In transit temperature relationships of two shipping containers loaded with mangoes.
Oosthuyse S. A.
Author Affiliation: HortResearch SA, P.O. Box 3849, Tzaneen 0850, South Africa.
Yearbook - South African Mango Growers' Association 17 : 90-94
Abstract : Thermocouples were placed at various positions in two shipping containers loaded with mangoes. The data indicate that return air temperature (RAT) accurately estimates pulp or pallet air temperature when fruit respiration is not elevated. However, RAT underestimates pulp or pallet air temperature when fruit pulp temperatures indicate elevated fruit respiration. Temperature differences signify poor air circulation in the pallets at the door-end of containers, and a reduction in cooling efficiency with pallet height. The effect thereof (temperature increases) is accentuated when fruit respiration is elevated. It is concluded that in the absence of enhanced fruit respiration, RAT's can be used to manage air and pulp temperatures. It is recommended that measures to avoid situations which may effect enhanced fruit respiration should be taken in shipping mangoes to Europe. These include the adherence to transit temperature specifications, the avoidance of delays in the placement of fruit in cold storage after harvest, and the avoidance of situations during transit which might effect a rise in fruit temperature.