Plant Growth Regulators
Tafsin Araf; Amrul Kayes; Nazrul Islam; Shormin Choudhury
Abstract
Purpose: The experiment aimed to evaluate the effect and optimal dose of paclobutrazol, and appropriacy of bunch covering materials on productivity and quality of banana. Research method: This study was laid out following a randomized complete block design with four replications. The experiment consisted ...
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Purpose: The experiment aimed to evaluate the effect and optimal dose of paclobutrazol, and appropriacy of bunch covering materials on productivity and quality of banana. Research method: This study was laid out following a randomized complete block design with four replications. The experiment consisted of two factors namely Factor A: Different doses of paclobutrazol i.e. no paclobutrazol, 1 g/L paclobutrazol and 2 g/L palobutrazol and Factor B: bunch covering i.e. control (no polythene covering), white polythene covering and blue polythene covering. Paclobutrazol was sprayed 2 times; firstly, at fruit set stage and secondly, one month after 1st spray. Findings: The treatments showed significant effect on the yield as well as qualitative traits of banana. Paclobutrazol sprayed plants performed better than non-paclobutrazol treated plants. Application of paclobutrazol (2 g/L) and blue bunch covering banana contained higher amount of sugar. However, blue and white polythene had no significant effect on color measurement of banana peel. Paclobutrazol (1g/L) and white polythene treated bunch produced the highest bunch weight (24.91 kg), pulp:peel ratio (3.57), fibre content (4.20%) while no polythene treated with no paclobutrazol produced the lowest bunch weight (16.77 kg), pulp:peel ratio (1.89), fibre content (2.60%) of banana. These results generally prove that paclobutrazol application could potentially be used to improve crop productivity and their quality value. Research limitations: There were no limitations identified. Originality/Value: Paclobutrazol (1mg/L) with white polythene as bunch covering resulted in the maximum banana production and quality when compared to other treatment combinations, without compromising of human health and environmental sustainability.
Postharvest Biology and Technology
Alex Guimarães Sanches; Elem Maria Ferreira Feitosa
Abstract
Purpose: Climacteric metabolism makes papaya (Carica papaya L) a highly perishable fruit, especially under ambient conditions. Considering that few retail outlets (markets) have a cold chain for storage, it is necessary to evaluate technologies to extend the commercial shelf life of this fruit under ...
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Purpose: Climacteric metabolism makes papaya (Carica papaya L) a highly perishable fruit, especially under ambient conditions. Considering that few retail outlets (markets) have a cold chain for storage, it is necessary to evaluate technologies to extend the commercial shelf life of this fruit under ambient conditions. Thus, the objective of this research was to evaluate the effect of arginine application to delay ripening and preserve the physicochemical quality of papaya during storage under ambient conditions. Research method: Physiologically ripe ‘Hawaii’ papayas (stage 1) were harvested from a commercial orchard, selected (physiological injuries, pests and diseases), sanitized in a chloride solution and sprayed with solutions containing distilled water (control) and arginine (25 mg.L-1) determined in preliminary tests. They were then placed on benches and kept under ambient conditions (28 ± 2 °C and 85 ± 5 % RH) for a period of 7 days with quality assessments performed daily. Findings: Spraying a solution containing arginine (25 mg.L-1) significantly delayed the ripening of papayas, corroborated by reduced respiratory activity and ethylene production, the effects of which were observed in delayed chlorophyll loss in the peel, reduced mass loss, maintenance of firmness, reduction in total soluble solids accumulation and titratable acidity, in addition to reduced degradation of vitamin C and lycopene. Research limitations: Understanding the biochemical mechanism of arginine in the regulation of ripening. Originality/Value: The results of this study provide the producer/trader with a viable and easy-to- apply technology to ensure a product with a longer marketing period and quality for the final consumer.
Plant Physiology
Mozhdeh Yousefi; Seyed Hossein Mirdehghan; Majid Esmaeilizadeh; Fatemeh Nazoori; Seyyed Rasoul Sahhafi
Abstract
Purpose: The pistachio nut is an important product primarily traded as dry nut in-shell kernels. Any damage to the shell during growth and development can cause shell staining and kernel decay in pistachios, rendering them unsuitable for sale. This study aimed to mitigate these issues by evaluating the ...
