Mango value chain improvement through postharvest research and development: a developing country case study

Abstract

Pakistan is one of the major mango-producing and -exporting countries in the world. During 2007-15, significant postharvest research and development (R&D) work was conducted under the Australian-funded ASLP mango supply chain management/value chain improvement projects (two phases). The project started by laying a postharvest foundation R&D infrastructure in 2007. Fruit quality losses in supply chains were documented. Protocols were developed for maturity testing, de-sapping, storage/sea-freighting, and ripening and postharvest disease management of major mango cultivars. Quantity loss (unmarketable fruit) was around 20% while quality loss (affecting price) was 65 and 70% in Sindhri and Samar Bahisht Chaunsa mango, respectively. Sap burn and postharvest diseases were the most important fruit quality issues at retail. Cultivars differed in terms of fruit harvest maturity indicators, postharvest treatment response, controlled atmosphere conditions and temperatures for storage and ripening. Besides physical de-sapping (on racks), lime wash (de-stemming and dipping fruit in 0.5% lime solution for 2-3 min) was also found to be effective, with morning being the best time for fruit picking. Significant relationships of production locality, orchard management, nutrition (Ca, B and K) and pre-cooling were found with postharvest disease incidence. Postharvest hot-water fungicidal dip of Scholar (active ingredient (a.i.) fludioxonil), Amistar (a.i. azoxystrobin) and Sportak (a.i. procholaz) gave significant fruit disease control. An integrated approach of good production practices, right maturity, correct postharvest fungicidal treatments and pre-cooling was an effective strategy for reducing disease incidence and maintaining better shelf-life at retail. On the basis of R&D and interventions, significant improvement was brought to the local mango industry and export. Sindhri mangoes were sea-freighted commercially to the EU and UK with good fruit quality outturn and overall postharvest life of 40-45 days.