National Mango Board - Post Harvest Practices Research

Mango Packaging

Conducted By: Michigan State University
Principal Investigator: Dr. Paul Singh
Time line: 1/14/2008 – 7/31/2009

Objectives:

Evaluate the performance (protective, storage, loading, palletizing, transportation, sales, promotional, and service functions) of the different types of shipping containers (boxes) used by exporters, importers, wholesalers and retailers for shipping and handling mangos
Design and develop a new package and compare with existing mango packaging methods
Evaluate the feasibility and economic impact of developing a common and standardized package system for fresh mangos (common foot-print and height) and compatible with the requirements of the Grocery Manufacturers Association and Produce Marketing Association palletized requirements for fresh produce
Insure new packaging system meets challenges for new retail requirements for sustainability and environmental concerns

Project report will be posted when available

Conducted By: University of California at Davis
Principal Investigator: Dr. David Slaughter
Time line: 9/30/2008 - 3/1/2009

Objectives:

Review the available literature on the topics of non-destructive maturity assessment methods and management of ripening in mango
Identify and document future research needs for assessment of maturity and management of ripening in mango

Conducted By: University of Florida
Principal Investigator: Dr. Jeffrey Brecht
Time line: 7/3/08 - 12/31/2009

Objectives:

Quantify and evaluate the postharvest time-temperature combinations that induce the various symptoms of CI of major mango cultivars during two seasons in Florida
Quantify and evaluate the effect of the circulation speed of air at a given temperature on CI symptom development
Define future research needs, including methods to reduce chilling susceptibility, and continued testing using a standard protocol in order to evaluate possible variations in mango response to postharvest chilling conditions when grown in different regions and seasons

Project report will be posted when available

Conducted By: Dr. Elizabeth Mitcham
Time line: 9/20/2007 – 3/31/2009
Objectives:

Determine challenges and issues with the current hot water treatment
Determine the actionable quarantined insect pests in each growing region
Determine the advantages and disadvantages of the current USDA approved quarantine treatments for mango fruit
Determine the potential to develop a non-treatment approach for quarantine security
Determine the potentially feasible experimental treatment alternatives and their advantages and disadvantages
Direct future research needs for quarantine security of mango fruit destined for U.S. markets

Conducted By: University of Queretaro, Mexico
Principal Investigator: Dr. Edmundo Mercado Silva
Time line: 9/19/2008 - 12/31/2009
Objectives:

Identify the state of ripeness or maturity that is most apt for the application of the irradiation quarantine treatment, and determine the changes that can occur when the fruit is irradiated at different phenological states
Identify whether or not the size of the irradiated fruit constitutes a determining factor, and consequently exhibits any difference in reaction from a visual, physiological or organoleptic standpoint

Project report will be posted when available

Conducted By: Dr Adel Kader
Time line: 4/15/2008 – 12/31/2008
Objectives:

Review the literature about fresh-cut mango quality attributes as affected by maturity and ripeness of the intact fruit, preparation procedures, and post-cutting handling conditions
Interview processors of fresh-cut mango products about their challenges in preparing and marketing fresh-cut mangos
Identify future research needs to improve eating quality of fresh-cut mango products and their post-cutting life

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