Progress 01/27/05 to 10/19/09
Outputs
Progress Report Objectives (from AD-416) Improve technology that preserves quality, edibility and storability of whole fresh and fresh-cut produce, with emphasis on chemical-free and organic-compatible treatments. Model how fruit coatings influence concentrations of internal gases and, thus, affect quality. Approach (from AD-416) Assess potential incidence of disease preharvest to anticipate problems under postharvest conditions. Test antagonistic microorganisms as a decay-control treatment as well as antimicrobial essential oils and natural phytoalexins. Coating formulations will be developed from new or traditional ingredients and analyzed for their ability to block pores in the fruit peel, and reduce microbial populations for intact and fresh-cut produce. Intact fruit will undergo treatments that reduce wound-ethylene in the fresh-cut product. In all cases, affect of treatments on quality will be evaluated. Significant Activities that Support Special Target Populations This project aims to extend shelf life, quality and microbial stability of intact and fresh-cut fruit. Allowable sanitizers and commercial fruit coatings were tested for their effect on eliminating the canker bacteria that causes blemishes on citrus fruit rendering them unmarketable and subject to quarantine (in that they are banned from shipment to other citrus growing areas) and a reduction of the pathogen was observed, but not eliminated. Antimicrobial compounds were screened for efficacy against the canker bacteria, and several food grade candidates were found and tested in coatings. Modified atmosphere (low oxygen and high carbon dioxide) was applied to canker-infected citrus at different temperatures to reduce viable canker bacteria. Work was continued on laser labeling of fruit, its effect on decay and water loss, and minimizing water loss with an edible wax. Treatment of fruit with a high alkaline wash was shown to alter the fruit waxy cuticle and reduce decay organisms. Reduction of decay organisms translated to less microbial populations on the subsequent fresh-cut product for papaya and carambola. Treating fruit that had been subjected to the alkaline wash with wax coatings resulted in synergistic control of water loss compared to either treatment alone. Fresh-cut carambola shelf life and quality was extended due to treatment with calcium ascorbate (calcium and vitamin C) while further reducing microbial populations in addition to the high alkaline wash treatment of the whole fruit prior to cutting. Spraying of citrus in the field with wax formulations is being tested for reduction of canker bacteria prior to harvest, such that less bacterium enters the packinghouse. A new clamshell was designed to reduce water loss of small and fresh-cut fruits. The new clamshell plus an edible coating maintained the red color of rambutan and lychee fruit, which normally turn brown after harvest, rendering the fruit unmarketable. A fresh juice project was initiated to produce a safe and nutritious fresh squeezed juice. This project is due to term within the first two month of the new fiscal year and will be replaced by a bridging project due to a pending national review. Significant Activities that Support Special Target Populations Work on citrus canker elimination from citrus fruit benefits the small citrus fresh fruit grower in rural Florida by lifting the quarantine on their fruit that prevents shipment to other citrus-growing areas. Work on tropical fruits benefits the small rural and often woman or minority-owned farms in south Florida. Technology Transfer Number of New Patent Applications filed: 1
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Jarret, R.L., Baldwin, E.A., Perkins, B., Guthrie, K., Bushway, R. 2007. Diversity of Some Fruit Quality Characteristics in Capsicum Frutescens L. HortScience. 42(1):16-19.
- Navaro-Tarazaga, M.-L.,Perez-Gago, M.-B., Goodner, K., Plotto, A. 2007. A new composite coating containing HPMC, beeswax and shellac for 'Valencia' oranges and 'Marisol' tangerines. Proceedings of Florida State Horticultural Society. 120:228-234.
- Pinnavaia, S., Plotto, A., Narciso, J.A., Baldwin, E.A., Senesi, E. 2007. Flavor and other quality factors of enzyme-peeled oranges treated with citric acid. HortScience. 42(7):1644-1650.
- Bai, J., Wu, P., Manthey, J., Goodner, K., Baldwin, E. 2009. Effect of harvest maturity on quality of fresh-cut pear salad. Postharvest Biology and Technology. 51:250-256.
- Narciso, J.A. 2009. A simple method for screening antimicrobial compounds with application to plant disease and fruit quality. Letters in Applied Microbiology. 48:548-553.
