Effects of Harvesting Methods on the Quality Characteristics of Citrus Fruits in the Central Region of Ghana
Ogoe Patrick Bentil,
Appiah Charles,
Ofori Edmund
Issue:
Volume 1, Issue 1, December 2020
Pages:
1-7
Received:
27 August 2020
Accepted:
15 September 2020
Published:
30 September 2020
DOI:
10.11648/j.scidev.20200101.11
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Abstract: Fresh citrus fruits play a significant role in human nutrition but its quality is affected by a lot of factors between the periods of harvest and consumption. Poor harvesting directly affects market quality and nutritive value of the fruits. For this reason, this study aimed at investigating the effects of harvesting methods on the citrus fruit quality characteristics in the Abura-Asebu Kwamankese and Mfantseman Districts in the Central Region of Ghana. The study was a descriptive survey using questionnaire for data collection. A sample size of 140 were involved in this study which consisted of 50 citrus famers, 50 wholesalers of citrus and 40 consumers of citrus. The respondents were randomly selected from the two Districts. The findings from the study revealed that most farmers use hooks in harvesting the fruits, followed by hand picking and hand shaking of the branches. It was revealed that the harvesting methods have significant effects on the quality of the fruit. It also found out that fruit juice and rind are affected when poor harvesting methods are used. However, the findings from this study could not substantiate whether poor harvesting methods affect the sugar level of the fruits since the respondents were uncertain about it. From the findings, it was therefore recommended that farmers should start embracing mechanical harvesting and special treatments should be applied before, during or after harvesting the fruits.
Abstract: Fresh citrus fruits play a significant role in human nutrition but its quality is affected by a lot of factors between the periods of harvest and consumption. Poor harvesting directly affects market quality and nutritive value of the fruits. For this reason, this study aimed at investigating the effects of harvesting methods on the citrus fruit qua...
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