Course Content
Basic differences in the physiology of attached and detached organs
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Factor affecting physiological activity of harvested organs
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Market and marketing systems of perishable commodities
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Status and problems of marketing of horticultural produce in Nepal
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Learn Post Harvest Horticulture with Rahul

Field heat removal

  • Without a doubt, the most important factor affecting postharvest life is temperature.
  • This is because temperature has a profound effect on the rates of biological reactions, eg., metabolism and respiration.
  • Over the physiological range of most crops, ie.,0 to 30 °C (32 to 86 °F), increased temperatures cause an exponential rise in respiration. so good temperature is the single most important factor in delaying product deterioration; prompt cooling and maintenance of proper temperature are both essential.
  • For many products, this means maintaining as low a temperature as possible without danger of freezing.
  • The Van’t Hoff Rule states that the velocity of a biological reaction increases 2 to 3-fold for every 10 °C (18 °F) rise in temperature.
  • The temperature quotient for a 10 °C interval is called the Q10.
  • Cooling requirement for a crop vary with the air temperature during harvesting, stage of maturity and nature of crop.

selection of precooling methods depends on:

  • The temperature of produce at harvest
  • Physiology of produce
  • Desired postharvest life
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