Phytosanitary Irradiation and Controlled Atmosphere Storage of ‘Nam Doc Mai Si Thong’ Mango: Economic Potential and Challenges for International Trade
Suwimol Jetawattana2, Hannarong Shamsub2, Phongrapi Wichitkunanan1, Nutchanat Phakdee1, Peerasak Chaiprasart1.
1Thailand Institute of Nuclear Technology (Public Organization), Nakhon Nayok, Thailand; 2Faculty of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, Thailand
To halt degradation and minimize losses, irradiated perishable fresh produce must be transported quickly over a long distance to a foreign market. Due to the paucity and high cost of air transportation during the COVID-19 epidemic, exporters have turned to ocean freight as a viable alternative that maintains freshness and quality. This study conducted a commercial scale experiment on the combined effects of ionizing radiation and controlled atmosphere (CA) storage on the physicochemical properties of the 'Nam Doc Mai Si Thong' mango. Mangoes in the experiment group were treated using proper postharvest procedures and given a 400 Gy phytosanitary irradiation dosage using either x-ray or gamma radiations. Then held for 15 days at 13 °C in a 40-foot CA container containing 3% oxygen (O2) and 5% carbon dioxide (CO2) and continued at ambient temperatures of 25-27 °C. The control group was stored in a 40-foot refrigerated container (reefer) with the control temperature set at 13 °C. Only mangoes from the trial group kept in CA storage at 3 percent O2 and 5 percent CO2 lost less weight, had less total soluble solids, had less color development, and had more fruit firmness after 15 days. Between the two groups of mangoes, no significant changes in disease incidence were found. Fruit ripening was delayed as a result of the lower ethylene production during CA storage, which resulted in a shelf-life of up to 21 days at room temperature. For maritime cargo, the expenses of using CA and reefer containers were not statistically significant. As a result, CA storage offers a lot of potential in terms of extending the shelf life of irradiated mangoes. As a result, shipping mangoes by sea freight is a cost-effective way to reach overseas customers while preserving mango quality.