Abstract:
Yield quality at the consumer level depends not only on the storage, handling and packaging conditions after harvest, but also on the environmental factors and maturity or harvesting dates. Determination of optimum harvesting date is very important to improve the shelf life of fruits during the storage because the quality of fruits can be different by with different harvesting dates. This study was conducted to determine the effect of three different harvesting dates [first harvesting; 53 day after flowering, second harvesting; 60 day after flowering, third harvesting; 63 day after flowering] on chili, (Capsicum annum var. kulai), on the shelf-life during storage at ambient temperature. Physical characteristics were determined by quantitative measurements of color changes, weight loss and texture (finnness), also chemical evaluation of pH. Generally, the quality of chili deteriorated with increase in storage time. Among all the harvesting dates, it was found, that the normal practices by the farmer of harvesting chilli on day 60 after flowering (second harvesting), could extend the shelf life of chili with minimum change in color (a*value), weight loss, and texture (finnness). However, there was no significant change in other parameters tested. The third harvesting for chili was found to be least effective is maintain the quality of the crops followed the first harvesting.
