Postharvest Quality Attributes Research Articles

Enhancing the postharvest quality attributes of banana (cv. Sabri) fruit by using chitosan, paraffin and coating oils

Enhancing the postharvest quality attributes of banana (cv. Sabri) fruit by using chitosan, paraffin and coating oils

Response of postharvest quality attributes and cultivars to greenhouse microclimate and storage conditions

Response of postharvest quality attributes and cultivars to greenhouse microclimate and storage conditions

Postharvest physiological responses of pomegranate fruit (cv. Wonderful) to exogenous putrescine treatment and effects on physico-chemical and phytochemical properties

Pomegranate fruit (cv. Wonderful) were treated with putrescine (1, 2 and 3 mmol/L) before storage for 4 months at 5 °C and 95 % RH and the effects on postharvest life and quality attributes were studied. Results showed that incidence of physiological disorders such as external decay, husk scald, chilling injury and aril browning increased with progressive storage but treating pomegranate fruit with putrescine reduced incidence of most disorders. Control fruit had higher levels of external decay (1.72 %–33.26 %), chilling injury (10.53 %–38.77 %) and scalding (15.04 %–100 %) with less attractive color during 4 month storage. Variations were observed on other fruit quality parameters although treatment with putrescine at 2 and 3 mmol/L concentration reduced changes in color, total soluble solid, Titratable acidity and ascorbic acid. Sensory parameters were best preserved in fruit treated with 2 mmol/L concentration of putrescine with respect to juiciness and crispness. Treatment of pomegranate fruit with putrescine resulted in improved storability and fruit quality during storage. Therefore, for short term storage, 2 mmol/L concentration of putrescine could be recommended for maintaining fruit quality especially in the first two months of storage. However, for longer storage period, a higher concentration is recommended, as 3 mmol/L concentration was the most effective in alleviating disorders and maintaining physico-chemical parameters and sensory attributes during storage in this study.

Improving Storability of “Nanfeng” Mandarins by Treating with Postharvest Hot Water Dipping

The current research aimed at studying the possibility of improving the postharvest storability of “Nanfeng” mandarins by hot water dipping (HWD) treatment. The research was conducted in two phases. Firstly, two different temperatures (50 and 55°C) were tested for three different dipping durations (2, 3, and 4 min) on the mandarin fruits, and the best combination was defined for the prevention of weight loss and fruit decay. Next, the optimal treatment (HWD at 50°C for 3 min) was used in further studies to test the effects on the postharvest fruit quality attributes. Regular measurements were performed to determine total soluble solid (TSS) content, titratable acid (TA) content, vitamin C (VC) content, total sugar content, respiration rate, malondialdehyde (MDA) content, and activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzyme, polyphenoloxidase (PPO) enzyme, and peroxidase (POD) enzyme. According to the results obtained, HWD treatment was found to prevent the loss of TSS, TA, and VC contents during the storage period. The HWD-treated fruits were also found to have a lower respiration rate and MDA content as compared with control treatment. Furthermore, HWD treatment significantly enhanced the activities of SOD, POD, and PPO which are known to enhance tolerance to lipid peroxidation and are associated with the fruit protection from injuries and pathogens. Present results also suggest that the activation of the SOD and POD enzymes is highly related to the respiratory activities of the fresh produce. This suggests that the HWD can be used to improve the storability of “Nanfeng” mandarins by maintaining the postharvest physical and biochemical quality.

Effect of Stabilized Ortho Silicic Acid on Pre and Post-Harvest Quality Attributes of Plant and Ratoon Sugarcane

