit it is important to elucidate the lipid metabolism in the fruit during growth and storage, since the avocado stores a large amount of lipids in the edible pulp. Meanwhile the fatty acids may then form fats by combining with glycerol, a sugar metabolism product, and sugar metabolism of the avocado fruit should be considered.

First Report of Hazelnut Kernel Rot Caused by Eremothecium cymbalariae in Bulgaria

Expansion of hazelnut (Corylus spp.) cultivation in Bulgaria has led to an increased interest in any attendant disease. In the district of Plovdiv during the post-harvest storage periods of 2015 and 2016 shriveled nuts of the cultivars Tonda Romana (C. avellana) and Early Trapesund (C. maxima) were observed. Nuts originating in three locations displayed necrotic pellicles and sunken moldy surface lesions followed by dry rot. Microscopic observations revealed the presence of septate, dichotomously branched and undulating mycelium, and of hyaline, solitary, terminal and fusiform asci that had a rostrum-like apical appendage. Asci 41.6 (40.0-43.3) x 15.4 (11.7-18.3) μm, n=50, usually contained eight uninucleate, slightly bent, wedge-shaped, elongate with one end obtuse and the other end gradually attenuating into a fine point, hyaline ascospores sized 17.6 (16.6-18.3) x 3.0 (2.5-3.3) μm, n=50. Symptomatic pellicles and seeds were plated on potato dextrose agar (PDA), and incubation at 25°C resulted in slow-g...

Mechanical properties of sugar beet root during storage

Abstract This paper is an investigation via two experimental methods, of the textural properties of sugar beet roots during the storage period. In the work, sugar beet roots mechanical properties were evaluated during the post-harvest period – 1, 8, 22, 43, and 71 days after crop. Both experimental methods, i.e. compression test and puncture test, suggest that the failure strength of the sugar beet root increases with the storage time. The parameters obtained using the puncture test, are more sensitive to the storage duration than those obtained by way of the compression test. We also found that such mechanical properties served as a reliable tool for monitoring the progress of sugar beet roots storage. The described methods could also be used to highlight important information on sugar beet evolution during storage.

Bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity of buriti fruits, during the postharvest, harvested at different ripening stages

Abstract The buriti ( Mauritia flexuosa L.f.) is a highly nutritious fruit with a yellowish-orange pulp and a bittersweet taste. Its endocarp is surrounded by a spongy material made of starch and oil, while the fruit skin is hard, consisted of small reddish-brown scales. This work aimed to characterize the bioactive compounds and the antioxidant activity of buriti fruits, during the postharvest time, harvested at different ripening stages. The fruits were harvested in a transitional environment savannah/forest at private properties in the city of Boa Vista, Roraima, Brazil. Fruits were analyzed for five consecutive years (2012–2016), at three different ripening stages: immature (with up to 75% green color between the scales), mature (with up to 50% green color between the scales) and ripened (with up to 25% green color between the scales). The selected fruits were standardized on the basis of their appearance, such as color of the epidermis and phytosanitary conditions, and later sanitized. Different fruit variables were analyzed every 2 days during a 10-day postharvest period including loss of fresh mass, pH, total acidity, soluble solids, total pectins, pectin methyl esterase and polygalacturonase enzyme activity, respiratory behavior (CO 2 and ethylene), and functional activity such as phenolic compounds, carotenoids and antioxidant activity (ORAC and DPPH). High antioxidant activity, in both methods, was observed in buriti fruits at different ripening stages during the postharvest storage period, characterized by high phenolic and carotenoid compounds. Fruits harvested at mature and immature stages showed a longer postharvest shelf life. It was observed a climacteric behavior of the buriti fruits here analyzed, that showed an increase in the respiration rate and ethylene production, indicated by the peak of CO 2 and ethylene production. Similar changes were observed in the fruit pH, total acidity and soluble solids, as well as in the activity of peptic enzymes whereas a decrease was observed in the total pectin contents. The fruits showed reasonable amount of phenolic compounds, carotenoids and antioxidant activity, thus confirming the functional potential of these fruits.

Cross-correlation and time history analysis of laser dynamic specklegram imaging for quality evaluation and assessment of certain seasonal fruits and vegetables

Quality evaluation of fruits and vegetables is of great concern as there is a shortage of unadulterated items on the market. Even unadulterated fruits and vegetables, especially those with soft tissue, cannot be stored for longer times due to physical and chemical changes. Moreover, damage can occur during harvest and in the post-harvest period, while preserving or transporting the fruits and vegetables. This work describes the use of a laser dynamic speckle imaging technique as a powerful optoelectronic tool for the quality evaluation of certain seasonal fruits and vegetables in an Indian market. A simple optical configuration was designed for developing the dynamic speckle imagining system to record dynamic specklegrams of the specimens under different conditions. These images were analysed using a cross-correlation function and the temporal history of specklegrams. The technique can be effectively adapted to the industrial environment and would be beneficial for all stakeholders in the field.

