Postharvest Biology and Technology
Majeed Mohammed; Zareef Aqeeb Mohammed; Aneesa Mohammed; Omaida Mohammed
Abstract
Purpose: Exotic fruits could fulfill global requirements of health-conscious consumers, providing efficient postharvest management protocols are implemented to assure safety and quality. Research Methods: Compositional changes of ripe balata fruits (Manilkara bidentata), were investigated when seal-packaged ...
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Purpose: Exotic fruits could fulfill global requirements of health-conscious consumers, providing efficient postharvest management protocols are implemented to assure safety and quality. Research Methods: Compositional changes of ripe balata fruits (Manilkara bidentata), were investigated when seal-packaged in low density polyethylene (LDPE) for 7 days at 6-7°C and 28-30°C. Mature Spanish tamarind (Vangueria edulis) fruits were stored at 20°C and 30°C and ripening changes analyzed after 3 days. Quarter-sliced mature-green (M1) and ripe-yellow (M2) West Indian lime (Citrus aurantifolia) were seal-packaged in LDPE at 4-5°C, 7-8°C and 28-30°C and evaluated over seven consecutive days. Findings: Balata seal-packaged in LDPE for 7 days at 6-7°C and at 28-30°C, accounted for lower fresh weight losses, higher total soluble solids (TSS), pH, TSS:TTA, vitamin C, better skin-gloss appearance and more acceptable flavor than control fruits over the same period. Ripe Spanish tamarind stored at 20°C and 30°C and 75-85% relative humidity had a yellowish-brown skin and pulp color, TSS (3.0-3.1%), TTA (2.24g/100g - 2.48g/100g), TSS:TTA (1:1.3), pH (3.4) and vitamin C (1.84 mg/100g). West Indian lime M2 quarter-slices at 7-8°C secured superior quality ratings due to the absence of chilling injury symptoms, cut-edge browning and fermentative aroma compared to similar treatments after 4 days at 4-5°C. At 28-30°C, M1 and M2 became unmarketable in less than two days. Research Limitations: More cultivars required. Originality/value: The unique postharvest quality characteristics of exotic fruits could be successfully managed to fulfill the basic requirements of health-conscious consumers and to exploit existing and potential niche markets.
Plant Physiology
Anushka Goordeen; Majeed Mohammed
Abstract
Purpose: Moringa oleifera is a multi-purpose plant. The growth curve would determine harvest date and maturity indices. Analysis of proximate and mineral constituents would highlight nutritional and health benefits. Research methods: Investigations were conducted on growth curve parameters, maturation ...
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Purpose: Moringa oleifera is a multi-purpose plant. The growth curve would determine harvest date and maturity indices. Analysis of proximate and mineral constituents would highlight nutritional and health benefits. Research methods: Investigations were conducted on growth curve parameters, maturation indices, proximate and mineral compositions of moringa plant parts (Moringa oleifera) on four-year-old tress from 2016-2019. Findings: The growth curve depicted a single sigmoid shape. Pods harvested 25 days after flowering were immature (M1), with a light-green skin colour, firm, tender seeds, and light greenish-cream flesh and seeds. Pods attained horticultural maturity with optimum cooking quality 32 days (M2) post-anthesis with corresponding maturity indices being firm, light greenish-cream-flesh and well–formed seed. Dried partially senesced over-matured pods (M3), harvested after 51 days, had a light-brown dermal layer enclosing dark brown firm seeds with the highest fat and crude fiber being 200.3 g/kg and 314.5 g/kg. Green-tender seeds showed the highest crude protein content of 296.0 g/kg. Immature leaves (L1) had the highest dry matter content while stage 2 leaves had the highest ash content. Matured pods showed the highest moisture content. Mineral contents of stage 3 leaves (L3) consisted of magnesium (4255.6ppm) while stage 1 leaves had the most iron (147.0 ppm) and potassium (30210.0ppm). Leaves at stage 2 had the most sodium (2547.9 ppm) and boron (23.1 ppm). Research limitations: Limited cultivars. Originality/Value: Maturity indices on the growth curve confirmed the multi-purpose nature of the moringa plant and benefits to the food and health industries.
Medicinal Plants
Puran Bridgemohan; Ronell S. H. Bridgemohan; Majeed Mohammed; Mathew Deitch; Hana Sarran
Abstract
Purpose: Fresh leaves of cilantro (Coriandrum sativum L.), and culantro (Eryngium foetidum L.,) are used interchangeably based on similar odor, aroma and flavor and considered culinary substitutes. Cilantro is ethnically called “false coriander” and a mixed method approach to determine the ...
