scholarly journals Influence of Pre-Harvest Factors on Postharvest Quality of Fresh-Cut and Baby Leafy Vegetables

Agronomy ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 172 ◽  
Author(s):  
Athanasios Koukounaras ◽  
Filippos Bantis ◽  
Nikolaos Karatolos ◽  
Christos Melissas ◽  
Antonios Vezyroglou
Keyword(s):  
Shelf Life ◽  
Growing Season ◽  
Leafy Vegetables ◽  
Postharvest Quality ◽  
Leaf Position ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Fresh Cut ◽  
Butterhead Lettuce ◽  
Wild Rocket

Shelf life of horticultural commodities is dependent on postharvest handling but also on a wide range of pre-harvest factors, which include genetic and environmental parameters. This study was conducted to explore the influence of cultivar, leaf position, and piece position on the leaf on visual quality of fresh-cut butterhead lettuce as well as the effect of a wide range of cultivation seasons on the postharvest quality and shelf life of baby leaves (spinach and ‘wild’ rocket). Six butterhead lettuce cultivars were used (cultivated soilless in an unheated plastic greenhouse) while the effect of leaf position on the plant (outer and inner leaves) and the piece position on the leaf (piece one close to the leaf base and piece four close to the top) were also evaluated. Baby leaves were cultivated under an unheated plastic greenhouse for winter production and under a nethouse for the rest of the growing season, with a total of five and seven sampling dates for spinach and ‘wild’ rocket respectively. The cultivar of butterhead lettuce had a significant effect on postharvest quality of fresh-cut product but more important was the piece position on the leaf. When this was closer to the base of the leaf, there was more browning on cut edges and limited shelf life for the fresh-cut lettuce. The result was associated in one tested cultivar with PAL activity, which was higher by 106% for piece one compared to piece four as an average for the whole storage period. The growing season of baby leaves had a great impact on their shelf life, with the season of mild environmental conditions achieving the highest marketability.

scholarly journals Effects of equipments and processing conditions on quality of fresh-cut produce

2018 ◽  
Vol 49 (3) ◽  
pp. 139-150
Author(s):  
Francisca Aba Ansah ◽  
Maria Luisa Amodio ◽  
Maria Lucia Valeria De Chiara ◽  
Giancarlo Colelli
Keyword(s):  
Global Market ◽  
Leafy Vegetables ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Processing Conditions ◽  
Minimal Processing ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Fresh Cut ◽  
Precautionary Measures ◽  
Processed Products

A wide range of fresh conveniently packaged, minimally processed products are available on both local and global market in response to consumer demand for ready to eat food. Majority of these products are leafy vegetables, which are highly susceptible to quality changes during minimal processing operations (trimming, cutting, washing, drying, and packaging). Despite the available precautionary measures for maintaining quality attributes of raw and processed material, quality degradation due to minimally processing is unavoidable, also considering that a peeling, trimming and/or cutting operation is always present except than for baby leaves and small fruits. In addition, other operations as washing and drying are known to cause mechanical stresses and loss of sugars and nutrients. However, the extent to which quality is compromised depends on the produce and on the processing conditions, including equipment and their operational settings. This review aims to describe the main processing operations and equipment used, resuming the available information on their impact on final quality of fresh-cut products over storage, in order to identify areas for future research aiming to the enhancement of product quality

scholarly journals Postharvest quality of pepino melon (Solanum muricatum Aiton) as influenced by NPK fertilizer rates, growing environment and storage temperature

2021 ◽  
Vol 35 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Carol Mutua ◽  
Joshua Ogweno ◽  
Robert Gesimba
Keyword(s):  
Low Temperature ◽  
Shelf Life ◽  
Room Temperature ◽  
Postharvest Quality ◽  
Solanum Muricatum ◽  
Npk Fertilizer ◽  
And Storage ◽  
Fertilizer Rates ◽  
Storage Temperatures

The present study evaluated the effect of NPK fertilizer (17:17:17) rates (0, 100, 200, 300 and 400 kg ha-1) on the postharvest quality of field and greenhouse grown pepino melons (Solanum muricatum Ait.) stored at room temperature (15-22°C) and at low temperature (7°C). The study was carried out in randomized complete block design with fruits from the field and greenhouse, five NPK fertilizer rates as treatments and the two storage temperatures replicated three times. Data were collected on percentage fruit weight loss (PWL), total soluble solids (TSS), firmness and shelf life. Results indicated that greenhouse and field grown fruits from the control and plants supplied with 100 kg NPK ha-1 had low PWL at both storage temperatures. Field grown fruits from the control stored at room temperature had the highest TSS and were firmer after 28 days of storage. Field grown fruits not supplied with fertilizer and stored at low temperature had a shelf life of 27 and 26 days in trial one and two respectively. Application of 100 kg NPK ha-1 and storage of pepino melon fruits at low temperature can be used to enhance quality and shelf life.

Effects of Organic Fertilizer on Growth Performance and Postharvest Quality of Pak Choy (Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis L.)