Photochemical metabolism and fruit quality of Ubá mango tree exposed to combined light and heat stress in the field

Several experiments have highlighted the complexity of stress interactions, in field conditions, involved in plant response. However, these impacts on the mechanisms involved in plant photosynthetic response remains understudied. The aim of this work was to compare the photosynthetic efficiencies and fruit quality of mango tree (Mangifera indica L.) cv. Uba harvested from plants cultivated on the east and west sides of a commercial orchard, according to the position of plants in relation to sunrise. Chlorophyll a fluorescence, was analyzed in leaves in four different periods: fruit growth phase, fruit ripening phase, post-harvest period and after plant pruning. Photoinhibitory damage was detected by the trapped energy flux and transported electron flux per reaction center during the fruit ripening phase, and by specific energy fluxes and yield quantum efficiency after plant pruning. Although high radiation caused photoinhibition on leaves from plants cultivated on the west side of the orchard, it provided sweeter fruits. In contrast to our initial hypothesis, it was verified that plants cultivated on the west side of the orchard presented better photochemical performance in periods with the greatest requirements of photoassimilates. In addition, plants demonstrated different abilities to deal with changes on photosynthetic active radiation and high temperature. This information suggests that the phenotypic plasticity of the Uba mango cultivar is considerable, which can be exploited to be used in regions with great relief variations and the combination of increased irradiance and high temperature.

Investigation of developed clay‐nanocomposite packaging film on quality of peach fruit ( Prunus persica Cv. Alberta) during cold storage

A nanocomposite packaging film (NPF) prepared by blending polyethylene (PE) with nanoclay (closite 20A) was used. The effects of NPF on the quality parameters of mature peach fruit were investigated during 42 d of storage at 2 °C. The results showed that barrier properties of active film properly suited fruit respiration and significantly inhibited bacterial growth. The weight loss, softening and internal browning of peach fruit were also significantly inhibited by 42%, 28%, and 15%, respectively, which indicated that NPF could delay peach ripening. In addition, pH, total soluble solid, and titratable acidity of fruit in the neat PE film and the unpacked fruit changed more significantly compared with the NPF-packed fruit. Additionally, peach in NPF exhibited lower polyphenol oxidase and higher peroxidase and catalase activities than the others. These results shown that NPF may be an applicable method to control fruit loss and prolong quality of peach during storage. Practical applications In this study a clay-nanocomposite film with modified barrier and unti-microbial properties on storage of peach fruit was investigated. The barrier properties of the nanocomposite film improved compared to the neat LDPE film so that causes to decrease the respiration rate of the product. Also it is capable to increase the shelf life and storage life of the product. In addition this nanocomposite film can be used as an active packaging with anti-microbial property. Furthermore, the melt blending extrusion for developing of the nanocomposite film can be used as an industrial and cost effective method for reduction of the product losses in postharvest period.

Acceptability by Girolando heifers and nutritional value of erect prickly pear stored for different periods

Abstract: The objective of this work was to evaluate the nutritional value of erect prickly pear (EPP) (Opuntia stricta), stored for different periods, and its acceptability by Girolando heifers. Five heifers were distributed in a 5x5 Latin square. The treatments were as follows: EPP without storage time; stored EPP for three post-harvest periods - 7, 14, and 21 days; and cochineal nopal cactus (CNC) (Nopalea cochenillifera) without storage time, as a control treatment. The diets offered to the animals were composed of cacti of the different treatments, as well as sugarcane silage and soybean meal, and were evaluated for their chemical composition, intake, and nutrient digestibility. The ingestive behavior of the heifers was evaluated. The cactus EPP did not differ from the CNC for organic matter, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber corrected for ash and protein, nonfibrous carbohydrates, total carbohydrates, ether extract, and mineral matter; however, EPP stored for different periods differed from CNC for dry matter and indigestible neutral detergent fiber. Heifer weights varied 1.35 kg with the low inclusion of concentrate in the diet. The cactus erect prickly pear maintains constant both its nutritional value and its acceptability to Girolando heifers, after storage for different periods up to 21 days.