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Purpose: Fresh leaves of cilantro (Coriandrum sativum L.), and culantro (Eryngium foetidum L.,) are used interchangeably based on similar odor, aroma and flavor and considered culinary substitutes. Cilantro is ethnically called “false coriander” and a mixed method approach to determine the possibility of crop mimicry was reviewed. Critical analysis was done on botanical, phylogenic traits and trees, dendogram, molecular, and phytochemical similarities of the odorants. Findings: The study indicated that C. sativum and E. foetidum, belonged to two different subfamilies of Apiaceae, appeared morphologically divergent, but phytochemically similar in aroma and odorants indicating a classical example of convergent evolution in the plant kingdom. Five odor clusters with over 20 similar phytochemicals with the co‐elution of E‐2‐alkenals and E‐2‐alken‐1‐ols were identified. Greater levels E‐2‐dodecenal in E. foetidum (63.5%) compared to C. sativum, (26.0%) accounted for dominant odor which is found in crop mimics due to selective agricultural practices and the evolution of agricultural races of weeds. Multiple mechanisms explained how plant mimic evolved from “de‐domestication” and hybridization. Evolutionary origins and genetic diversity characterized genomics of E. foetidum as an aggressive aromatic pungent weed, and C. sativum as a fragrant herb. Limitations: There are no limitations in this review. Directions for future research: Organolepticpreference for the essential oils of coriander seeds and a clearer understanding of the phytochemical relationships between C. sativum and E. foetidum are required.
Postharvest Biology and Technology
Majeed Mohammed; Lynda Wickham
Abstract
Purpose: This paper provides an in-depth critical review and analysis of recent research undertaken to optimize quality during harvesting, postharvest handling, processing and utilization of breadnut (Artocarpus camansi Blanco). Findings: This treatise provided a comprehensive review on the significance ...
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Purpose: This paper provides an in-depth critical review and analysis of recent research undertaken to optimize quality during harvesting, postharvest handling, processing and utilization of breadnut (Artocarpus camansi Blanco). Findings: This treatise provided a comprehensive review on the significance of breadnut as an ideal staple and famine food due to its abundance, processing options, high percentage of complex carbohydrates, unique flavor and culinary qualities. Market potential for this fruit across the globe and its projection to multiply is reviewed as related to increasing demand for fiber rich fruits, utilization in ethnic cuisine and in traditional medicine. The fruit is highly perishable with a shelf life of not more than 2-3 days under ambient conditions. Breadnut rapidly transforms when harvested mature green after 2-3 days to a soft texture and the outer skin of the milky white seeds change to a brown, brittle, tough netlike rind while the flesh changes from a white colour to a light yellow colour. The combined effects of rapid softening and high susceptibility to chilling injury contribute immensely to its short shelf life. Limitations: There were no significant limitations as the literature was available and access to communicate with authors were easily facilitated by the internet. Directions for future research:This istheonly review which collated the findings on postharvest physiology and utilization of breadnut. This information will be useful for tree breeding programs, in order to popularize breadnut as a commercial crop and promote food security at the household and community levels.
Fresh-Cut Produce
Sridevi Roopnarine; Majeed Mohammed
Abstract
Purpose: Increasing demand for pre-packaged fresh-cut cowpea based on nutritional content, convenience and ready-to–use attributes is limited due to its highly perishable nature. Research method: Two experiments were conducted to investigate the shelf life and storability of fresh-cut cowpea. Fresh-cut ...