India is the second largest producer and consumer of sugar in the world. Lower cane yields coupled with post harvest losses are key factors limiting sustainability of Indian sugar industry. Silicon is a beneficial nutrient for plants and in some plants (silicon accumulators like sugarcane), it is absorbed in the range of essential primary nutrients viz. nitrogen, potassium or phosphorous. The present study was undertaken to explore the impact of stabilized ortho silicic acid (OSA, silixol 0.8%), when applied as foliar sprays on two contrasting sugarcane varieties: CoS 08279 (high yield and low sugar) and UP 05125 (low yield and high sugar) for three consecutive years (two plant and one ratoon crop). Impact of OSA was assessed on both plant and ratoon crop for yield attributes as well as pre and post-harvest quality parameters. Number of tillers per hectare for ratoon crop increased by 8% and number of millable canes (NMC) by 155 and 1312 canes per hectare in low yield/high sugar variety compared to 3% increase in tillers and 772 and 319 NMC per hectare in high yield/low sugar following the foliar application of OSA. The cane height was increased by 5.9 and 14 cm in plant and ratoon of UP 05125 and by 9.1 and 16 cm in plant and ratoon of CoS 08279 respectively,which ultimately leads to higher cane yield. Additionally other yield attributes like cane girth and cane weight increased in the treated areas compared to control ones. Commercial cane sugar (CCS %) increased by 13% and 7% in the plant and ratoon crop, respectively of high yield/ low sugar variety. Likewise, OSA application showed higher acid invertase activity during grand growth phase in both treated plant (0.95 and 1.25 units) and ratoon cane (0.46 and 1.38 units) of UP 05125 and CoS 08279,however, the activity was reduced during ripening stage as compared to control cane which resulted in higher accumulation of sucrose in treated canes. OSA treatment exhibited a profound impact on post- harvest quality losses. Almost 10% less decline in weight and 0.5 (plant canes) to 0.87(ratoon canes) units low reduction in sucrose percentage were recorded after 240 h of harvest for both the varieties. Our findings of the present study indicates that application of ortho silicic acid not only helps in ameliorating yield and quality of sugarcane and juice but also helps in reducing the quality deterioration in harvested cane up to a significant level. The data also suggests that the use of OSA would increase remuneration of the crop for both the grower and the millers.

Evaluation of tinting induced changes in post harvest quality attributes of tuberose

Evaluation of tinting induced changes in post harvest quality attributes of tuberose

Evaluation of Postharvest Quality Attributes of Gum Arabic and Fruwash Coated Summer Squash

The present investigation was envisaged to find out the effect of edible coating on postharvest quality of summer squash stored under cold storage. In this study, gum arabic (5, 10 and 15%) and fruwash were used as coating materials and their effect was evaluated in terms of colour hue, pectin methylesterase enzyme activity, total phenolics and total antioxidants activity. Among the various treatments, fruits coated with 10% gum arabic were best in retaining lower hue values (125.01), lower pectin methylesterase enzyme activity (0.00187 ΔA620 min−1 g−1 FW), total phenolics (≍30%) and higher antioxidants activity (26.46 μmol trolox equiv. g−1). Results confirmed that that medium dose (10%) of gum arabic was most suitable for preserving fruit skin colour, lower enzymatic activity, higher retention of total phenolics and antioxidants compared to its higher and lower doses.

Synergistic effect of salicylic acid and chitosan on postharvest life and quality attributes of jamun (Syzygium cumini Skeels) fruit

Syzygium cumini Skeels, commonly known as jamun, is an under-utilized fruit crop, native to India. The fruit is rich in several bioactive compounds and possesses several medicinal properties, especially therapeutic effects towards healing diabetes. However, the fruit deteriorates rapidly after harvest and can only be stored for 2–3 days at ambient conditions. Therefore, the present study was conducted to extend the storability and preserve jamun fruit quality during storage at ambient conditions. Fully ripe jamun fruits were immersed in salicylic acid (SA, 1.0 mM or 1.5 mM) or chitosan (1.5% w/v) solutions either alone or in combination. Fruits dipped in distilled water served as control. Following treatments, fruits were dried in air and stored at room temperature in corrugated fibre board boxes. The results indicated that 1.5% chitosan + 1.5 mM SA treatment was highly effective in preserving fruit quality and delaying senescence. This treatment resulted in about 19.5% lower weight loss, 49.9% lower decay loss, and 48% lower malondialdehyde content than control fruit. Combined treatment of chitosan and SA (1.5 mM) retained about 1.34-fold higher total anthocyanins, 1.69-fold higher total phenolics, 1.5-fold higher total flavonoids, 1.75-fold higher total antioxidant capacity, and 1.5-fold higher radical scavenging activity than control up to 6 day storage. Significant variations in ascorbic acid and titratable acidity were not recorded among salicylic acid-treated and chitosan-coated fruits; however, total soluble solids content was highest in chitosan-coated fruits. The findings of the study will be useful to increase the availability of jamun fruit and enable for its long-distance transport and subsequent marketing.

