Forced ambient air storage of different onion cultivars.
Medlicott, A.; Brice, J.; Salgado, T.; Ramirez, D.;
HortTechnology Year: 1995 Vol: 5 Issue: 1 Pages: 52-57 Ref: 7 ref.
1995
บทคัดย่อ
No systematic curing and storage techniques are currently used for onions in Honduras and postharvest losses occur rapidly. In this study, the use of storage bins (maximum capacity 7 t) with forced ambient air ventilation to manipulate the atmospheric conditions around the onions was evaluated. The desired storage conditions were 26-30 deg C and 60-75% RH. Ventilation regimes were manipulated in an attempt to obtain these conditions. Forced-air storage bins resulted in significant increases in quality for all 4 cultivars studied; after 13 weeks, the percentages of marketable bulbs in the forced-air storage bins compared with controls stored under ambient conditions were 82 vs. 37% for Granex 33; 71 vs. 40% for Granex 429; 63 vs. 31% for Granex 438; and 90 vs. 44% for Texas Grano 502. All losses were increased by rain and tornado damage after 1 month of storage. The methods used to maintain uniform temperature and humidity conditions in the storage bin are discussed together with the problems enc
ountered. The construction and operating costs are given together with the market prices and the required returns to cover the bin costs.