- Sood, P., Ference, C., Narciso, J., Exteberria, E. 2009. Laser etching: A novel technology to label Florida grapefruit. HortTechnology. 19(3):504- 510.
- Yin, X., Bai, J., Seavert, C.F. 2009. Pear responses to split fertigation and band placement of nitrogen and phosphorus. HortTechnology. 19(3):586- 592.
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Progress 10/01/06 to 09/30/07
Outputs
Progress Report Objectives (from AD-416) Improve technology that preserves quality, edibility and storability of whole fresh and fresh-cut produce, with emphasis on chemical-free and organic-compatible treatments. Model how fruit coatings influence concentrations of internal gases and, thus, affect quality. Approach (from AD-416) Assess potential incidence of disease preharvest to anticipate problems under postharvest conditions. Test antagonistic microorganisms as a decay-control treatment as well as antimicrobial essential oils and natural phytoalexins. Coating formulations will be developed from new or traditional ingredients and analyzed for their ability to block pores in the fruit peel, and reduce microbial populations for intact and fresh-cut produce. Intact fruit will undergo treatments that reduce wound-ethylene in the fresh-cut product. In all cases, affect of treatments on quality will be evaluated. Accomplishments Antimicrobial coatings and surface treatments: Demonstrated that certain commercial coating ingredients and other antimicrobial aromatic compounds were lethal to the citrus pathogenic canker organism on citrus peel using a screening method developed in the laboratory. The method allows screening in vitro, followed by screening on fruit peel explants and finally on the whole fruit. Citrus fruit from Florida are not shipped to other citrus growing areas in the U.S. and abroad due to the possibility of harboring the citrus canker bacteria. Packers need a method of removing/destroying the bacteria on the fruit before leaving the packinghouse, in order to have this quarantine lifted. The research relates to NP 306 "Quality and Utilization of Agricultural Products", Component 1d, "Preservation and/or Enhancement of Quality and Marketability". Quality and safety of enzyme-peeled oranges: Demonstrated that enzyme- peeled orange fruit segments were preferred by panelists due to appearance and softer texture compared to the water-infused method of peeling fruit, and that the enzyme infiltration did not result in more contamination than manually-peeled fruit. Infiltration with citric acid further reduced microbial counts in the peeled orange slices without affecting flavor. The fresh-cut industry has the perception that infusing citrus fruit with enzymes would result in microbial contamination, but this study showed this not to be the case. Peeled citrus segments would be a beneficial addition to a healthy diet, especially for school lunches since they are much more shelf stable than other fresh-cut fruit and easy for young children to consume. This research relates to NP 306 "Quality and Utilization of Agricultural Products", Component 1d, "Preservation and/or Enhancement of Quality and Marketability". Coatings were developed in cooperation with the Instituto Valenciano dew Investigaciones Agrarias, Postharvest Department, Spain for tangerine- type citrus fruit that have a more natural shine and that develop less off-flavor that is so often associated with commercial citrus coatings. The coatings developed were tested on oranges and tangerines, and coated fruit were evaluated for appearance and flavor. These coatings may be compatible for the organic market. This research relates to NP 306 "Quality and Utilization of Agricultural Products", Component 1d, "Preservation and/or Enhancement of Quality and Marketability". Significant Activities that Support Special Target Populations Coatings and surface treatments were developed for lychee fruit that keep the red outer coating from turning brown and causing the fruit to become unmarketable. This research was done in collaboration with Chiang Mai University in Thailand, and benefits rural family-owned tropical fruit farms in south Florida. Technology Transfer Number of Non-Peer Reviewed Presentations and Proceedings: 14 Number of Newspaper Articles,Presentations for NonScience Audiences: 1
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Pinnavaia, S., Baldwin, E.A., Plotto, A., Narciso, J. 2006. Enzyme-peeling of Valencia oranges for fresh-cut slices. Proceedings of Florida State Horticultural Society. 119:335-339.
- Plotto, A., Narciso, J., Baldwin, E.A., Rattanapanone, N. 2006. Edible coatings and other surface treatments to maintain color of lychee fruit in storage. Proceedings of Florida State Horticultural Society. 119:323- 331.
