International Journal of Postharvest Technology and Innovation (4 papers in press)

Regular Issues

• Active antifungal edible coating based on nanocomposite cast films from galactomannan  
  by Gustavo Pereira Gomes De Souza, Dirliane Do Santos Duarte, Ana Valeria Vieira De Souza, Pedro Martins Ribeiro Júnior, Maria Auxiliadora Coelho De Lima, Douglas De Britto 
  Abstract: Galactomannan is a filmogenic polysaccharide suitable for edible coatings. The addition of nanoencapsulated active ingredients improves its antifungal activity. In this way, nanocomposite materials were developed based on galactomannan and nanoencapsulated essential oil and polyphenols, extracted, respectively from Lippia grata and grape skin by-products. The size of chitosan nanoparticles increased after encapsulation, varying from 42 +- 24 to 295 +- 0 nm for polyphenols. Overall, the nanoparticle suspension was stable, with encapsulation efficiency close to 20% for the essential oil and 90% for polyphenols. Nanocomposite films were isolated by casting and characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), water vapour permeability, mechanical properties, release profile, and antifungal activity. By SEM, the films showed good nanoparticle dispersion in the matrix and improved mechanical properties compared to the non-added film. The sample based on essential oil showed good antifungal activity against Lasiodiplodia theobromae. Such properties make these films adequate for postharvest coating applications.
  Keywords: edible film; mesquite gum; essential oil encapsulation; chitosan nanoparticle.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJPTI.2022.10051231
   
  
• Effect of bio-preservatives and packaging on shelf life and quality of tomatoes  
  by Sanchita Roy, Md Nazrul Islam, Md Jamal Hossain, Shormin Choudhury 
  Abstract: Tomatoes are a perishable fruit with a short shelf life, and storage conditions have an effect on consistency and nutritional value. The present study was conducted to determine the effective bio-preservative to extend the shelf life and quality of tomato cv. Roma VF. Several biopreservatives were used, including a control, Aloe vera extract (100%), garlic extract (10%), Neem leaf extract (40%), and propolis (10 g), as well as two postharvest packaging systems, non-packaging and perforated polyethylene packaging. The results revealed that biopreservatives coated tomatoes showed better shelf life and quality relative to uncoated fruits. Among the biopreservatives, propolis coated fruits showed the highest values in titratable acidity, total soluble solid (4.03 Brix), ascorbic acid content (13.82 mg/100 g), beta carotene (0.225 mg/100 g) and lycopene (10.11 mg/100 g), and increased shelf life (15 days) of tomato in polyethylene bags under ambient condition. However, the lowest lycopene content (4.39 mg/100 g), beta carotene (0.05 mg/100 g), ascorbic acid content (11.07 mg/100g) and minimum shelf life (5.33 days) was found in controlled fruits with no packaging conditions. Thus, it may be concluded that propolis treatment with perforated polybag could be used to extend tomato shelf life and quality retention.
  Keywords: biopreservatives; packaging; quality; shelf life; tomato.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJPTI.2023.10059305
   
  
• Utilisation of maize postharvest strategies and practices among farmers in the Yendi Municipality of the Northern Region of Ghana  
  by Fauzia Abdulai, Abdul-Fatahi Abdulai 
  Abstract: Postharvest losses still pose serious challenges to the maize value chain in Ghana despite the effort by the government to encourage the use of modern technologies to curb it. Meanwhile, the literature on innovative technologies abounds. However, very little of it covers the north of Ghana and particularly the Yendi Municipal area where different indigenous maize storage strategies are still extensively used. In a multistage sample procedure, 120 farmers were obtained from the Yendi Municipal area of the Northern Region of Ghana. A multivariate analysis of variance technique was used in a quantitative study and the result shows a statistically non-significant difference between male and female farmers’ utilisation of indigenous storage strategies for maize. We also find higher technology use among female farmers, predominantly by the most active generation. We suggest an intervention policy to subsidise modern environmentally friendly technologies that will easily blend with the indigenous storage knowledge.
  Keywords: indigenous storage; strategy; knowledge; modern technology; postharvest; Yendi Municipality; Ghana.
  
  
• Postharvest treatment by inorganic salts to improve the quality of purple sweet potato  
  by Sunisa Suwannaphan, Phakwan Thongrak, Supaporn Pajaroen, Wanpa Wongsaengtham, Piyangkun Lueangjaroenkit 
  Abstract: Disease caused by pathogenic fungi reduces the yield of purple sweet potato. Fungi were isolated from decayed purple sweet potato roots and the effects of inorganic salts (0.5, 1, and 2%) on their mycelial growth were determined. Results showed that 1% and 2% sodium carbonate (SC) inhibited mycelial growth, and these concentrations were selected for in vivo testing. Purple sweet potato roots were dipped in 1% or 2% SC for 3 min and then stored under ambient conditions and at 12 C with 60% relative humidity. The quality of purple sweet potato roots during storage was evaluated. Results showed that SC did not impact weight loss of purple sweet potato roots at either concentration, while sprouting was inhibited by storage at 12 C. Sweet potato roots stored under ambient conditions (28-32 C) and at 12 C showed highest reducing sugar concentration after 7 and 3556 d, while 1% SC gave maximum efficiency for reducing decay incidence. Dipping purple sweet potato roots in 1% SC and storing at 12 C were the most effective treatments for maintaining quality during the storage period.
  Keywords: pathogenic fungi; sodium carbonate; dipotassium hydrogen phosphate; DPHP; eco-friendly; sodium acetate.