Effects of Different Exposure Times of Led Lights on Postharvest Performances of Fresh-Cut Pineapple (Ananas comosus L. cv. Josapine)

Pineapple is one of the most important commercial fruit crops served in fresh-cut form which is convenient for the consumers. However, fresh-cut pineapple induces the activity of phenolic compounds which triggers the generation of brown or dark pigments. Browning incidence (BI) directly influences the fruit’s acceptability and marketability. Therefore, different exposure times (5mins, 10mins, 15mins and 20mins) and types of LED lights (white, red and blue) were applied on fresh-cut pineapple stored at 5oC storage for twelve days to reduce BI. A significant interaction between the two factors was recorded in lightness coefficient, chroma, total phenolic and ascorbic acid (AA) contents. Regardless of exposure times, all types of LED lights, mainly the blue light, succeeded in delaying BI in fresh-cut pineapple. In conclusion, blue light had a tendency to delay BI and maintain the other postharvest quality attributes of fresh-cut pineapple.

Effect of high O2atmosphere packaging on postharvest quality of purple passion fruit (Passiflora edulisSims)

The effects of high O2 atmosphere packaging on postharvest respiration and quality attributes of purple passion fruit were investigated. Freshly harvested fruit were placed and sealed into polyolefin (PO) bags with 50%, 70%, 90% O2 (balance N2) or air (as control) atmosphere up to 20 days at 15°C. Samples were randomly selected initially and at 5-days interval during storage. The fruit packaged in high O2 atmosphere had lower respiration rate and peel shrinkage than that of control. High O2 atmosphere packaging had good effect on maintaining high levels of vitamin C, soluble solids content, total phenols, and total flavonoids of passion fruit, and the higher one had better effect. These results indicate that high O2 atmosphere packaging could inhibit the postharvest respiration and retain good physical properties and nutritional properties of passion fruit. Practical application Passion fruit is vulnerable to deterioration and has a short shelf life after harvest. In our present study, high O2 (90%) atmosphere packaging effectively inhibited respiration and peel shrinkage, maintained firmness, vitamin C and soluble solids content, and increased total phenols content and total flavonoids content of passion fruit. Thus, high O2 atmosphere packaging will be a prospective way to extend shelf life of passion fruit.

Physicochemical Changes of Custard Apple at Different Storage Temperatures

In order to analyze the influence of different storage temperature on the storability and postharvest quality attributes of custard apple, the postharvest custard apple were stored at 4, 15 or 20-28°C (room temperature) by measuring the change of weight loss rate, firmness, content of total soluble solid (TSS) and titratable acid (TA). By 4, 7, 10 d with 22-28°C(room temperature), 15°C, 4°C, the weight loss of custard apple was about 1.97%, 2.21%, 1.04%, respectively. The firmness decreased gradually during the whole storage time with 22-28°C, 15°C, but the firmness of custard apple increased rapidly from 5.53 N to 9.11 N at 4°C, within 1 to 10 days of storage. TSS content increased gradually in the early stage of storage and then decreased. TA content decreased continuously during the whole storage time. Slight decline in pH of the all the products was observed during postharvest storage. The result showed that the shelf life of fruits were 4, 7, 10 d with 22-28°C(room temperature), 15°C, 4°C, respectively.

Impact of modified atmosphere and humidity packaging on the quality, off-odour development and volatiles of ‘Elsanta’ strawberries

Abstract Development of off-odours, as well as visual quality of packaged fresh produce plays a crucial role in consumer’s choice. In this context, this work investigated the odour profile, condensation, gas composition, and postharvest quality attributes of strawberries stored under modified atmosphere and humidity packaging at 5 °C for 14 days. The packages were fitted with fixed area (69, 126.5, and 195.5 cm2) of different permeable membranes (NatureFlex, Xtend, and Propafilm). No significant changes were detected on the measured physicochemical quality attributes of strawberries and mass loss was below 1.5% across the different packaging systems. Package modification/design had an influence on in-package water vapour condensation, gas composition, and accumulation of secondary volatile organic compounds (acetaldehyde, acetone, ethanol and ethyl acetate).

Postharvest quality and sensory attributes ofFicus caricaL.

Postharvest quality and sensory attributes of<i>Ficus carica</i>L.

Response of Baby Spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) to Photoselective Nettings on Growth and Postharvest Quality

Manipulation of microenvironments by means of photoselective nettings is widely used to improve the productivity and quality of high-value vegetables. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of photoselective nettings on growth, productivity, and postharvest quality attributes of baby spinach. Baby spinach cv. Ohio was grown from seeds, and the trial was repeated. Plants were planted in an open field (control) and under closed nets, viz., black, pearl, yellow, and red nets. At harvest, baby spinach leaves were subjected to 4, 10, and 20 °C storage temperatures for 12 days. Crops grown under black nets and stored at 4 °C retained higher level of antioxidant activity (0.23 g·kg−1), whereas the least level of antioxidant activity was observed in baby spinach grown under red and yellow shade nets (0.01 g·kg−1). Similar trend was evident with flavonoid content where baby spinach leaves grown under black nets maintained high level of flavonoids at 4, 10, and 20 °C during storage period compared with other shade nets and the control. The study control showed a better potential in retaining antioxidant activity over red and yellow shade nets. Results showed that black shade nettings have the potential to reduce water loss, decay incidents, and maintain flavonoid content and antioxidant activity followed by pearl and yellow nets.