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Purpose: The pistachio nut is an important product primarily traded as dry nut in-shell kernels. Any damage to the shell during growth and development can cause shell staining and kernel decay in pistachios, rendering them unsuitable for sale. This study aimed to mitigate these issues by evaluating the effects of various calcium nitrate solutions. Research method: Fruit samples from two pistachio cultivars, 'Akbari' and 'Kaleh-Ghoochi,' were collected from 18-year-old trees with moderate tree vigor in a commercial orchard. The calcium nitrate solutions included a control sample (distilled water), 0.4% calcium nitrate, and 0.2% calcium nitrate enriched with lecithin, foliar applied two weeks after full bloom. Findings: Calcium nitrate treatments, both alone and enriched with lecithin, significantly reduced physiological disorders such as endocarp lesions and fruit abscission. In 'Akbari,' calcium nitrate treatments reduced issues such as nut ounce, shell staining, deformed nuts, blank nuts, endocarp lesions, early-split nuts, hull decay, and hull cracking. In contrast, Kaleh-Ghoochi also benefited from reduced occurrences of deformed nuts, early-split nuts, hull decay, and hull cracking. However, when treated with calcium nitrate enriched with lecithin, there was a notable reduction in blank nuts in Kaleh-Ghoochi, whereas calcium nitrate alone led to an increase in blank nuts. These calcium nitrate treatments resulted in positive outcomes and reduced fruit defects, thereby enhancing the overall quality and marketability of pistachios. Notably, the combination of calcium nitrate and lecithin had a more pronounced impact on Akbari, improving the pistachio nut's hull appearance, firmness, and reducing water activity. Research limitations: There were no limitations. Originality/Value: These findings suggest that calcium plays a significant role in enhancing the yield, quality, and marketability of pistachio fruit, providing practical insights for farmers aiming to improve their pistachio production practices.
Postharvest Biology and Technology
Weerahetti Arachchilage Buddhika Hanshani Hettiarachchi; Konara Mudiyanselage Shyamali Dilrukshika Sandarenu; Supurni Nimalshani Wiriththamulla Gamage; Rathnayake Mudiyanselage Tharangi Disnika Attanayake; Yapa Mudiyanselage Hasanika Madhubhashini Dasanayaka; Dharshani Dammika Kumari Galahitiyawa; Herath Mudiyanselage Prathibhani Chamidha Kumarihami
Abstract
Purpose: The effectiveness of the evaporative clay pot coolers was studied to preserve the postharvest quality of leafy vegetables, including kankun (Ipomoea aquatica), gotukola (Centella asiatica), lettuce (Lactuca sativa) and thampala (Amaranthus spp.). Research method: The bundles of leafy vegetables ...
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Purpose: The effectiveness of the evaporative clay pot coolers was studied to preserve the postharvest quality of leafy vegetables, including kankun (Ipomoea aquatica), gotukola (Centella asiatica), lettuce (Lactuca sativa) and thampala (Amaranthus spp.). Research method: The bundles of leafy vegetables weighed about 200 g and were stored for seven days under room temperature storage, refrigerated storage, and clay pot cooler storage. Findings: The average temperatures were 27.7 °C, 7.1 °C, and 25.6 °C, and relative humidity values were 76.1%, 58.2%, and 93.6% in room temperature storage, refrigerated storage, and clay pot cooler, respectively. The average cooling efficiency of clay pot coolers was 66.7%. The physiological weight losses of leafy vegetables were significantly reduced during clay pot cooler storage. The chlorophyll content, soluble solids content, color changes, and visual quality of leafy vegetables were significantly maintained in clay pot cooler storage compared to room temperature storage. Research limitations: The main limitation of this study was the seepage of water into the inner pot of the clay pot cooler which enhanced the decay of leafy vegetables. This was successfully controlled by avoiding overwatering the sand that was used as the lining material of the clay pot cooler. Originality/Value: The clay pot cooler is one of the alternative low-cost storage methods to preserve the quality of leafy vegetables during storage.
Postharvest Biology and Technology
Sarmin Afroz Supa; Prianka Howlader; Mohammad Ali; Rumina Afroz Rupa; Santosh Kumar Bose
Abstract
Purpose: Guava is believed to be the most important commercial fruit crop in Bangladesh. Guava fruit exhibit very short storage life mainly due to high respiration rate, susceptibility to various pathogens and mechanical damages which can rapidly reduce the quality. However, the experiment was conducted ...