2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 43-50
Author(s):  
Nur Suhaida Mohamad ◽  
Faizah Abu Kassim ◽  
Norhanizan Usaizan ◽  
Azimah Hamidon ◽  
Zahir Shah Safari
Keyword(s):  
Plant Growth ◽  
Growth Performance ◽  
Block Design ◽  
Organic Fertilizer ◽  
Fertilizer Application ◽  
Leaf Length ◽  
Leafy Vegetables ◽  
Chicken Manure ◽  
Postharvest Quality

Long-term use of inorganic fertilizers on leafy vegetables can increase soil acidity, harmful to the environment and leaving bad effects on human health. Organic fertilizer application is one of the safer alternatives with many beneficial effects by supplying nutrients for plant growth, environmental-friendly and producing an optimum quality of vegetables. Different organic amendment such as vermicompost, biochar and microbial compost has different effect on plant growth performance since good bacteria could improve structure of the soil and nutrient absorption. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the effects of organic fertilizer on the growth performance and postharvest quality. The experimental design during planting was conducted in randomized completely block design with a factorial arrangement of treatmentswhile for postharvest quality study was conducted in completely randomized design. Organic fertilizer of vermicompost (110 g/plant), biochar (100 g/plant), microbial compost (80 g/plant) and chicken manure (37.5 g/plant) were treated on Pak choy two times on day 10 and day 24 after transplant. This research revealed the plant growth including plant height, leaf number and leaf length of Pak choy in all treatments were increased as growing stage increased. However, at the end of growing stage, microbial compost and vermicompost resulted in the highest of growth characteristics. In terms of postharvest quality, microbial compost showed the highest fresh weight and premium quality. This study proved that microbial compost at 80 g/plant exhibited optimum growth performance and the best postharvest quality of Pak choy.

Effect of postharvest spray of apple polyphenols on the quality of fresh-cut red pitaya fruit during shelf life

2018 ◽  
Vol 243 ◽  
pp. 19-25 ◽  
Author(s):  
Panhui Fan ◽  
Donald J. Huber ◽  
Zihan Su ◽  
Meijiao Hu ◽  
Zhaoyin Gao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Shelf Life ◽  
Fresh Cut

scholarly journals Effect of neem leaf and banana pulp extracts on shelf life and quality of mango (Mangifera indica L.)

2018 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 343-350 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rabeya Akter Sarmin ◽  
Shamim Ahmed Kamal Uddin Khan ◽  
Kanij Fatema ◽  
Sabiha Sultana
Keyword(s):  
Shelf Life ◽  
Disease Severity ◽  
Leaf Extract ◽  
Disease Incidence ◽  
Mangifera Indica ◽  
Soluble Solids ◽  
Postharvest Quality ◽  
Ambient Conditions ◽  
Neem Leaf Extract

The study was carried out to minimize the postharvest loses and extend shelf life of mango fruitby maintaining physico-chemical properties. The variety selected for the study was “Amrapali”. Freshly harvested mango was treated with different concentrations (20% and 40%) of neem leaf and banana pulp extract alone or in combination. Untreated mango was considered as control. All treated and untreated mango was kept into paper cartons at room condition. The treated fruits showed significant differences in case of total soluble solids content, titratable acidity, vitamin C, disease incidence, disease severity and shelf life in comparison to control fruits. Among the treatments, T2 (neem leaf extract at 20%) and T5 (neem leaf extract 40% + banana pulp extract 40%) treatments showed longer shelf life (9.92 and 10.25 days, respectively), slower changes in color (score 2.77 and 2.93, respectively) and firmness (score 2.67 and 2.77, respectively); less disease severity (score 2.93 and 3.57, respectively), disease incidence (46.67% and 60.00%) and lower loss in weight (38.04% and 35.17%, respectively) at 9 DAT (Days after treatment). On the other hand, total soluble solid was highest in T3 (neem leaf extract 40%) treated fruitswith18.73% more Brix at 13 DAT in comparison to control and other treatments. The effectiveness of the treatment T5 (neem leaf extract 40% + banana pulp extract 40%) was meaningful which could be recommended for maintenance of postharvest quality of mango stored in ambient conditions. J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 16(3): 343–350, December 2018

Season and Species: Two Possible Hurdles for Reducing the Food Safety Risk of Escherichia coli O157 Contamination of Leafy Vegetables

2019 ◽  
Vol 82 (2) ◽  
pp. 247-255 ◽  
Author(s):  
KARIN SÖDERQVIST ◽  
ANNA KARIN ROSBERG ◽  
SOFIA BOQVIST ◽  
BEATRIX ALSANIUS ◽  
LARS MOGREN ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Food Safety ◽  
Shelf Life ◽  
Spinacia Oleracea ◽  
Growing Season ◽  
Leafy Vegetables ◽  
Production Chain ◽  
Safety Risk ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Food Safety Risk