- Narciso, J.A., Baldwin, E.A., Plotto, A., Ference, C.M. 2007. Preharvest peroxyacetic acid sprays slow decay and extend shelf-life of strawberries. HortScience. 42(3):617-621.
- Narciso, J.A. 2005. An assessment of methods to clean citrus fruit surfaces. Proceedings of Florida State Horticultural Society. 118:437-440.
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Progress 10/01/05 to 09/30/06
Outputs
Progress Report 1. What major problem or issue is being resolved and how are you resolving it (summarize project aims and objectives)? How serious is the problem? Why does it matter? Loss of fruits and vegetables to spoilage was estimated to be 25% in temperate climates and higher in tropical regions. Worldwide citrus fresh fruit losses to decay were estimated in 1990 to be about 23-33% of the harvested crop. These figures would suggest that spoilage losses of the U.S. citrus crop amount to about $300 million annually. Postharvest losses are especially expensive because they include the costs of shipping and packing, whereas losses on the farm cost less. The loss of internal quality, such as texture and flavor, is less apt than spoilage to result in rejection of the product, but often result in reduced repeat sales. The growing organic market requires development of organically acceptable postharvest treatments that include methods for sanitation, decay control
and protective coatings. The quality of fruits and vegetables declines after harvest, meanwhile, quality and preservation of whole and fresh-cut fruits and vegetables is of considerable importance in determining their marketability and consumption. At the same time that increased sanitation and reduced spoilage is expected, there has been loss of approved fungicides. In addition, consumers are expecting greater availability of fruits and vegetables with the 'organic' label. This situation calls for development of new and more 'green' technologies to provide the quality and shelf life that the market demands. Furthermore, increased international trade calls for longer shelf-life to cope with more distant surface transport of commodities. The proposed research is highly relevant to National Program Area 306, "Quality and Utilization of Agricultural Products", Component 1, "Quality Characterization, Preservation and Enhancement". It addresses the prevention of decay and quality loss
after harvest and development of "environmentally friendly" products and technologies, which are fundamental tenets of NP 306. The project has three specific goals: 1) to develop improved technology, including new uses for coatings to preserve the quality, edibility and storability of fresh produce, 2) to develop a better model and understanding of how fruit coatings influence concentrations of internal gases and aroma volatiles, and 3) to develop methods to improve the quality, edibility and storability of fresh-cut produce, while controlling the growth of spoilage organisms. Successful completion of these goals would benefit the fresh produce industry, packers and retail outlets. 2. List by year the currently approved milestones (indicators of research progress) Year 1 (FY 2005) 1. Undertake field survey of micro flora in citrus groves. 2. Test coatings with elicitors and organic oils on citrus and strawberry. 3. Measure peel barriers to some compounds. 4. Develop new organic
coatings. 5. Test elicitors on phytoalexins on fresh-cut produce. Year 2 (FY 2006) 1. Repeat field studies and start to develop predictive model for preharvest factors. 2. Prepare manuscripts on preharvest methodology and efficacy of coating treatments. 3. Develop predictive models for coating permeability effects on fruit quality. 4. Prepare manuscript on models. 5. Combine elicitors and phytoalexins with coatings and test on fresh- cut produce. 6. Prepare manuscripts on elicitor work. Year 3 (FY 2007) 1. Evaluation of coatings to reduce microflora. 2. Survey microflora in fruit downstream from packinghouses. 3. Prepare manuscripts on preharvest predictions and coating work. 4. Validate models on coating permeability effects on fruit quality. 5. Transfer technology. 6. Try successful treatments on commercial scale and on other types of produce. 7. Prepare manuscripts on coating work. Year 4 (FY 2008) 1. Develop packing house guidelines based on survey data. 2. Prepare
manuscripts on coating data. 3. Transfer technology on coating work and pre-harvest predictions. 4. Measure peel barriers for hydrophilic compounds. 5. Prepare manuscripts on coating models. 6. Optimize and transfer technology. Year 5 (FY 2009) 1. Conclude studies/Objective 1. 2. Prepare manuscripts and complete technology transfer/Objective 1 3. Conclude studies/Objective 2. 4. Prepare manuscripts and complete technology transfer/Objective 2. 5. Conclude studies/Objective 3. 6. Prepare manuscripts and complete technology transfer/Objective 3. 4a List the single most significant research accomplishment during FY 2006. Pre-harvest sanitation spays reduce postharvest decay: Demonstrated that pre-harvest sanitation treatment of strawberries in the field with and without subsequent postharvest treatments can affect fresh and fresh-cut postharvest decay and shelf life which relates to NP 306, Component 1, "Quality Characterization, Preservation and Enhancement". Strawberries in
