A case study on identification and assessment of postharvest losses of tomato (Lycoperisicon escuentum Mill)

Abstract

A study was undertaken to quantify and identify the causes of the postharvest losses of tomato during the Malta season of 1991. In the first phase of the study a suivey was earned out using random samples to collect information on the present system of posthaivest handling of tomato. Four major stages of the posthaivest marketing sequence were identified, namely; fann gate, collection agent, Manning wholesale market (Colombo) and exporter respectively. Loss assessments were conducted at these stages. Tlie survey revealed that pest and diseases such as pod borrer (Heliolhis zea) attack and blight (Altemuiia solani and Pliyiopluliora infestans) are the major contributions for posthaivest losses at the fann gate. Over maturity at hanest, bird attack and losses due to sun scorch were also obseived. Cultivating small extents of land (66% of farmers possess less than half acre) increases the liaircsting interval which resulted in a high percentage of over maturity. Tlie above factors subsequently made considerable losses at the collection agents when soiling the product for transportation. Significant losses were observed al the Manning market due to long distance of transportation with improper handling and transportation. Tlte main problem with exporters was the lack of uniformity of product with respect to maturity and size. Cumulative loss at the Manning wholesale market was obseived to be close to 54%. Contributions to the major causes of loss were as follows; mechanical damage due to over ripening 17.3%, pod borrer attack 23%, blight 4.8% and mechanical damage due to other factors 15%. Tlie cumulative loss and rejections after export quality selection was as high as 96%. Rejects due to non conformity to export specifications with respect to maturity, size and shape were 27.52% and 7.34%, respectively.