| Author | Laksamee Dachanuraknukul |
| Call Number | AIT Thesis no.FB-06-04 |
| Subject(s) | Asparagus--Storage
|
| Note | A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science, School of Environment, Resources and Development |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Series Statement | Thesis ; no. FB-06-04 |
| Abstract | The effects of postharvest handling procedure and modified atmosphere packaging for green asparagus (Asparagus officinalis L.) was investigated as a means of maintaining quality and extending the shelf life of conventional and organic asparagus. The rate of degradation of pesticide residues (cypermethrin) on asparagus during cooling at 5°C storage that can influence decay was also studied. The results showed that standing spears in water increased spear firmness but supported stem elongation and the total soluble solids (TSS) decreased rapidly than that of the dry-stored spears. At storage temperatures of 5°C and 10°C, samples immersed in water has slightly increased in weight, length, diameter and texture. Organic and conventional asparagus were packaged in plastic filni PE and Very high Oxygen Transmission Rate (IQ-11) at 5°C. Weight loss, gases (%O, and %C02), ascorbic acid, pH and acidity, total soluble solid (TSS), chlorophyll, texture and external appearance and sensory evaluation were evaluated during 3 weeks of storage. Organophosphates, pyrethroids and endosulfan pesticides were not detected in both conventional and organic asparagus. Variations in the mineral content (N, P, K, Mn, Mg, Zn and Fe) between conventional and organic asparagus were noted due to the differences in soil condition, environment and cultivation practices in different areas of the country. In three different storage conditions, asparagus samples maintained its excellent sensory quality for 12 days in IQ-11 film bags; 9 days in PE films; and 6 days for sample without any packaging (control). However, IQ-I1 packaged products had lower total chlorophyll and ascorbic acid values but had higher weight loss and texture than PE packaged products. An important factor leading to reduction of any residues left on crops at harvest are processing treatments such as washing. Washing asparagus with water decreased the cypermethrin residue about 26.09%. Half-life values for cypermethrin in asparagus samples were 8 days for PE and IQ-11 packages stored at 5°C while 3 days for samples stored in ambient conditions. Storage of asparagus in MAP at 5°C extended the half-life of cypermethrin samples. The actual time required for cypermethrin to reach its standard limit of 0.05 mg/kg on asparagus samples stored at 5°C was 11 days for PE,_ IQ-11 and without packaging (control), respectively. Whereas, for asparagus samples stored in ambient condition, the actual time required for cypermethrin to reach its standard limit of 0.05 mg/kg was 4 days for PE, IQ-11 and no-packaging (control) storage. |
| Year | 2006 |
| Corresponding Series Added Entry | Asian Institute of Technology. Thesis ; no. FB-06-04 |
| Type | Thesis |
| School | School of Environment, Resources, and Development (SERD) |
| Department | Other Field of Studies (No Department) |
| Academic Program/FoS | Food Engineering and Bioprocess Technology (FB) |
| Chairperson(s) | Athapol Noomhorm |
| Examination Committee(s) | Rakshit, Sudip Kumar;
Jayasuriya, H.P.W. |
| Scholarship Donor(s) | Minish·y of Agriculture and Cooperatives |
| Degree | Thesis (M.Sc.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 2006 |