Avoid lenticel damage with correct pre- and postharvest practices.
Cronje R. B., Hötte S.
Author Affiliation: LNR-Instituut vir Tropiese en Subtropiese Gewosse, Privaatsok X11208, Nelspruit 1200, South Africa.
27 : 17-20
Abstract : The effect of pre-packing storage and storage time on lenticel damage of Keitt mango fruit were studied for the third season. The use of wooden bulk bins (ventilated and non-ventilated), wooden bulk bins with paper lining, plastic bulk bins as well as crates (lug boxes) were evaluated for their suitability to store the fruit in the packhouse for up to 14 hours before packing. Methods of moisture measurement in fruits for the packhouse were evaluated. In comparison to the 2005/06 mango season, which was very wet, the 2006/07 season was very dry. Therefore the lenticel damage was very low during 2006/07 and fruit could be packed within three hours after arriving in the packhouse. Lenticel damage increased with increasing storage time, probably due to cell withering. Moisture measurements showed that cutting fruit with a knife gives a better indication of fruit moisture content compared to measuring fruit skin moisture. Recommendations for pre- and post-harvest practices are made.