Browsing by Author "Yakubu, Victor Atmoning"

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    Influence of different modes of transportation systems on the postharvest quality characteristics of watermelon (citrullus lanatus) in the Tamale Metropolitan area in the Northern region of Ghana
    (KNUST, 2016-04) Yakubu, Victor Atmoning
    The high perishability of fruits and vegetables in the agricultural sector is a major concern to scientists and the various stakeholders along the value chain. Postharvest handling practices and transportation systems among others are some of the factors leading to an appreciable amount of postharvest losses. This study therefore sought to determine the influence of different modes of transportation systems on the postharvest quality characteristics of watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) in the Tamale metropolitan, in the Northern region of Ghana. The study was conducted in two phases. Phase 1 assessed the handling and management of watermelon and Phase 2 assessed the chemical and physical qualities of the watermelon varieties (Crimson Sweet, Charleston and Sweet Baby) after using different modes of transportation. Combination of purposive and convenient sampling strategies was used to select 50 respondents for questionnaire administration. From the field survey, it was observed that majority (60%) of the water melon traders sourced their watermelon at the farm gate while twenty-four (24%) and sixteen percent (16%) respectively obtained their watermelon from wholesalers and retailers. The two major problems faced by the watermelon traders were storage facility (25.70%) and mechanical damages (74.30%). Cracks (26.90%) and bruises (73.10%) were the major contributing factors to the mechanical damage. After different modes of transportation, the moisture ranged between 91.00% - 96%, TSS ranged between 6.96% - 8.56% and pH from 5.07% - 5.30%. The bruises on the fruits increased from between 2.00% - 4.33% to 15.66% - 25.66% while the cracks increased from between 1.00% -2.33% to 3.66% -8.00%. Water melon fruits were affected by mode of transportation, especially, the Crimson Sweet variety transported in the tricycle (motor king). The tricycle can, however, be roofed to prevent the dropping off of the fruits and also lined to prevent mechanical injuries inflicted on the fruits during transportation.