Evaluation of Appropriate Storage Technologies for Shelf-life Improvement of Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) Roots for Marginal UplandFarmers

Marcelo  A. Quevedo,; Arsenio  D. Ramos,; Ness Marie  Sta. Iglesia,

Evaluation of Appropriate Storage Technologies for Shelf-life Improvement of Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) Roots for Marginal UplandFarmers

Marcelo A. Quevedo | Arsenio D. Ramos | Ness Marie Sta. Iglesia

Abstract:

Fast deterioration of roots after harvest is on of the major challenges in cassava production. This studywas conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of simple cassava storage techniques in minimizing postharvest losses. Four storage techniques, namely: 1) box storage with moist sawdust as packingmedium; 2) box storage with moist river sand as packing medium; 3) packing inwet jute sack ; and 4) unpacked controlwere evaluated. Data on physical and chemical characteristics as well as sensory qualities of stored cassava rootswere assessed. Cassava root var. 'Macan' deterioration in terms of vascular streaking and root decay and weight loss were minimized by packing the roots with moist river sand and sawdust. Moist river sand prolonged the shelf life of cassava roots for 30 days with very minimal degree of vascular streaking. Unpacked roots (control) lasted only for 6 days in storage due to severe vascular streaking and root decaywhile those packed inwet jute sacks lasted for 15 days. Sugar contents of cassava roots increased with time of storage while starch content decreased. Sensory qualities of the roots stored in boxes with moist river sand and sawdust for 30 to 60 days were as acceptable as or more acceptable than those of the freshly harvested rootswhenboiled.

References:

ARACENA, J.J., S.A. SARGENT, J.K. BRECHT and C.A. CAMPBELL. 1993. Environmental factor affecting vascular streaking, a postharvest physiological disorder of cassava root (Manihotesculenta Crantz). Acta Hort. 343:297-299.
BEECHING, J.R., Y. HAN, R.GOMEZ-VASQUEZ, R.C. DAY and R.M. COOPER. 1998. Wound and defense responses in cassava as related to post-harvest physiological deterioration. Recent Advances in Phytochemistry 32:231±248.
CAGAMPANG, G.B. and F.M. RODRIGUEZ. 1980. Methods of Analysis for Screening Crops of Appropriate Qualities. Analytical Services Laboratory, Institute of Plant Breeding, University of the Philippines at Los Baños.
CRENTSIL D., S. GALLAT AND R. BANCROFT. 1995. Low-Cost Fresh Cassava Root Storage Project achievement to date. In: Proceeding of the Workshop on “Post-harvest Technology Experience in Africa”, Accra, 4-8 July 1994. Edited by FAO, Rome.
QUEVEDO, M.A., E.S. DATA AND R.V. DIZON. 1985. Appropriate packaging medium for cassava storage. The Radix 7(1):17.
QUEVEDO, M.A. AND E.S. DATA. 1986. Packing Medium for Cassava Storage. I. Technology development. In Root Crop Storage Philippines. VISCA Printing Press. pp. 85-101
QUEVEDO, M.A., A.L. ACEDO, JR., D. ANZANO AND B. OCAY, JR. 1990. Influence of Environmental and Plant Factors on the Efficacy and Suitability of Pre-harvest Pruning of Cassava. Terminal Report.
RAVI, V. AND J. AKED. 1996. Review on tropical root and tuber crops. II. Physiological disorders in freshly stored roots and tubers. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition 36:711±731.