Investigating the effects of crab shell chitosan on fungal mycelial growth and postharvest quality attributes of pomegranate whole fruit and arils

Postharvest disease management for pomegranate fruit remains a critical challenge and the need for effective alternative treatments is essential in order to minimise losses. This study investigated the in-vitro and in-vivo antifungal activities of crab shell chitosan and fludioxonil (a registered postharvest fungicide) as a control against Botrytis sp., Penicillium sp. and Pilidiella granati isolated from pomegranate fruit. Mycelial growth inhibition was evaluated using potato dextrose agar amended with varying concentrations of 0–1g/L for fludioxonil, and 0–10g/L of chitosan. Complete mycelial growth inhibition was observed at 0.10g/L and 10g/L for fludioxonil and chitosan, respectively. Chitosan concentrations causing a 50% reduction in mycelial growth (EC50) were 0.47, 1.19, and 2.21g/L for P. granati, Botrytis sp., and Penicillium sp., respectively. The EC50 concentrations for fludioxonil were 0.02, 0.48, and 0.90mg/L for Penicillium sp., P. granati, and Botrytis sp., respectively. For in-vivo investigation of artificially inoculated pomegranate fruit; chitosan effectively reduced rot incidence by 18–66%, and was most efficient when applied as a preventative treatment regardless of cultivar (‘Herskawitz’ and ‘Wonderful’). Additionally, chitosan treatments (0, 2.5, 7.5 and 15g/L) were applied on minimally processed pomegranate arils as edible coating prior to packaging and storage at 4°C for 14days. The chitosan treated arils best maintained physico-chemical quality attributes and significantly lower microbial counts for mesophilic aerobic bacteria, yeast and moulds. This study showed that crab shell chitosan has a potential as a green fungicide for postharvest disease management of pomegranate.

Augmentation of Meat Quality Attributes of Spent Hen Breast Muscle (Pectoralis Major) by Marination with Lemon Juice vis-a-vis Ginger Extract

A study was conducted with the aim of augmentation of post harvest quality attributes of spent hen breast meat with lemon juice (LM) vis-a-vis ginger extract (GM) marination. Moisture content and water holding capacity (WHC) significantly (P<0.05) increased whereas, protein, fat, ash, cholesterol, muscle fibre diameter, firmness and toughness values significantly (P<0.05) decreased. Percent marinade absorption and pH values were significantly (P<0.05) higher in GM and significantly (P<0.05) lower in LM compared to Con. LM showed significant (P<0.05) reduction in Na and increase in S, Si and Cl whereas GM showed increase in S, Ca, K, Zn, Cu and Fe along with reduction in Na and Cl content when compared to Con. Marination improved firmness and toughness and was corroborated by endomysium degradation seen in Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) studies. Hence, in light of improving the quality attributes of spent hen breast meat; LM and GM could be effectively used.

Impact of preharvest and postharvest alginate treatments enriched with vanillin on postharvest decay, biochemical properties, quality and sensory attributes of table grapes

Alginate solution enriched with vanillin as a bioactive compound was investigated for improving preharvest and postharvest quality and safety of table grapes. Alginate treatments with or without vanillin as preharvest spray and postharvest coating were implemented on table grapes of Alphonse Lavalleé and Razaki cultivars. Fungal decay, biochemical properties, quality and sensory attributes were evaluated at day of preharvest treatment, at harvesting and during 35days of storage at 4±2°C. Alginate treatments with or without vanillin were effective in preventing weight and firmness losses. Total soluble solids, titratable acidity, and color of grapes coated with alginate coatings with or without vanillin showed minor changes compared to control grapes. Alginate coating incorporating vanillin provided significant reduction (1.73log CFU/g) in yeast-mold growth. Moreover, the coatings maintained greater total phenolic content and antioxidant activity compared to others during postharvest storage. In terms of sensory attributes, appearance was ranked as the highest for alginate coating without vanillin due to glossiness of alginate.

