An overview of horticultural postharvest systems: present and future
Errol W. hewett
Proceedings of the APEC symposium on postharvest handling systems Bangkok, Thailand September 1-3, 2003. p. : 9
2003
บทคัดย่อ
Of the price paid by consumers for fresh fruits and vegetables in retail markets, up to 40% of the value is accrued up to time of harvest and at least 60% in the chain from farm gate to depending on product nature (such as perishability) and the relationship between production region and market (distance). Losses in the supply chain range from 10-80% depending on product and place, and amount to billions of dollars annually. Postharvest scientists seek to develop technologies that will minimize such losses, particularly in developing countries where poverty and food security are important issues. Postharvestphysiologists struggle to unravel the fundamental processes of maturation and senescence, believing that understanding will allow manipulation of the product, or its environment, thus maintaining quality through extended postharvest life. This paper reviews several recent developments with potential to change the postharvest business in which we are all involved. Innovative use of geographic information systems (GIS) and traceability systems will benefit consumers, growers and marketers, as such technologies have the potential to relate product quality in the field to consumer demand and hence market prices, as well as providing information for growers to use in managing individual trees within orchards to maximise productivity and quality. Rapid advances have been made in understanding pathways of ethylene biosynthesis and action; 1-methylcyclopropene (MCP) is the most recent weapon available to reduce the deleterious effects of ethylene on quality. Future development may allow MCP to be applied pre-harvest and to have capsules containing predetermined amounts of active ingredient that can be used in different sized containers. Development of postharvest protocols using short term high temperature (38-55°C) conditions to achieve disinfestations, to reduce disease incidence and to maintain quality during extended shelf life holds promise for a range of perishable crops. Increasingly products will be segregated and re-accumulated after harvest as more sophisticated nondestructive techniques become available to measure inherent internal quality attributes on line and at high speed. Challenges exist in adapting successful supply chain management and logistics systems used by successful businesses elsewhere to the perishable fruit and vegetable trade. The contrasting demands of consumers for: constancy of supply throughout the year; a diverse range of novel and fresh products, with excellent taste, flavour and texture, that are safe and nutritious; will continue to challenge the postharvest community that strives to maintain postharvest quality for longer periods of time than ever before.