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Purpose: Guava is believed to be the most important commercial fruit crop in Bangladesh. Guava fruit exhibit very short storage life mainly due to high respiration rate, susceptibility to various pathogens and mechanical damages which can rapidly reduce the quality. However, the experiment was conducted to study the edible coatings effects on postharvest quality and shelf life of guava. Research Method: Commercially mature guava fruits (Swarupkathi and Thai) were treated with six edible coatings viz., (i) T1 : Control, (ii) T2 : Aloe vera gel (25%), (iii) T3: Carboxy methyl cellulose (CMC) (1%), (iv) T4: Chitosan(1%), (v) T5: Aloe vera gel (25%) + Chitosan (1%) and (vi) T6: Green tea leaf extract. The two-factor experiment was designed with a Completely Randomized Design and three replications. Findings: The results showed that, Thai Piara with Chitosan 1% treatment recorded the minimum weight loss (6.28%), the highest vitamin C content (191.44 mg/100gFW), the lowest pH (5.30), the maximum total soluble solids content (6.77 oBrix) and the highest titratable acidity (2.04%) at 10 days after storage compare to untreated Swarupkathi piara. Thai Piara treated with Aloe vera gel 25 % + Chitosan 1% exhibited the highest shelf life (13.00 days) followed by (12.67) in Chitosan (1%) treatment. Research Limitations: The study did not focus on ethylene and respiration rate determination. Originality/Value: The study demonstrated that Thai Piara, treated with Chitosan 1% solution showed better performance followed by Aloe vera gel 25% + Chitosan 1% solution for maintaining postharvest quality and shelf life of guava.
Postharvest Biology and Technology
Rathnayake Mudiyanselage Nilanthi Anuruddika Wijewardane
Abstract
Purpose: Lime fruit, a non-climacteric, seasonal crop, becomes unmarketable after 1-2 weeks from harvesting. Even though, lime is stored under low temperature conditions, the shelf life of which lasted about 4-6 weeks due to low rate of perishability. Research Method: The study was conducted to evaluate ...
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Purpose: Lime fruit, a non-climacteric, seasonal crop, becomes unmarketable after 1-2 weeks from harvesting. Even though, lime is stored under low temperature conditions, the shelf life of which lasted about 4-6 weeks due to low rate of perishability. Research Method: The study was conducted to evaluate the effect of coating formulation under ambient (30°C, 65% RH), cold (13±2°C and 85% RH), zero energy cooling chamber [ZECC], (16-18°C, 65% RH). Thephysiochemical attributes were evaluated in triplicate and data were analyzed using ANOVA and a probability value of p<0.05 was adopted. Finding: The storage life of citrus fruits was extended up to 15, 30, and 40 days under ambient, ZECC, and cold storage respectively by protecting physicochemical attributes such as low weight loss, TSS, titratable acidity, pH, juice yield, chlorophyll (a, b and total chlorophyll content) and surface colour with respect to L*, a* and b* values. The overall performance of different treatments demonstrated that the wax coating treatment for lime fruits under low temperature storage proved better performance compared with all other treatments. The coated fruits exhibited the retention of physicochemical characteristics significantly (P< 0.05) by lowering the fruit spoilage. Research limitations: Even though mechanical application of wax formulations was effective; it was not practiced in the experiment. Originality/Value: The wax coating treatment can be utilized on commercial scale to enhance the shelf life and to maintain the quality of lime fruits combined with low temperature storage.
Postharvest Biology and Technology
Erdinç Bal
Abstract
Purpose: The aim of this work was to determine the effects of UV-C and alginate coating, alone or in combination, on extending the storability and the quality of cherry tomato. Research method: Tomatoes were covered with a 2% alginate coating in combination with UV-C treatment or alone and stored at ...
