Plant Breeding and Biotechnology
Zahra Abasi; Abdosattar Darabi; Emad Shahmansouri
Abstract
Purpose: In the first stage to produce open pollinated and hybrid onion cultivars, identification of compatible genotypes as breeding base populations with the climatic conditions is of special importance. Thus, this research was performed to evaluate short day onion hybrids and achieve a breeding base ...
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Purpose: In the first stage to produce open pollinated and hybrid onion cultivars, identification of compatible genotypes as breeding base populations with the climatic conditions is of special importance. Thus, this research was performed to evaluate short day onion hybrids and achieve a breeding base population by identifying the best genotypes in terms of quantity and quality traits and also for studying the reaction of genotypes to the climatic conditions of Isfahan and Khuzestan. Research method: Fifteen onion genotypes were evaluated as complete block design with three replications in two locations (Isfahan and Khuzestan) under field condition during the 2017-2018 growing season. The traits evaluated included: bulb yield, average bulb weight, dry matter content, total soluble solids, and weight loss. Findings: According to the results of Isfahan location, Savannah Sweet and Saba hybrids had the highest bulb yield (42.72 t/ha and 41.05 t/ha, respectively) and Vania hybrid with high significant different (p< 0.05) was showed the lowest bulb yield (19.77 t/ha). In Khuzestan location, SV6326, Saba and Savannah Sweet for bulb yield (92.38, 89.71 and 89.14 t/ha, respectively) were recognized as super hybrids, in contrast, hybrids: Early Super Select, Behbahan improved population, Super Perfect, Sahar and Vania, were considered as weak hybrids (bulb yields<60 t/ha). In terms of quality traits, Behbahan improved population with 18.84% and 14.75% of total soluble solids as well as 19.52% and 15.77% of dry matter content in Isfahan and Khuzestan locations had significant difference from the other hybrids. Saba hybrid was identified as high bulb yield with low weight loss hybrid, Vania hybrid recognized as low bulb yield and the Savannah Sweet was identified as high yield with high weight loss in two experiments. Research limitations: Further work could be done with other commercial short day onion hybrids. Originality/Value: These genotypes can be used as parental material in the quantity and quality improvement of bulb onion. In future breeding programmes, emphasis should be given to Saba hybrid for producing high bulb yield and best quality onion variety.
Postharvest Biology and Technology
Shailendra Khatri; Shreemat Shrestha; Keshab Prasad Pokharel
Abstract
Purpose: With an increasing interest in closing the mechanized harvesting loop in citrus farming, harvesting tools could be reliable options for citrus harvesting. However, from performance investigation and post-harvest storability perspectives, not much has been reported in the area of manual harvesting ...
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Purpose: With an increasing interest in closing the mechanized harvesting loop in citrus farming, harvesting tools could be reliable options for citrus harvesting. However, from performance investigation and post-harvest storability perspectives, not much has been reported in the area of manual harvesting tools for mandarin picking in Nepal. This study assessed the performance of different available models of manual fruit harvester based on harvesting output, operational features, post-harvest physio-chemical attributes and shelf life assessment of the mandarin fruits stored under ordinary room condition for 26 days. Research method: Six harvesting treatments were investigated as follows: a) Farmer practice-hand picking (FPground), b) Ladder climbing (FPladder), c) Secateur + ladder climb (SEladder), d) Cut and hold type picking shears (CH), e) Long reach finger type fruit picker (LRF), f) Fruit picker with basket and cushion (PHB). Findings: The harvesting capacity of FPground, FPladder, SEladder, LRF, CH and PHB treatments were 60.6±2.26, 33.43±3.13, 24.25±2.25, 43.85±6.34, 61.30±9.28 and 49.13±2.61 kg/hr, respectively. The harvesting output of CH, LRF and PHB type harvester was 39.15% (779 nos/hr), 15.78% (648 nos/hr) and 30.21% (729 nos/hr) higher than FPladder practice (560 nos/hr) and that of SEladder method was 15.62% (442 nos/hr) lower than FPladder. Based on storability characteristics, SE and CH found effective in prolonging the average shelf life and maintaining the quality of mandarin compared to FP and PHB. The short pedicle on the fruit in SE, CH and LRF treatment help to control and retard the sap oozing, weight loss and lateral infection that retain the fruit firmness, and minimize the fruit damage and decay loss. Research limitations: Further investigation on storability behavior in controlled storage condition is suggested. Originality/Value: Hand held secateur and cut and hold type harvester are suitable tools for picking fruit and abating post-harvest loss of mandarin fruit along the horticultural value chain.
Food Science and Technology
Munir Abba Dandago; Daniel T. Gungula; Hycenth Nahunnaro
Abstract
Purpose: Tomato postharvest losses are as high as 60% in Nigeria despite being 13th producer. This could be reduced when tomatoes were carefully treated and packaged. This research investigated the effects of chemical dips and packaging on storability of tomatoes. Research method: The research was a ...
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Purpose: Tomato postharvest losses are as high as 60% in Nigeria despite being 13th producer. This could be reduced when tomatoes were carefully treated and packaged. This research investigated the effects of chemical dips and packaging on storability of tomatoes. Research method: The research was a factorial design laid out in RCBD with three replications. The field work was done in Kura while the laboratory was done at Kano University of Science and Technology. Tomatoes were harvested, sorted, weighed into 3 kg lots and treated (D1= dip in water, D2= dip in 200 ppm NaOCl and 1% CaCl2 for 5 minutes and D3= dip in 200 ppm NaOCl and 3% C6H7KO2 for 5 and 1 minutes respectively) and packaged as follows: (P1= kraft paper, P2= perforated polyethylene and P3= sealed polyethylene). Analyses of firmness, % weight loss, % rot, ascorbic acid and lycopene were carried out every 3 days. Data collected were analyzed using GLM procedure (SAS) and means separated using LSD. Main findings: Results showed fruits dipped in 200 ppm NaOCl and CaCl2 for 5 minutes; packaged in perforated PE; and fruits dipped in 200 ppm NaOCl and CaCl2 for 5 minutes and packaged in sealed polyethylene were the best combinations. The treatments maintained physico-chemical parameters of tomatoes within acceptable limit for 24 days. Limitations: Firmness measurement was a challenge of the study. Originality/Value: A combination of the two factors is novel in the study environment and this could help in reducing the postharvest losses thereby improving farmers’ income.
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