Authors: Sivakumar, Dharini; Korsten, Lise

Source: Stewart Postharvest Review, Volume 3, Number 6, December 2007 , pp. 1-7(7)

Publisher: Stewart Postharvest Solutions

Abstract:

Purpose of the review: This article summarises current knowledge of postharvest diseases of rambutans and the measures available for controlling their postharvest decay during storage and transportation.

Findings: Various postharvest treatments have been researched to control postharvest diseases of rambutans, while retaining overall fruit quality during storage and transportation. Of these, sulphur dioxide (SO₂) fumigation and potassium metabisulphite (K₂S₂O₅) dip treatment, alone or integrated with biocontrol agents under controlled atmosphere, have been shown to reduce the incidence of postharvest diseases, while retaining skin colour and eating quality for up to 21 days in cold storage.

Limitations/implications : Globally, there is growing concern regarding the use of "sulphiting" agents on fresh fruits and vegetables and new restrictive regulations from the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) require its declaration. SO₂, which is used as a fumigant for table grapes, has been officially defined a pesticide and the United States Environmental Protection Agency requires detectable levels to be less than 10 ppm. Although K₂S₂O₅ showed promising control of decay and colour retention in rambutan fruits during storage, 250 ppm K₂S₂O₅ liberated 80 ppm of SO₂, and 0.12 ppm sulphur residue was detected on the pericarp of treated rambutans cultivar 'Malwana special selection' after 21 days storage at low temperature.

Future research needs: Future research must focus on using modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) with different types of films, including biodegradable packaging, and emerging techniques (eg, active modified atmosphere or superatmospheric oxygen) that can create a desired modified atmosphere and higher relative humidity around fruits. MAP could be combined with FDA-approved antioxidants, which enable the retention of red skin colour and also act as an antimicrobial agents, to control decay during long-term storage for up to 21 days while in transit.

Keywords: RAMBUTAN FRUIT; POSTHARVEST DISEASES; POSTHARVEST TREATMENTS

Document Type: Review article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2212/spr.2007.6.5

Publication date: 2007-12-01

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