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Purpose: The aim of this work was to determine the effects of UV-C and alginate coating, alone or in combination, on extending the storability and the quality of cherry tomato. Research method: Tomatoes were covered with a 2% alginate coating in combination with UV-C treatment or alone and stored at 10°C with 90-95% relative humidity for 20 days. Tomatoes were evaluated for weight loss, respiration rate, total soluble solids, titratable acidity, ascorbic acid, lycopene content, total phenolic content, antioxidant content and overall appearance every 5 day. Findings: The results indicated that UV-C +Alginate treatment was highly effective in preserving fruit quality and delaying senescence. Alginate coating preserved brightness and visual quality of fruit while preventing decay. Overall, the integration of UV-C irradiation with alginate coating was the best treatment that could strongly inhibit the increase in the weight loss and respiration and achieved the highest ascorbic acid, total phenolic and antioxidant content. Single UV-C treatment had a positive effect on biochemical compounds at the beginning, but could not maintain this effect at the end of storage. Moreover, lycopene concentration increased as the senescence progressed, but observed higher lycopene contents in control samples. Limitations: No limitations to report. Originality/Value: UV-C + alginate treatment may be a promising method of improving quality and extending the postharvest life of cherry tomatoes.
Postharvest Disorders and Diseases
Mohamad Firozi; MohamadEsmail Amiri; Ehsan Kahneh
Abstract
Purpose: The use of natural and organic products increases to produce a healthy product free of pollutants. Tea seeds contain 15-20% oil, which used as edible oil and an organic pesticide. In previous years, these seeds were used to produce tea seedlings. But now, cuttings are used for tea propagation ...
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Purpose: The use of natural and organic products increases to produce a healthy product free of pollutants. Tea seeds contain 15-20% oil, which used as edible oil and an organic pesticide. In previous years, these seeds were used to produce tea seedlings. But now, cuttings are used for tea propagation and seeds are a byproduct of tea production. Therefore, this study aims to compare the effect of TSO with commercial wax on post-harvest quality of Citrus sinensis cv. Moro. Research method: An experiment was done as Completely Randomized Design; fruits were coated with control (distilled water), commercial wax (XEDASOL- MX20), and tea seed oil. The fruits were stored for 60 days in cold storage. The weight of the fruit skin, the contents of juice, total soluble solids, titratable acidity, and anthocyanins of the fruit were measured. Findings: The results showed that fruits coated with commercial wax and tea seed oil have the lowest fruit weight loss, the highest percentage of TSS (10.42%), the most top content of anthocyanins (15.17 mg/l) and flavonoids (196.17 mg/l) that there was a significant difference with control. The lowest titratable acidity (2.28%) was observed in fruits impregnated with tea seed oil, and there was a considerable difference with control. In general, the effect of tea seed oil was similar to commercial wax. Limitations: No limitations were founded. Originality/Value: These results indicate that the application of tea seed oil proved to be effective in extending the quality and storage time of Citrus sinensis (cv. Moro).
Postharvest Biology and Technology
Lisa Kitinoja; Olubukola Odeyemi; Neeru Dubey; Solange Musanase; Gurbinder Singh Gill
Abstract
Purpose: This study was conducted to identify and quantify the main causes and sources of losses in the tomato postharvest chain from harvest to retail market and identify appropriate interventions for reducing these losses in Nigeria, Rwanda and India. Research method: Modified Commodity Systems ...
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Purpose: This study was conducted to identify and quantify the main causes and sources of losses in the tomato postharvest chain from harvest to retail market and identify appropriate interventions for reducing these losses in Nigeria, Rwanda and India. Research method: Modified Commodity Systems Assessment Methodology on tomato was conducted in the study area during the July - August 2017 harvest season. Findings: Generally, production is increasing with high postharvest losses. Tomato postharvest losses were uniformly high on the farm during harvest but generally lower during marketing in India than in Rwanda or Nigeria. Nigeria loses 10-40% of tomato produced from the farm to the retail market due to poor handling and unavailability of storage facilities. In Rwanda, tomato losses were exceedingly high, reaching 50 to 60%. These losses begin with the use of poor quality seeds to rough handling and use of inappropriate packaging materials. Losses in India varied between 1-18% mainly due to pest and disease attack and low price realization during glut season. However, in India, improved practices have been widely adopted on farm to retail market. Limitations: Resources were limited, so a single two week time period were randomly selected to conduct each of the studies which focused on one state, district or region, so data cannot be used to describe losses for the entire country. Originality/Value: These studies identified priority tomato postharvest problems, key issues that currently limit market access, earnings for small farmers and rural marketer, training and advocacy issues for the three countries.