ABSTRACT The food safety risk of Shiga toxin–producing Escherichia coli (STEC) infection per serving of leafy vegetables was investigated using a quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) approach. The estimated level of E. coli O157 contamination was based on observed numbers of Enterobacteriaceae and E. coli on leafy vegetables grown and processed in southern Sweden from 2014 to 2016. Samples were collected before harvest, after washing, and at the end of shelf life. The observed counts were combined with data on the ratio of E. coli to E. coli O157 taken from earlier studies to estimate the probability of illness. The risks of STEC infection associated with species, either spinach (Spinacia oleracea) or rocket (Diplotaxis tenuifolia), growing season (spring or autumn), and washing (washed or not washed) were then evaluated. The results indicated that leafy vegetable species and growing season could be possible hurdles for reducing the food safety risk of STEC infection. At harvest, the probability of infection was 87% lower when consuming rocket compared with spinach and 90% lower when consuming leafy vegetables grown in spring compared with autumn. These relative risk reductions remained consistent even with other serving sizes and dose-response models. The lowest risk of STEC infection was associated with leafy vegetables early in the production chain, i.e., before harvest, while the risk increased during storage and processing. Consequently, the highest risk was observed when leafy vegetables were consumed at the end of shelf life. Washing had no effect on the food safety risk of STEC infection in this study. To improve the quality of QMRA, there is a need for additional data on the relationship between indicator organisms that can be easily enumerated (e.g., E. coli and Enterobacteriaceae) and E. coli strains that can cause STEC infection (e.g., E. coli O157) but are difficult to identify in food samples such as leafy vegetables.

scholarly journals Pre-Harvest Foliar Application of Mineral Nutrients to Retard Chlorophyll Degradation and Preserve Bio-Active Compounds in Broccoli

Agronomy ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (11) ◽  
pp. 711
Author(s):  
Mohamed M. El-Mogy ◽  
Mohamed Abdel M. Wahab ◽  
Mohamed B. I. El-Sawy ◽  
Aditya Parmar
Keyword(s):  
Plant Growth ◽  
Shelf Life ◽  
Foliar Application ◽  
Growth Parameters ◽  
Management Practice ◽  
Nutrient Content ◽  
Mineral Nutrients ◽  
Postharvest Quality ◽  
Total Phenolic

Foliar application of micronutrients has become a common farm management practice to increase the overall yield of various crops. However, the effects of foliar fertilization on shelf life and postharvest quality of the crops are rather under-researched. The aim of this field experiment was to evaluate the effect of foliar application of individual mineral nutrients (calcium (Ca), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), and iron (Fe) on pre and postharvest quality of broccoli. The broccoli plants were subjected to single foliar sprays of either Ca, Fe, Zn, or Mn, which was repeated four times during plant growth at a 1 g/kg concentration. Once harvested, the broccoli heads were refrigerated at 4 °C for 28 days. Our results indicated that foliar application of Ca, Zn, Mn, and Fe did not have a significant effect on plant growth parameters, apart from enhancing Soil Plant Analysis Development (SPAD) chlorophyll meter values. However, during postharvest, foliar application treatment showed a positive response on weight loss during storage and reduction in yellowing of the broccoli heads. Foliar treatments increased the concentration of Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), Ca, Zn, Mn and Fe significantly in the broccoli head tissue. Total chlorophyll content, total phenolic compound, ascorbic acid, peroxidase activity, glucoraphanin and glucobrassicin and flavonoids were significantly increased by all foliar treatments. Crude protein content and sulforaphane were enhanced by Ca and Mn treatments. Overall, foliar application of the investigated mineral nutrients may prove beneficial in improving the shelf-life and nutrient content of broccoli during postharvest handling and storage.

Melatonin treatment improves the shelf-life and postharvest quality of table grape (Vitis labrusca L. cv. ‘Fengzao’)

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 665-676
Author(s):  
Ya-Dan Sun ◽  
Da-Long Guo ◽  
Sheng-Di Yang ◽  
He-Cheng Zhang ◽  
Lei-Lei Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dna Methylation ◽  
Shelf Life ◽  
Soluble Solids ◽  
Postharvest Quality ◽  
Vitis Labrusca ◽  
Physiological Indicators ◽  
Treatment Groups ◽  
Table Grapes

BACKGROUND: Melatonin (MT) is an endogenous indoleamine that regulates senescence progression and stress response in plants. OBJECTIVE: Here, we investigated the effect of MT on the shelf-life and postharvest quality of table grapes (Vitis labrusca L. cv. ‘Fengzao’). METHODS: After harvesting, ‘Fengzao’ grapes were immersed in MT solution at various concentrations (0 [as control], 0.05, 0.1, 0.5 and 1.0 mM for 2 h and stored at 24±1 for 15 days. Physiological indicators including weight loss rate, firmness, contents of total soluble solids (TSSs), ascorbic acid (AsA), malondialdehyde (MDA), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and activities of catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were investigated. Additionally, the DNA methylation rate of ‘Fengzao’ grapes were measured using the methylation-sensitive amplification polymorphism (MSAP) technique. RESULTS: Application of MT effectively delayed grape senescence in all treatment groups compared with the control, with the longest delay observed in the 0.5 mM treatment. Additionally, the rate of DNA methylation decreased in all the 0.5 mM MT treatment groups, indicating a potential role of MT in demethylation. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that the exogenous application of MT can delay the senescence of grapes during postharvest.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document