Carabao mangoes from farms in Pangasinan were sorted, spray washed, dipped in hot water and fungicide, packed in export quality boxes, and then air-dried. The boxes of treated mangoes were then pre-cooled in a separate van.

The mangoes were then stored for 28 days in a 40-foot CA reefer container van for 28 days at 12.5^o C with 6% CO₂ and 4% O₂. Another 20-foot CA van was loaded with similarly treated mangoes in export boxes for 21 days with the same level of CO₂ and O₂.

The experiment yielded impressive results. Disease occurrence on the fruits was very minimal and the storage conditions delayed mango ripening for 29 days. With this, mangoes can now be shipped to more distant markets over longer periods. Moreover, shipping mangoes can now be done through cheaper sea transport.

The protocol can be enhanced or modified to suit the requirements of importing countries.

This outstanding work was recently awarded the third best paper (research category) at the National Symposium on Agriculture and Resources Research and Development (NSARRD) held last 10 November 2006. (Rodolfo O. Ilao, S&T Media Service)