Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
15.3.2 GENERAL EFFECTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON FRUIT
QUALITY
Fruits are grown in temperate, subtropical and tropical regions and the
climate change will have different effects on fruit species of these regions.
High temperatures mean more heat summation and early fruit maturity.
High temperature means higher respiration, decline in acidity, lower sug-
ars and more pH. This leads to poor quality. Warmer winters will lead to
early fruit maturity in citrus and wetter summers may lead to more pre-
and postharvest diseases.
Rainfed horticulture will be more affected because with rising tem-
peratures conditions will be harsher—for example:
1. with deficit rainfall, drought conditions will occur adversely affect-
ing fruit set and fruit quality;
2. there will be lower juice content, poor quality in terms of aroma
and taste;
3. fruits will be of smaller size and lower fruit weight.
Studies have shown that the production and quality of fresh fruit crops
can be directly and indirectly affected not only by high temperatures and
exposure to elevated levels of carbon dioxide but also higher ozone. Tem-
perature increase affects photosynthesis directly, causing alterations in
sugars, organic acids, and flavonoids contents, firmness and antioxidant
activity. High concentrations of atmospheric ozone can potentially cause
reduction in the photosynthetic process, growth and biomass accumula-
tion. Ozone-enriched atmospheres increased vitamin 'C' content and de-
creased emissions of volatile esters of strawberries. Tomatoes expose d to
ozone concentrations ranging from 0.005-1.0 μmol/mol had a transient
increase lycopene contents.
15.4 PRE-HARVEST FACTORS THAT AFFECT FRUIT QUALITY
AND STORAGE ABILITY
Climate is an important preharvest factor that affects postharvest qual-
ity. Pre-harvest factors also have bearing on postharvest losses. Rains and
cloudy weather just before harvest season can increase postharvest spoil-
age considerably. Wind and insect scarring affect fruit quality and fruit
