Abstract:
Purpose: A large quantity of mango fruits is lost annually in Adamawa State due to poor harvesting
method, sizing, handling, packaging, transportation and storage, and therefore, amelioration becomes
necessary. This experiment was carried out to study the eff ect of harvesting methods and harvested fruit
size on some sensory attributes of mango fruit during storage.
Research Method: Three harvesting methods were used to harvest the fruits, and the methods were
namely, harvested and fell on the ground, harvested with locally fabricated picker and harvested and fell
on foam. Two harvested fruit sizes were adopted for the study namely, big and small fruit. The experiment
was laid out in a Split Plot Design with fruit size assigned to the main plot while harvesting methods
were assigned to the subplots and replicated three times. Treatments consisted of two factors (fruit size
and harvesting methods). Data were collected on fruit texture, fruit colour, and fruit marketability,
subjectively. The data generated were subjected to Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). Means showing
signifi cant F-test were separated using Least Signifi cant Diff erence (LSD).
Findings: Results of the study showed that big fruits harvested with picker had better fruit texture,
colour and marketability during storage and therefore, harvesting big mango fruits carefully without
letting them drop to hit the ground is recommended for better sensory attributes of mango fruits.
Research Limitation: The research determines the impact of harvesting methods and fruit size on the
sensory qualities of mango fruit. The study limited itself to only three harvesting methods. Two fruit sizes
and one variety of mango (cv Zill).
Original Value: This study provides information on some of the possible causes of wide spread high
level of postharvest losses of mango fruit during storage in Adamawa State of Nigeria. Among other
things, these losses are caused by poor harvesting methods and sizing of fruits.
