Losses in litchi at various stages of supply chain and changes in fruit quality parameters after harvest

Abstract

During May and June of 2012 and 2013, a study was conducted to assess losses at the farm, wholesale and retail levels in the supply chain of litchi in India. Changes in fruit quality parameters after harvest and the effectiveness of an improved corrugated fibre board (CFB) box versus conventional wooden box packaging to minimize postharvest losses were also studied. Farm-level samples were collected immediately after harvest from farmers' orchards in the Muzaffarpur district of Bihar state. Wholesale market samples were procured from the Delhi market, and retail samples from the Muzaffarpur and Delhi market. Realtime data on losses and quality parameters of fruits were recorded by transporting litchi from Muzaffarpur to Delhi (distance 1000 km) by truck. Studies indicated that the average loss (fruits discarded at sorting) apparent at the farm level during 2012 and 2013 was 30.4% and 25.8%, respectively. The average loss at the wholesale market level in Delhi was 15.8% and 12.4% during 2012 and 2013, respectively. The highest mean loss (up to 20.5%) was observed at the retail level. The mean fruit weight loss during transport to Delhi was 9.42% and 7.07% during 2012 and 2013, respectively. The mean total loss in the supply chain of litchi ranged from 35.3% to 43.8%. The total soluble solids, respiration and ethylene evolution in litchi fruits were found to increase after transport, whereas acidity and colour parameters (L*, a* and b* values) significantly decreased over time. The predominant pathogen associated with fruit decay was Alternaria alternata (Fr.) Keissler. CFB packaging significantly reduced various losses, thus indicating its effectiveness in its current use in non-refrigerated trucks for transport.