POST-HARVEST loss of pomelo-growers in the country can now be reduced using a cheaper alternative method with the use of chemicals.
In a research study called The Postharvest Quality Maintenance of Pummelo conducted by the University of the Philippines (UP)-Mindanao, headed by Dr. Emma Ruth Bayogan, has shown that 1-Methylcyclopropene and Chitosin help maintain good quality of the pomelos during the storage and marketing period.
Every year, Bayogan said pomelo-growers experience 28 to 42 percent postharvest loss worth P35.5 billion. With the result of their research, one percent reduction of loss can revive P355.2 million of income.
"If we will not find a solution to the ailing losses our farmers get in growing pomelos, their efforts and money invested will all be put to waste," Bayogan said.
In Davao Region, Bayogan said most pomelos have physical defects due to pest problems and most growers spend high production cost for pest control.
The physical defects of pomelos, she said, includes delayed discoloration, weight loss, and the drying of fruit sac or granulation.
On the research, Bayogan said the effect of two percent of Chitosan and 500 parts per billion (ppb) of 1-Methylcyclopropene as post-harvest treatments were evaluated on Magallenes Pomelos stored at ambient room condition in which the chemicals were sprayed throughout the room.
"Pomelos treated with 500 pbb 1-Methyccloproprene had better visual quality, lower weght loss, and less granulation. However treatement at a higher concentration of 2,000 ppb decayed the fruit," she said.
Bayogan said Chitosin treatment delayed color change, granulation, and weight loss resulting to a better quality of the fruit.
The drying of the fruit sac was lower in 1.5 and 2.0 percent due to the Chitosan treatments compared to untreated ones. Good quality of pomelos can be maintanied by 1.5 percent of Chitosan.
The use of these two treatments, Bayogan said, is a cheaper alternative as 1-Methylcycloproprene only costs P50 to P450 per gram, while Chitosan costs arouns P50 to P250 per gram.
"For every 100 pomelo, farmers can only use about two thirds of every gram, which is a very cheaper alternative option in preserving the quality and shelflife of the pomelos," she said.
At present, the researchers of the study are testing the two chemicals also on other fruits and vegetables.
Bayogan said the use of Chitosan and 1-Methylcyclopropene are beneficial for pomelo-growers as the two chemicals are seen to be potential post-harvest treatments to maintain the quality of the fruits under ambient conditions.