Postharvest handling, storage and quality.

Abstract

This chapter provides information on the various factors to consider during the harvesting and handling of pawpaw fruits, such as fruit maturity and visual and sensorial quality characteristics. The benefits of the use of coatings and wraps, optimum temperatures and various packing and storage methods for prolonging the fruit quality of pawpaws during storage and transport are also pointed out. Information on the ethylene sensitivity of pawpaw fruits, postharvest quality losses and postharvest handling and storage-related disorders, insect pests and diseases are also discussed.