the field were sprayed with peroxyacetic acid, which is soon to be approved for the organic market. Strawberry fruit are very perishable and are packed into commercial retail containers directly in the field to avoid postharvest handling damage, thus pre-harvest treatments would be most acceptable to the industry. The pre-harvest treatment with hydrogen peroxide at the Florida Strawberry Association fields in Dover, FL, reduced postharvest decay and extended shelf life. This was enhanced by postharvest surface treatments, conducted at the ARS, Citrus & Subtropical Products Laboratory, Winter Haven, FL, especially for cut (topped) berries. Extending strawberry shelf life by reducing decay will benefit the industry by extending shipping distances and marketing windows. 4b List other significant research accomplishment(s), if any. Sanitation of whole fruit with peroxyacetic acid reduces contamination of fresh cut pieces: Developed an organically-compatible method to sanitize whole
fruit for the reduction of microbial populations on both the intact and subsequent cut fruit product, which relates to NP 306, "Quality and Utilization of Agricultural Products", Component 1, "Quality Characterization, Preservation and Enhancement". Oranges and mangoes were treated with peroxyacetic and citric acids at the ARS, Citrus & Subtropical Products Laboratory, Winter Haven, FL, then the mangoes and oranges were peeled and the flesh sliced, packaged, stored and evaluated for microbial populations. Microbial populations result in decay and deterioration of the intact, and especially, fresh-cut fruit pieces. The peroxyacetic acid out-performed the standard chlorine sanitizer for intact oranges and mangoes and subsequent fresh-cut mango pieces, and is potentially compatible with the organic label. Citric acid reduced the microbial load of enzyme-peeled citrus. This research will enable packinghouses to make informed decisions when choosing a sanitizer for intact fruit,
especially if the fruit are destined for a fresh-cut product and/or the organic product. 5. Describe the major accomplishments to date and their predicted or actual impact. Pre-treatment of intact apples and mangoes with ethanol, 1- methylcycloprene, or heat and post cutting treatment with edible coatings was shown to affect subsequent cut slice quality and shelf life, which may contribute to the successful commercialization of these products. All accomplishments contribute to the mission of NP 306, "Quality and Utilization of Agricultural Products", Component 1, "Quality Characterization, Preservation and Enhancement". 6. What science and/or technologies have been transferred and to whom? When is the science and/or technology likely to become available to the end- user (industry, farmer, other scientists)? What are the constraints, if known, to the adoption and durability of the technology products? Work on the project was presented to the commodity group annual meetings (Florida
Packers Association, Florida Strawberry Association). Work on citrus coatings and cut fruit was presented at local and regional field days (University of Florida Packing House Day, University of Florida and ARS Processors Day and Subtropical Technology Conference), workshops, national scientific meetings, the International Fresh Cut Association annual meeting and the S-294 Regional Working Group "Postharvest Quality and Safety in Fresh Cut Vegetables and Fruits". Presentations on edible coatings were given at a Chinese institute and university. 7. List your most important publications in the popular press and presentations to organizations and articles written about your work. (NOTE: List your peer reviewed publications below). Pinnavaia, S., Narciso, J., Plotto, A., Baldwin, E. Citric acid can control microbial growth in enzyme peeled orange without affecting eating quality. International Fresh-Cut Processors Association Meeting, Baltimore, MD, April 26, 2006. Narciso, J.A. A review
of sanitizing methods used in Florida on packinglines. 29th Annual Citrus Postharvest Pest Control Meeting, Santa Barbara, CA, May 8, 2006. Narciso, J.A. Assessing methods to clean fruit surfaces. 29th Annual Citrus Postharvest Pest Control Meeting, Santa Barbara, CA, May 8, 2006. Narciso, J. Packingline sanitizers for use against canker and decay pathogens. IFAS Packinghouse Newsletter, University of Florida, August, 2006. Narciso, J. Extending shelf-life [of strawberries] with a pre-harvest non-residual spray. Agritech Meeting, Plant City, FL, August, 2006.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Baldwin, E., Narciso, J., Cameron, R., Plotto, A. 2006. Effect of pectin oligomers on strawberry fruit decay and ethylene production. HortScience. 41(4):1044.
