Linus U. Opara

Traceability in postharvest quality management

Traceability is now an expected component of most modern supply chains for perishable foods traded internationally. The ability to trace back and trace forward information associated with production and postharvest handling activities with specified lines of products to provide evidence of good practice has become increasingly important. There are opportunities to add significant value to these traceability requirements by applying other uses to the information that has to be captured. In this article, we present an overview of the concept of traceability and we use three case studies to: 1. discuss the use of traceability information in conjunction with heat transfer models and monitoring of environmental conditions to predict potential market quality; 2. demonstrate how improved traceability can facilitate better exchange of supply chain information between parties and add value to information provided back to growers; 3. show how improved transparency in the coolchain can be achieved for container sea freights.

Design and development of a new device for measuring susceptibility to impact damage of fresh produce

Abstract Bruising is the most common type of mechanical damage affecting fresh horticultural produce. Several mechanical devices have been reported in the literature for assessing fruit susceptibility to bruising. However, a major limitation of existing devices is the lack of objective measure of the rebound height, which is required to determine the actual impact energy absorbed during damage. In the present study, a new device was designed and developed for objective determination of the rebound height during a pendulum test for bruise susceptibility of whole produce specimens. Using a video camera as an objective benchmark, the new device compared favourably better than subjective visual assessment of the rebound height. The new device provides a simple and cost‐effective tool for fruit impact damage research and education.

Assessment of what the consumer values in fresh fruit quality: Case study of Oman

Abstract The health and nutritional benefits of fruit consumption are well documented in the scientific literature. Understanding consumer perceptions and attitudes towards fruit quality is important in setting quality specifications for marketing as well as providing a useful guide for postharvest research aimed at quality improvement of fresh produce. In this study, we investigated the frequency of fruit consumption and consumer perceptions of fruit quality in the Sultanate of Oman using self‐administered questionnaires. Results obtained showed that the frequency of fruit consumption was higher among males and families with high incomes. Banana was the most preferred fruit eaten by consumers whereas apple was the least preferred. Among the five types of fruit examined in the study, the most influential quality attributes affecting consumer purchase were flavour, sweetness, and colour for banana (Musa acuminata) and date (Phoenix dactylifera), and flavour, sweetness, and firmness for apple (Malus domestica), mango (Magnifera indica), and orange (Citrus sinensis). The most common fruit quality problems frequently observed by consumers in the market were fruit immaturity (banana), bruising (apple), rots/decay (mango and orange), and bad taste (date). A large majority of consumers (38%) expressed a willingness to pay up to 25% more on unit price for guaranteed good quality fruit; however, increasing price by more than 50% was highly unacceptable to 94% of consumers.

Novel computational fluid dynamics simulation software for thermal design and evaluation of horticultural packaging

Good airflow patterns and appropriate temperature and relative humidity levels are essential for storage stability, good shelf life and quality of fresh produce inside ventilated packages. Although several types of commercial packaging are available for a wide range of commodities, the majority of these packages have evolved through industry practice and experience. With increasing volume, value and variety of food commodities available in the market, there is a need for a systematic and speedy approach to the design of packaging systems that is applicable to a wide range of commodities and handling systems. In this paper, we present an innovative modelling system based on Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) for the thermal design and visualisation of airflow patterns inside ventilated packages for fruits and vegetables. Test results from the application of prototype software under pre-cooling conditions for fresh fruits will be presented and discussed.

Demonstration of Sustainable Crop Growth Using Production Water Treated with Solar Membrane Distillation Technology: A Case Study

ABSTRACT This paper summarizes the establishment of a demonstration pilot farm at a dessert environment for sustainable crop growth using reed-bed-outlet production water that was treated with solar membrane distillation (i.e., Solar Dew) technology. Specifically, land preparation, plot layout, and the design and installation of an irrigation system were described. Plant tissue analysis indicated that there was no build-up of heavy metals. Analysis of soil over the test period showed that there was a slight build-up of salts. This was attributed to the use of sewage treatment plant water prior to irrigation with Solar Dew water. The salt content of the treated water varied from low (i.e., 11 mg/L) to acceptable (i.e., 122 mg/L). Due to the lower than expected fresh water production capacity of the solar membrane distillation system (i.e., 4 L/m2d vs. 5 L/m2d), the field testing of crops was limited to date palm and citrus trees. Some problems were encountered with the novel desalination system. Recommendations were included in the paper. Overall, it was successfully demonstrated that sustainable crop growth could be achieved using reed-bed-outlet production water that had been treated with Solar Dew membrane technology.

Book review: Proceedings of the Fifth International Postharvest Symposium

Proceedings of the Fifth International Postharvest Symposium, edited by F. Mencarelli and O. Tonutti. (Acta Horticulturae Number 682). International Society for Horticultural Science (ISHS). ISSN 0567 7572; ISBN 90 6605 648 7

Book Review: Postharvest Physiology and Hypobaric Storage of Fresh Produce

Postharvest Physiology and Hypobaric Storage of Fresh Produce, by Stanley P. Burg. Wallingford, CABI Publishing. ISBN 0 85199 801 1