Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
ripening with ethylene is to place fruit on the retail shelf at the desired stage
of ripeness for the consumer. Banana is most commonly ripened in this way
at terminal markets or by wholesalers. Another fruit that is sometimes ripened
with ethylene is avocado. Pineapple, a non-climacteric fruit, is treated with an
ethylene-generating compound about 6 days before harvest or postharvest,
to enhance the degreening of the skin; the treatment has little ef ect on
other aspects of fruit quality. Papaya can be induced to ripen faster with
ethylene treatment, but it is not practised commercially as it leaves little time
for retailing.
In the absence of ethylene gas, acetylene can be used at a slightly higher
dose. Calcium carbide, which in the presence of water releases acetylene, is
widely used in developing countries. Fruit can also be ripened by adding an
already-ripening fruit, such as passion fruit or avocado, which generates
higher amounts of ethylene. Crushed leaves of some species also generate a lot
of ethylene and these are used for fruit ripening.
ORGANIC TROPICAL FRUIT
Organic standards place additional requirements on those in the postharvest
chain handling organic fruit. The requirements relate specifi cally to what
chemicals can come into contact with the organic commodity. There are
limitations on the use of chlorine in the wash water to prevent cross-
contamination and the types of chemicals that can be used as cleaners and
sanitizers. Synthetic fungicides and many wax coating materials are not
allowed and alternative natural products are used. Care is also needed during
shipping and storage to ensure that organic products are clearly marked and
no direct contact occurs with conventional products.
LOGISTICS
During the movement of fresh products to market (Fig. 5.1), wholesalers
and retailers frequently do not have enough facilities set to the optimum
conditions for each commodity. Inventory management and marketing largely
determines how a product will be handled (Prussia, 2000). These limitations
are especially true for specialty commodities, such as minor tropical fruits,
handled in small quantities.
A major logistical issue is to maintain quality while integrating improve-
ment in technology into the supply chain (Prussia and Shewfelt, 1993;
Thompson, 1996; Hewett, 2003). The integration needs to manage the
available resources at all steps in the chain (Epperson and Estes, 1999). The
most important resource is the human capital, who can jeopardize safety and