- Plotto, A., Bai, J., Narciso, J.A., Brecht, J., Baldwin, E.A. 2006. Ethanol vapor prior to processing extends fresh-cut mango shelf-life by decreasing spoilage, but does not always delay ripening. Postharvest Biology and Technology. 39:134-145.
- Baldwin, E.A., Wood, B.W. 2006. Use of edible coating to preserve pecans at room temperature. HortScience. 41(1):188-192.
- Plotto, A., Narciso, J.A. 2006. Guidelines and acceptable postharvest practices for organically grown produce. HortScience. 41(2):287-291.
- Narciso, J., Plotto, A. 2005. A comparison of sanitation systems for fresh- cut mango. HortTechnology. 15(4):837-842.
- Georgelis, N., Scott, J.W., Baldwin, E.A. 2006. Inheritance of high sugars from tomato accession PI270248 and environmental variation between seasons. Journal of the American Society for Horticultural Science. 131(1):41-45.
- Pinnavaia, S., Plotto, A., Baldwin, E.A., Narciso, J.A. 2006. Enzyme- peeled oranges for fresh-cut slices. Florida State Horticulture Society and Citrus Industry. Paper No. 41.
- Plotto, A., Rattanapanone, N. 2006. Edible coatings for lychee fruit to maintain color in storage. Florida State Horticultural Society Meeting. Paper No. 38.
- Mahattanatawee, K., Baldwin, E., Goodner, K., Manthey, J., Luzio, G. 2006. Nutritional components in select Florida tropical fruits. HortScience. 40(3):504.
- Baldwin, E. 2006. Current research programs at the USDA/ARS Citrus and Subtropical Products Laboratory. HortScience. 40(3):504.
- Narciso, J., Baldwin, E., Plotto, A. 2006. Testing antifungal competency of compounds against some postharvest pathogens using the disc assay method. HortScience. 40(3):511.
- Scott, J.W., Baldwin, E. 2006. 'Flora-Lee': a field tomato for the premium tomato market. Tomato Quality Workshop Proceedings. Paper No. 17.
- Ritenour, M., Narciso, J.A. 2006. Postharvest calcium chloride dips of whole tomato fruit reduce postharvest decay under commercial conditions. HortScience. 41(4):1016-1017.
- Pinnavaia, S., Plotto, A., Baldwin, E.A., Narciso, J.A. 2005. Enzyme peeling of 'Valencia' orange for fresh-cut slices. Subtropical Technology Conference Proceedings. 56:24-25.
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Progress 10/01/04 to 09/30/05
Outputs
1. What major problem or issue is being resolved and how are you resolving it (summarize project aims and objectives)? How serious is the problem? What does it matter? Loss of fruits and vegetables to spoilage was estimated to be 25% in temperate climates and higher in tropical regions. Worldwide citrus fresh fruit losses to decay were estimated in 1990 to be about 23-33% of the harvested crop. These figures would suggest that spoilage losses of the U.S. citrus crop amount to about $300 million annually. Postharvest losses are especially expensive because they include the costs of shipping and packing, whereas losses on the farm cost less. The loss of internal quality, such as texture and flavor, is less apt than spoilage to result in rejection of the product, but often result in reduced repeat sales. The growing organic market requires development of organically acceptable postharvest treatments that include methods for sanitation, decay control and protective
coatings. The quality of fruits and vegetables declines after harvest, meanwhile, quality and preservation of whole and fresh-cut fruits and vegetables is of considerable importance in determining their marketability and consumption. At the same time that increased sanitation and reduced spoilage is expected, there has been loss of approved fungicides. In addition, consumers are expecting greater availability of fruits and vegetables with the organic label. This situation calls for development of new and more green technologies to provide the quality and shelf life that the market demands. Furthermore, increased international trade calls for longer shelf-life to cope with more distant surface transport of commodities. The proposed research is highly relevant to National Program Area 306, Quality and Utilization of Agricultural Products, Component 1, Quality Characterization, Preservation and Enhancement. It addresses the prevention of decay and quality loss after harvest and
