Effect of Postharvest Disinfection Treatment Handling on Physicochemical Properties of Carrots in the Asante Mampong Municipal
Gideon Alex Ampomah *
Department of Horticulture and Crop Production, Postharvest Science Unit, University of Energy and Natural Resource, Sunyani, Ghana.
Bonaventure Kissinger Maalekuu
Department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana.
Paa Kwesi Bordoh
Department of Horticulture and Crop Production, Postharvest Science Unit, University of Energy and Natural Resource, Sunyani, Ghana.
Richard Siaw Amankwah
Department of Management Studies Education, Akenten Appiah- Minka University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development, Kumasi, Ghana.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of postharvest handling practices particularly washing and scraping of carrots, on the physicochemical properties of the vegetable in the Asante Mampong Municipal area. The research was conducted within the catchment areas of three communities (namely Asaam, Kofiase, and Owuobonho) within the Mampong-Ashanti Municipality. The study encompassed three main phases of data collection: field survey, quantitative loss assessment, and interviews combined with laboratory studies. The physicochemical properties that were examined in the study were total soluble solids, moisture content, root firmness, and dry matter content. The dry matter content and the moisture content of the carrots were found to be significantly affected by the different handling practices, particularly washing and scraping as well as the communities from which they were sampled. However, the firmness of carrots as well as the total soluble solids was not observed to be significantly affected by different handling practices and communities. The study highlights the importance of proper postharvest handling practices in maintaining the quality and shelf-life of carrots. The results provide valuable insights for carrot farmers, traders, and consumers in the Asante Mampong Municipal area to adopt improved postharvest handling techniques, thereby reducing losses and enhancing the market value of their produce.
Keywords: Postharvest handling, physicochemical properties, carrots