ศูนย์นวัตกรรมเทคโนโลยีหลังการเก็บเกี่ยว

Postharvest handling and storage of jicama roots.

Cantwell, M.; Orozco, W.; Rubatzky, V.; Hernandez, L.;

Acta Horticulturae Year: 1992 Issue: No. 318 Pages: 333-343 Ref: 12 ref.

1992

บทคัดย่อ

Most of the Pachyrhizus erosus roots marketed in the USA originate in Mexico. Physical damage (scuffs, abrasions, cuts, cracks), decay (on physically damaged and weakened areas) and internal discoloration are common defects observed in roots at retail markets. These latter 2 defects are due to the chilling sensitivity of the roots which are often handled at low temperatures for short periods in mixed load shipments and storage. The objective of this study was to evaluate changes in root quality in relation to storage time and temperature. Medium-sized cv. Agua Dulce roots were selected from a commercial planting in Mexico and transported by air. After trimming, they were stored in non-humidified chambers at 0, 5, 10, 12.5 or 20 deg C for up to 1 month. Other roots stored at these temperatures were transferred to 20 deg after 1, 2, 3 or 4 weeks. Roots were evaluated for respiration and ethylene production rates, internal and external visual quality, decay incidence and ionic conductivity of tissue discs. Roots tolerated <1 week at 0 deg , 1-2 weeks at 5 deg and >2 but <3 weeks at 10 deg before chilling symptoms appeared (decay and internal discoloration being the principal visual symptoms). Roots stored at 12.5 deg for >4 weeks remained in excellent condition. Increases in respiration rates during storage and after transfer and ionic conductivity measurements corroborated the visual quality and decay assessments. Upon transfer to 20 deg , chill-damaged roots showed an increase in respiration that did not subsequently decline to normal low levels (5-7 ml CO2 kg-1 h-1 at 20 deg ).