Post-Harvest Physiology and Storage of Tropical and Subtropical Fruits

Post-harvest losses of fruits and vegetables are more serious in developing countries than those in well-developed countries. An additional constraint to improving this situation is that in most developing countries, the number of scientists concerned with post harvest food losses is significantly lower than those involved in production research. In the early days of horticulture in well-developed countries, heavy losses occurred in the same manner as they do today in developing countries. Increasing industrialization in technologically advanced nations gradually brought about improvement sin crop handling. Elaborate harvesting equipment replaced the crude harvesting tools. Collection centers were strategically established in major producing areas. Containers were remodeled to add more protection to the produce. Commercial storage plants were installed and grade standards were adopted. Engineers and economists became more and more aware of raw material behaviour.

This is the first book to deal with the post harvest storage, physiology and conservation of all of the economically important tropical and subtropical fruits. The book is essential reading for all horticultural researchers and students working with these crops and for growers, exporters and importers within the industries concerned with tropical and subtropical fruits.