Keys to exporting RP mangoes:
integrated pre- and postharvest management, controlled atmosphere

An integrated management protocol, from pre- to postharvest, and the use of a controlled atmosphere (CA) storage hold promise for fresh mangoes to be shipped to distant markets.

The protocol minimizes disease incidence (anthracnose and stem-end rot), delays the ripening, and prolongs the shelf life of mango fruits.

This was made known during the opening of the CA reefer (container) van containing five tons of export-quality ‘Carabao’ mangoes at the Diamond Star Agro-Products, Inc. (DSAPI) compound at the Food Terminal Inc. in Tagig, Metro Manila, on March 18.

Blemish-free sweet mangoes from
CA storage after 28 days

Observations
Initial observations showed that by keeping the fresh fruits in an atmosphere of low oxygen, high carbon dioxide, and high relative humidity at low temperature with adequate nitrogen, fruits were still of export-quality condition even at 28 days of storage.

The research team observed that the fruits subjected to the protocol had less disease incidence than those subjected solely to farmers’ management practices. A high incidence of stem-end rot was evident in the fruits not subjected to the protocol.

Project implementation
Phase 2 tested full scale the protocol on the integrated cultural and disease management and the use of the CA storage. The ‘Carabao’ mango fruits, subjected to pre- and postharvest disease management, were harvested from Pangasinan. These were then stored in the CA van for 28 days.

Implementing this phase were the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB); Central Luzon State University (CLSU); DSAPI, an exporter; a mango contractor– supplier; and Maersk Line Philippines, a commercial shipping companyIn the project’s first phase, UPLB’s Postharvest Horticulture Training and Research Center optimized the CA conditions for ‘Carabao’ mango. The information gathered from here was further tested at CLSU’s modern laboratory.

The UPLB–CLSU research team is now monitoring the physicochemical quality of the fruits as part of the protocol evaluation. (Eileen C. Cardona, S&T Media Service; Photo credits: Joselito A. Payot)