development of environmentally friendly products and technologies, which are fundamental tenets of NP 306. The project has three specific goals: 1) to develop improved technology, including new uses for coatings to preserve the quality, edibility and storability of fresh produce, 2) to develop a better model and understanding of how fruit coatings influence concentrations of internal gases and aroma volatiles, and 3) to develop methods to improve the quality, edibility and storability of fresh-cut produce, while controlling the growth of spoilage organisms. Successful completion of these goals would benefit the fresh produce industry, packers and retail outlets. 2. List the milestones (indicators of progress) from your Project Plan. Year 1 (FY 2005) 1. Undertake field survey of microflora in citrus groves. 2. Test coatings with elicitors and organic oils on citrus and strawberry. 3. Measure peel barriers to some compounds. 4. Develop new organic coatings. 5. Test elicitors an
phytoalexins on fresh-cut produce. Year 2 (FY 2006) 1. Repeat and start to develop predictive model for preharvest factors. 2. Prepare manuscripts on preharvest methodology and efficacy of coating treatments. 3. Develop predictive models for coating permeability effects on fruit quality. 4. Prepare manuscript on models. 5. Combine elicitors and phytoalexins with coatings and test on fresh- cut produce. 6. Prepare manuscripts on elicitor work. Year 3 (FY 2007) 1. Evaluation of coatings to reduce microflora. 2. Survey microflora in fruit downstream from packinghouses. 3. Prepare manuscripts on preharvest predictions and coating work. 4. Validate models on coating permeability effects on fruit quality. 5. Transfer technology. 6. Try successful treatments on commercial scale and on other types of produce. 7. Prepare manuscripts on coating work. Year 4 (FY 2008) 1. Develop packing house guidelines based on survey data. 2. Prepare manuscripts on coating data. 3. Transfer technology on
coating work and preharvest predictions. 4. Measure peel barriers for hydrophilic compounds. 5. Prepare manuscripts on coating models. 6. Optimize and transfer technology. Year 5 (FY 2009) 1. Conclude studies/Objective 1. 2. Prepare manuscripts and complete technology transfer/Objective 1. 3. Conclude studies/Objective 2. 4. Prepare manuscripts and complete technology transfer/Objective 2. 5. Conclude studies/Objective 3. 6. Prepare manuscripts and complete technology transfer/Objective 3. 3a List the milestones that were scheduled to be addressed in FY 2005. For each milestone, indicate the status: fully met, substantially met, or not met. If not met, why. 1. Undertake field survey of microflora in citrus groves. Milestone Fully Met 2. Test coatings with elicitors and organic oils on citrus and strawberry. Milestone Substantially Met 3. Measure peel barriers to some compounds. Milestone Not Met Progress slowed by resource limitation (human,fiscal,equipment, etc. 4. Develop new
organic coatings. Milestone Not Met Progress slowed by resource limitation (human,fiscal,equipment, etc. 5. Test elicitors and phytoalexins on fresh-cut produce. Milestone Substantially Met 3b List the milestones that you expect to address over the next 3 years (FY 2006, 2007, and 2008). What do you expect to accomplish, year by year, over the next 3 years under each milestone? FY 2006 1. Milestone: Repeat and start to develop predictive model for preharvest factors. Anticipated Accomplishment: Field microbial populations and identification of organisms will be compared to postharvest decay rates to begin model. 2. Milestone: Prepare manuscripts on preharvest methodology and efficacy of coating treatments. Anticipated Accomplishment: Write manuscripts on preharvest and coating studies and submit to peer-reviewed journals. 3. Milestone: Develop predictive models for coating permeability. Anticipated Accomplishment: Permeability of coating materials will be established for aroma
compounds, oxygen, ethylene and carbon dioxide. 4. Milestone: Prepare manuscript on models. Anticipated Accomplishment: Write manuscripts on coating permeability studies comparing permeability to flavor quality to be submitted to peer-reviewed journals. 5. Milestone: Combine elicitors and phytoalexins with coatings and test on fresh-cut produce. Anticipated Accomplishment: Coat fresh-cut mango or carambola with coating formulations containing elicitors and/or phytoalexins and measurements on quality, physiological and microbiological factors will be recorded. 6. Milestone: Prepare manuscript on elicitor work. Anticipated Accomplishment: Write manuscripts on elicitor work for peer-reviewed journals. FY 2007 1. Milestone: Evaluation of coatings to reduce microflora. Anticipated Accomplishment: Test coatings and natural antimicrobial compounds for their ability to reduce fruit decay and general microbial populations on fruit surfaces. 2. Milestone: Survey microflora in fruit
