Preharvest factors affecting postharvest quality
Preharvest factors affecting postharvest quality
Preharvest factors affecting postharvest quality1. Cultivar and rootstock genotypes2. Mineral nutrition3. Irrigation4. Canopy manipulation5. Crop rotations
Cultivar and rootstock genotypes Affects taste, yield, nutrient composition
and postharvest life Antioxidant activity (Potato) Ascorbic acid (Peppers) ᵝ-carotene (Sweet potato)
Mineral nutrition
Nitrogen• Higher N level stimulate vegetative growth
causing shading and ultimately death of lower fruity wood
• Delays fruit maturity in stone fruit• Poor red colour• Inhibits ground colour change (green to
yellow in peach)• Fruit disorders (
Calcium
Deficiency of calcium leads to physiological disorders• Bitter pit in apple• Corkspot in pear• Blackheart in celery• Blossom end rot in tomato• Cavity spot in carrot• Tipburn of lettuce
Irrigation
Amount of water Time of water application
• Under water stress • lower fruit size and higher soluble solid contents• Deep suture and double-fruit formation
Canopy manipulation
Crop load Fruit canopy position Leaf removal Girdling
Crop Rotation Reduce decay inoculum in a production
field• Soilborne fungi • Bacteria • Nematodes