Spoilage of freshly harvested mango fruits (Mangifera indica) stored using different storage methods.
Odey S. O., Agba O. A., Ogar E. A.
Author Affiliation: Dept. of Agronomy, Fac. of Agric. and Forestry, Cross River Univ. of Tech., Obubra Campus, Cross River State, Nigeria.
Global Journal of Agricultural Sciences 6 : 145-148
Abstract : Basket, pit, ashes and pot-in-pot storage methods were used in storing freshly harvested mango fruits. Ten freshly harvested mango fruits were used in each storage method and another mango fruits kept on a platform serving as control. The setup was carried out under a shade constructed with bamboo poles and palm fronds behind the Department of Agronomy Laboratory. This was monitored using visual inspection, odour and hand feeling every five (5) days. The storage duration was 20 days. That is from 14th May to 3rd June 2004. From the results obtained, 100 and 90% of the mango fruits got spoiled within 15 days of storage using ashes and pit storage methods, respectively. On the other hand, the control experiment and the basket storage methods recorded 80% and 70% deterioration of mango fruits within 15 days of storage respectively. The pot-in-pot storage method got the best result with 50 and 60% deterioration within 15 and 20 days of storage in that order. Conclusively, the pot-in-pot storage method was the best method for storing fresh mango fruits for future use among the methods used. The method creates a less conducive environment for bacteria and fungal infection; this provides a general reduction of temperature of the system.