downstream from packinghouses. Anticipated Accomplishment: Analyze microbial populations on fruit surfaces in supermarkets and warehouses. 3. Milestone: Prepare manuscripts on preharvest predictions and coating work. Anticipated Accomplishment: Write manuscripts on preharvest data and effect of coating and surface treatments on fruit decay for peer- reviewed journals. 4. Milestone: Validate models on coating permeability effects on fruit quality. Anticipated Accomplishment: Compare experimental to theoretical data for coating permeability on fruits. 5. Milestone: Transfer technology. Anticipated Accomplishment: Present data at industry meetings and workshops and send coating samples to industry for testing. 6. Milestone: Try successful treatments on commercial scale and on other types of produce. Anticipated Accomplishment: Set up simulated commercial situations and test experimental coating and/or surface treatments. 7. Milestone: Prepare manuscripts on coating work. Anticipated
Accomplishment: Write manuscripts for coating work for peer-reviewed journals. FY 2008 1. Milestone: Develop packinghouse guidelines based on survey data. Anticipated Accomplishment: Present data at University "Packinghouse Day" and other industry meetings. 2. Milestone: Prepare manuscripts on coating data. Anticipated Accomplishment: Write manuscripts on coating data for peer-reviewed journal. 3. Milestone: Transfer technology on coating work and preharvest predictions Anticipated Accomplishment: Present data at industry meetings and supply samples to packing houses for trials. 4. Milestone: Measure peel barriers for hydrophilic compounds. Anticipated Accomplishment: Determine permeability of orange peel to water and other hydrophilic compounds. 5. Milestone: Prepare manuscript on coating models. Anticipated Accomplishment: Write manuscript on modeling of coating permeability for peer-reviewed journal. 6. Milestone: Optimize and transfer technology. Anticipated Accomplishment:
Optimize treatments and demonstrate, or present at industry meetings and, where applicable, give samples to coating companies and/or packinghouses. 4a What was the single most significant accomplishment this past year? Demonstration that pretreatment of intact fruit can affect fresh cut quality, microbial stability and shelf life: Intact mangoes were pretreated with different levels of ethanol vapor, which increased subsequent cut slice shelf life and quality by maintaining firmness and acidity and reducing microbial populations on the subsequent cut pieces. This finding opens up the possibility of treating intact fruits prior to cutting, rather than the fragil fresh cut product itself, to extend quality and shelf life without risking contamination and damage of the cut product. Intact mangoes, variety Keitt, Kent and Tommy Atkins, were previously treated with different levels of ethanol for different lengths of time at the US Citrus & Subtropical Products Laboratory (USCSPL) in
Winter Haven, FL, then sliced, stored and evaluated at the USCSPL. The outcome of this research will result in a more stable cut mango product at little added cost to the industry. 4b List other significant accomplishments, if any. Development of an organically-compatible method to sanitize whole fruit for the reduction of microbial populations on both the intact and subsequent cut fruit product: Oranges and mangoes were treated with peroxyacetic acid, then the mangoes were peeled and the flesh sliced and packaged, stored and evaluated for microbial populations. Microbial populations result in decay and deterioration of the intact, and especially, fresh-cut pieces. The peroxyacetic acid out-performed the standard chlorine sanitizer for intact oranges and mangoes and subsequent fresh-cut mango pieces, and is potentially compatible with the organic label, whereas chlorine is not. This research will enable packinghouses to make informed decisions when choosing a sanitizer for intact