Comparison of pesticide-free and conventional production systems on postharvest quality and nutritional parameters of peppers in different storage conditions

The peppers were grown using either pesticide-free or conventional production systems and stored at 8°C in one of four storage methods, i.e. regular atmosphere (control), cling film (CF), modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) or a proprietary controlled atmosphere (CA) storage system (Palliflex™, PL) of 2kPa O2+3kPa CO2. Internal atmospheres created by the MAP were periodically assessed during storage, and O2 and CO2 levels in both pecticide-free and conventionally-grown peppers were suitably maintained within recommended limits, 3–5kPa O2+2–8kPa CO2. Weight loss of peppers stored in PL was lower (<4% at 45d) than for other treatments in both production systems. After 45d of storage, peppers stored in PL and control had higher total soluble solids content compared with the CF and MAP treatments in the conventional production system. Titratable acidity and total phenolics content first increased then decreased in all treatments. The contents of ascorbic acid in both pesticide-free and conventionally-grown peppers declined, and β-carotene content increased progressively with storage time. In terms of the production systems, the lowest weight loss and total soluble solids contents were in the pesticide-free production system. Furthermore, the pesticide-free production system had higher titratable acidity, total phenolics and ascorbic acid contents, compared with the conventional production system. The lowest decay incidence was in the conventional production system. In conclusion, the pesticide-free production system could be an alternative production system for pepper growing and PL storage could be used to maintain postharvest quality attributes of peppers up to 45d both in pesticide-free and conventionally-grown peppers.

Effect of CaCl2 Sprays at Different Fruit Development Stages on Postharvest Keeping Quality of “Hayward” Kiwifruit

The postharvest quality attributes of “Hayward” kiwifruit were investigated to find the optimum times and frequencies of calcium chloride (CaCl2) spray. The vines in two different commercial kiwifruit orchards were sprayed with CaCl2 (1.5%) one, two and three times in 35, 85 and 125 days after full bloom (DAFB). Fruits were harvested at the maturity stage and thereafter stored at 0C for 90 days and five additional days under marketing conditions as shelf life. The results showed that with a few exceptions, one time and two times CaCl2 sprays had no significant effect on kiwifruit postharvest quality. Thrice CaCl2 sprays (35 + 85 + 125 DAFB) significantly enhanced fruit Ca concentration and improved fruit quality such as firmness, total soluble solid, titratable acidity, total chlorophyll and carotenoid content, and reduced fruit weight loss and decay incidence during cold storage and shelf life. Overall, it is proposed that thrice CaCl2 (1.5%) spray in “Hayward” kiwifruit orchards could be more appropriate to improve fruit quality and storability. Practical Applications Consumer's acceptance for ripe “Hayward” kiwifruits is influenced by sugar content, sugar-to-acid ratio, green pulp color and the sensory properties such as texture and appearance. During cold storage, many physicochemical changes will occur in kiwifruits such as weight loss, increase in soluble solid contents, decline in ascorbic acid and cell wall degradation, which significantly affect fruit qualities. Softening plays an important role in textural qualities, consumer acceptability, shelf life and postharvest disease resistance. It is significantly influenced by different preharvest factors. Foliar application of CaCl2 has very important role in improving fruit quality. Calcium participates in cross-linking negative charges, especially on the carboxylic residues of pectin, imparting significant structural rigidity to the wall. Therefore, finding the optimum preharvest CaCl2 spraying time and frequency is very important for orchard management.

Effects of preharvest applications of methyl jasmonate and chitosan on postharvest decay, quality and chemical attributes of Fragaria chiloensis fruit

Fragaria chiloensis fruit has a short postharvest life mainly due to its rapid softening. In order to improve its postharvest life, preharvest applications of methyl jasmonate (MeJA) and chitosan were evaluated during postharvest storage at room temperature. The quality and chemical parameters, and protection against decay were evaluated at 0, 24, 48 and 72h of storage from fruits of two subsequent picks (termed as first harvest and second harvest). In general, fruits treated with MeJA and chitosan maintained higher levels of fruit firmness, anthocyanin, and showed significant delays in decay incidence compared to control fruit. MeJA-treated fruits exhibited a greater lignin content and SSC/TA ratio, and delayed decay incidences. Instead, chitosan-treated fruits presented higher antioxidant capacity and total phenol content. In short, both the elicitors were able to increase the shelf life of fruits as evidenced by the increased levels of lignin and anthocyanin, especially of the second harvest.