POSTHARVEST HANDLING

Postharvest research for vegetables focuses on the development of pre-cooling and cold storage technology. A forced-air cooling method has been successfully developed for leafy vegetables. A vacuum-cooling method has proven to be effective in extending the storability of leafy vegetables. This method is also used to improve the quality of lettuce during export. Modified atmosphere storage methods have been developed for the storage of leafy vegetables to extend their storage period.

　　Several postharvest technologies have been developed such as technologies to increase exportability of papaya and Irwin mango; and pre-harvest management to prevent storage diseases and collision during packing to improve papaya quality. Health management technologies decrease the occurrence of diseases. Stem or hot water treatment and low temperature transportability can increase the quality of Irwin mangos.

Postharvest technologies for floriculture include pre-treatment of Oncidium orchids with 1-MCP before packing and maintaining container temperature at 12℃ for export; and treating Anthurium cut flowers with growth regulators and fungicides and maintaining container temperature at 15℃ to facilitate export to Japan.