fruit, especially if the fruit are destined for a fresh-cut product and/or organic product. 4c List any significant activities that support special target populations. Intact mango fruit were pretreated with heat, ethanol and 1-MCP, which increased subsequent fresh-cut mango shelf life: Intact mangoes were treated with ethanol vapor and peroxyacetic acid. The outcome of this research will contribute to commercializing a stable cut mango product, providing a value-added product for the struggling tropical fruit industry of south Florida, which is made up mostly of small, family-owned fruit farms. 4d Progress report. Hired plant physiologist with sensory background to fill core competency for this area for the facility. The new scientist is 50% on this project and has begun to establish sensory training in the laboratory to interface with the other quality project that involves flavor research where the other 50% of her time is assigned. This new scientist replaced retired scientist
who had expertise in edible coatings and coating permeability and who had been assigned 100% to this project. 5. Describe the major accomplishments over the life of the project, including their predicted or actual impact. Treatment of intact apples and mangoes with ethanol or heat was shown to affect subsequent cut slice quality and shelf life, which may contribute to the successful commercialization of these products. All accomplishments contribute to the mission of NP 306, Quality and Utilization of Agricultural Products. 6. What science and/or technologies have been transferred and to whom? When is the science and/or technology likely to become available to the end- user (industry, farmer, other scientists)? What are the constraints, if known, to the adoption and durability of the technology products? Work on the project was presented to the commodity group annual meetings (Florida Packers Association). Work on citrus coatings was presented at local and regional field days
(University of Florida Packing House Day), workshops, national scientific meetings, the International Fresh Cut Association annual meeting and the S-294 Regional working group Postharvest Quality and Safety in Fresh Cut Vegetables and Fruits. Presentations on edible coatings were given at a Chinese institute and university. 7. List your most important publications in the popular press and presentations to organizations and articles written about your work. (NOTE: List your peer reviewed publications below). Rawe, J. Where the Best Ideas Take Wing (part on peeled citrus), Time Magazine, Visions of Tomorrow, Special Report, October, 2004. Narciso, J. Biological Control Agents: Do they have a Role in Citrus Packinghouses? University of Florida IFAS Packinghouse Newsletter, No. 200. July, 2004. Narciso, J. Reducing Contamination of Fruit and Packinghouse Surfaces (2 hr. workshop), University of Florida, Packinghouse Day, Ft. Pierce, FL, September, 2005. Baldwin, E.A. Principles of edible
coatings and flavor quality. Chongqing Tree Fruit Institute. Jiangjin, Chongqing, China, and Horticulture Department, China Agriculture University, Beijing, China, December 2005.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Bai, J., Baldwin, E.A., Goodner, K.L., Mattheis, J.P., Brecht, J.K. 2005. Response of four apple varieties to 1-methylcyclopropene treatment prior to air or controlled atmosphere storage: variety dependent differences in apple quality factors before and after simulated marketing period. Hortscience. 40(5):1534-1538.
- Lebrun, M., Ducamp, M., Plotto, A., Goodner, K.L., Baldwin, E.A. 2004. Development of electronic nose measurements for mango (mangifera indica) homogenate and whole fruit. Proceedings of Florida State Horticultural Society. 117:421-425.
- Hagenmaier, R.D. 2004. Fruit coatings containing ammonia instead of morpholine. Proceedings of Florida State Horticultural Society. 117:396- 402.
- Hagenmaier, R.D. 2005. A comparison of ethane, ethylene and co2 peel permeance-diffusion for fruit with different coatings. Postharvest Biology and Technology. 37:56-64.
- Mccollum, T.G., Chellemi, D.O., Rosskopf, E.N., Church, G.T., Plotto, A. 2005. Postharvest quality of tomatoes produced in organic and conventional production systems. American Society of Horticulture Science Meeting. Hort Science, Vol.40(4),p.959, July 2005
- Narciso, J.A., Plotto, A. 2005. A comparison of sanitation systems for whole fruit and fresh-cut mango. National Meeting of Institute of Food Technologists/Food Expo. Paper No. 36E-4.
- Plotto, A., Narciso, J.A., Baldwin, E.A. 2005. Guidelines and acceptable postharvest practices for organically grown produce. American Society of Horticulture Science Meeting. 40:958.
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