Dragon fruit quality and storage life: effect of harvesting time, use of plant growth regulators and modified atmosphere packaging
Le Van To, Nguyen Ngu, Nguyen Duy Duc and Ha Thi Thanh Huong
ISHS Acta Horticulturae 575: 611-621.
2002
บทคัดย่อ
Dragon fruit (Hylocereus undatus) originated in South America, but has been popular in Vietnam for many years. Because of its taste, attractive colour and high nutritive value, the local and overseas markets for the fruit have expanded. At present, the total area planted to dragon fruit in Vietnam is about 4,500 hectares, mainly in Binh Thuan, Long An Tien Giang provinces. Total production is estimated to be about 70,000 tonnes per year of which about 15,000 tonnes are exported. During 1998-1999, a quanlity assurance system for dragon fruit was devised. During this project, it was found that the main factors affecting the quality and storage life of dragon fruit were incorrect harvesting time and the misuse of plant growth regulators. Harvesting at the wrong time leads to unacceptable quality, a shorter storage life and increased chilling susceptibility. Misuse of growth regulators through incorrect dosage or timing of spraying leads to misshapen fruit that have unacceptable colour and green spots. This study aimed to find solutions to these problems, as being able to successfully prolong the storage life of the fruit is critical to expanding Vietnam’s export market for dragon fruit.