Optimizing the ethylene adsorbent requirement of bananas during simulated inter-island shipment
2013
Artes, L.A.
Sea transport of local bananas (Saba, Lakatan and Latundan) was simulated in small volumes and pilot scale trials in an attempt to reduce or delay fruit ripening with inclusion of ethylene adsorbent (EA). Optimum requirement for EA was first established for three varieties under ambient or high-temperature conditions (30 deg C). With 2-3 days delay prior to EA treatment and exposure to high temperature for another 2-3 days, the optimum amount of adsorbent required for bananas in small volumes (15 kg) were found to be 4 pieces for Saba, 5 pieces for Lakatan and 12 pieces for Latundan. These treatments resulted in 40-100% reduction of ripe fruits compared to controls (no EA) between 6-8 days after harvest (DAH). In the case of bulk-pile with about 150 kg of both Saba and Latundan fruits, 260 of EA significantly reduced ripening in both varieties 6-8 DAH. Treated Saba still had30% fully green fruits compared with almost 100% yellow control fruits. Treated Latundan, had 100% green fruits while controls had 50% less. The stationary trial in the container van with bulk loads of the 3 varieties (approx. 1,500 kg) resulted in about 43% reduction in ripe fruits with 3,350 pieces EA distributed in half of the van. An increasing benefit from EA treatment was gained by fruits located from the front (7%) to the middle (16%) and back (19%). Differences in peel color among treatments was also accompanied by differences in firmness, total soluble solids content and pH levels, and indication of varying stage of ripeness between fruits.
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