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Purpose: Increasing demand for pre-packaged fresh-cut cowpea based on nutritional content, convenience and ready-to–use attributes is limited due to its highly perishable nature. Research method: Two experiments were conducted to investigate the shelf life and storability of fresh-cut cowpea. Fresh-cut cowpea (cv. Local Green) subjected to hydro-cooling with or without sodium hypochlorite was sealed-packaged in LDPE bags and stored at 4-5°C and 20-22°C up to 12 days. The second experiment focused on the occurrence and alleviation of chilling injury (CI) on fresh-cut cowpea (cv. Local Green and cv. Local Pink), stored at 4-5°C and 20-22°C in sealed LDPE bags after 3 and 6 days and upon transfer after 6 days at 4-5°C plus 1, 2 and 3 days at 20-22°C. Findings: Fresh-cut cowpea (Local Green cv.) was 100% marketable after 6 days in sealed LDPE bags at 4-5°C, then decreased to 70% after 12 days. At 20-22°C marketable quality ratings were 87.3% after 3 days, declined to 30% after 6 days and eventually to 100% after 12 days. Absence of chilling injury for both fresh-cut cowpea cultivars, were obtained within the initial 6 days of storage at both temperatures. After 6 days at 4-5°C plus 1, 2 and 3 days at 20-22°C, resulted in progressive increases in CI development which was higher for the Local Pink versus Local Green cultivar. Limitations: Wider range of postharvest dips required. Originality/Value: Temperature control combined with MAP prolonged shelf-life of fresh-cut cowpea and reduced incidence of chilling injury.
Postharvest Biology and Technology
Puran Bridgemohan; Anushka Goordeen; Majeed Mohammed; Ronell S. H. Bridgemohan
Abstract
Purpose: This paper provides an in-depth critical review and analysis of current and recent research undertaken on the agro-ecology, photochemistry, postharvest physiology and utilization of Moringa oleifera Lam. Findings: This treatise provided a comprehensive review of current and relevant ...
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Purpose: This paper provides an in-depth critical review and analysis of current and recent research undertaken on the agro-ecology, photochemistry, postharvest physiology and utilization of Moringa oleifera Lam. Findings: This treatise provided a comprehensive review of current and relevant research on the horticultural practices, its agro-ecological conditions, and pre- and post-harvest operations and treatments. It showed the alignment of the biochemical production of the various phytochemicals to the ecophysiology of the plant particularly the variety and ecotypes, micro climatic and edaphic conditions, and the crop growth patterns. The detailed aggregation of the different phytochemicals and the sites of synthesis in the plant revealed that the plant produces in excess of 36 phytochemical compounds that manifest its biological efficacy in over 16 different human physiological activity and medicine. Additionally, it revealed the many approaches to the postharvest physiology of the plant parts and the extension of the shelf life and quality for processing opportunities. Research limitations: There were no significant limitations to the conducting of this exercise as the literature was available and accesses to communicate with authors were easily facilitated by the internet. Directions for future research: This is the only review which collated the findings on the agro-ecology, phytochemistry, postharvest physiology and utilization of Moringa oleifera Lam., and how it is linked to the world of ethno-medicine, and pharmacology. Further research is necessary to determine the efficacy of extracts from all parts of the moringa plant as potential and promising eco-friendly alternatives to common chemicals used as novel food preservatives.
Plant Stress
Puran Bridgemohan; Majeed Mohammed; Ronell S. H. Bridgemohan; Zareef Mohammed
Abstract
Purpose: Significant research on yield improvement of wetland rice provided a greater understanding of stress physiology, but less on ecophysiology of anaerobiosis stress. This paper explores soil conditions that exist because of waterlogging and submergence, reviews the current research of the effect ...
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Purpose: Significant research on yield improvement of wetland rice provided a greater understanding of stress physiology, but less on ecophysiology of anaerobiosis stress. This paper explores soil conditions that exist because of waterlogging and submergence, reviews the current research of the effect of the ecophysiology of abiotic stress, and the plant's adaptability through its various biochemical pathways and physiological processes. Findings: Rice has morphologically avoided anoxia due to flooding and submergence ecosystems through its aerenchyma tissues that facilitate oxygen diffusion from shoot to root-tips. The plant hormone system plays a central role in the initiation and regulation of most of these adaptive responses. The biochemical responses of submerged rice are mainly mechanisms of avoiding internal anoxia as the oxygen deficit shift the energy metabolism to anaerobic, with greater activity of glycolytic pathway, fermentation enzymes, and involvement of antioxidant defense mechanisms to cope with the post hypoxia/anoxia oxidative stress. Physiological processes including aerobic respiration, photosynthesis, and phytochrome photo-equilibrium of the submerged rice shoots have evolved to adapt to waterlogging stress. Most of the post-anoxic injury is due to the generation of reactive oxygen and toxic oxidative products as acetaldehyde, hydrogen peroxide and hydroxyl radical. Limitations: This was minimal due to accessibility to the literature. Directions for future research: Future research should be directed towards rice tolerance to waterlogging as well as low water availability and salinity.
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