Locally develop Wax for fruits and vegetables

Project Name: Development, optimization and technology dissemination of indigenous based Skin Coating Material (SCM) for fruits and vegetables

Cost: 9.971 million rupees

Duration: 48 months (starting from 01-07-2009)

Project Manager:  Muhammad Azhar Ali, Director Post- Harvest Research Center, Ayub Agricultural Research Institute, Faisalabad

Collaborating Institute: Department of Chemistry, UAF

Objective:

·        To prepare and optimize SCM for fruits and vegetables to improve their shelf life and cosmetics view for domestic and export marketing

·        To develop appropriate application technology for locally developed SCMs

·        To demonstrate, promote and commercialize locally developed SCM

Introduction: Horticulture commodities are highly perishable and about 25-40% produce is wasted before consumption, that’s a major disincentive for horticulture sector. These losses are mainly due to unscientific and traditional handling techniques regarding post-harvest management of fresh produced. Pakistan has started to display significant export volume of fruits and vegetables in the regional and global markets for the last decade. Fresh produce is now moving freely between countries in larger quantities and more rapidly than ever before. The horticulture industry is trying to establish itself with the consumer’s demand of quality produce in order to boost export trade. Many fruits are being waxed or polished in order to enhance its storage quality and appearance as both are necessary for making your good recognition in international markets.

When crop is in field or even during harvesting, transport, washing or grading, it can undergo some scratching or abrasion, which not only removes the natural layer of wax but scars its protective layer of skin. Washing in particular is, essential to remove bird muck, insect marks, chemical residues and general field dirt. It can also remove much of the natural wax layer, especially if used with detergents. Ultimately the natural layer of wax reduces moisture loss from the fruit and vegetable. Application of synthetic wax helps to minimize the moisture during marketing and improve its appearance.

Many fruits and vegetables of Pakistan are not getting a good response from international markets due to deteriorating quality in taste and appearance. Standard with regard to their taste, appearance and nutritional value are of superior end. The numerous research studies revealed that the main factor responsible for low market price in the international trade is improper post- harvest management of the fresh produce.

The natural coating is not adequate to offer protection against water loss and high respiration rate. Thus the approach towards prolonging the life of fruit/vegetable involves restricting the rate of respiration and preventing moisture loss. Edible coating is being used for preserving the quality and safety of fresh fruits and vegetables. But such coating must meet the food additive regulations. Extensive research and development work has shown that approved coatings are safe to eat. Edible coatings are a thin layer of a material that can be eaten up by the consumer as a part of the whole food product. Coatings also provide protection from chilling injuries threat. Waxes are indigestible, means; they go through the body without breaking down or being absorbed.

Natural waxes are preferred, such as sugarcane wax, carnauba wax, shellac and various resins. These may be applied to the fruit through foaming/bathing or spraying. In the WTO scenario, the application rates may be governed by legislation in the country where the coating is being applied or in the country where the fruit and vegetables are to be exported. In Pakistan Citrus processors are importing edible wax coating of worth Rs. 30,000 million annually. So there is need to develop and standardize wax and coating product by the indigenous material available.

Project Success:

During the research, more than 20 edible oils were studied to prepare coating material. At last two Skin Coating Material (SCM) formulations were finalized using two oils along with some other ingredients. The SCM was applied to different fruits and vegetables in lab and the results were very encouraging. Then this SCM was applied to Kinnow Mandarins on commercial scale under the prevailing environment of the Citrus industry during 2011-12. The locally developed SCM is cheaper than the imported wax and no ingredient is hazardous to health besides being environment friendly.

Copyright: www.agrinfobank.com

Application of Wax

Under material produce is wasted with fungicide solution, sorted and dried before applying wax and then wax is applied by a combination of spraying and slab waxing/roller brushing method. After waxing material is again dried with hot air and finally fruit is graded and packed in corrugated cardboard cartons. The cartons are pre-cooled before storing in the cold store

Commercialization Strategy:

·        The material has been demonstrated at following four processing plants :

1.      Citrus Asia Kinnow, 104 NB, Silanwali Road Sargodha

2.      Al-Rafique Enterprises, 5 KM Silanwali Road Sargodha

3.      Zahid Kinnow Grading and Waxing plant , kot Momin Road, Bhalwal Sargodha

4.      Al-Noor Kinnow Industries Lalian Sargodha

·        A manufacturer of the material is being negotiated. 

·        Dissemination of results and application of technology is being demonstrated through seminars/workshops at different localities. Representatives from public and private sectors have taken keen interest in this technology and this activity will remain continue till next year. Besides this, poster and brochures containing all relevant information about the usefulness of skin coating material is being prepared and distributed among the participants.

Regards

Maryam Naseer

Research Publication Officer

PARB

CA Technology.... a way to increase shelflife of fresh produce

A Landmark Success of PARB’s project through CA Technology

(First Shipment of Mango Sindhri to Europe)

Pakistan currently produces over 14 million tonnes of fruits and vegetables, out of which almost 1/3^rd never reach to consumer and wasted between farms to end-users. High post-harvest losses not only lower the net income of producers and traders, but also reduce the quantity of produced available in local markets as well as for exports. Despite large production, our fresh produce exports are negligible (<3%) having less prices in international markets (<41% world average-FAO, 2005).So far Pakistani exporters have not been able to penetrate into high end supermarket chains, which share about 80% of the fruits and vegetables sales in EU and many other developed countries.

Mango is one of the most popular tropical fruits in the world, earns about $24 million annually. Around 60-70% good quality of mangoes is exported to Middle East and 15-16% to Europe. Limitation in export of fresh produce, particularly that of mango is the enormous cost of air freighting (e.g. to Europe: Avg. Rs. 160/KG compared to Rs. 20/KG by sea during 2009). The interest in sea freighting of mangoes is growing and probably the only commercially viable option for export to far distant places in the future. However, it needs extended time and specific protocols to be developed for maintaining fruit quality, which is only possible using Controlled Atmosphere (CA) Technology. Mangoes from South America are being successfully shipped to EU using CA Technology.

Looking at the need and demand of the sector, Punjab Agricultural Research Board (PARB) initiated a project on “Exploiting Control Atmosphere Technology potential for extended storage and shipping of fresh produce to international markets”, for a duration of 36 months with a cost of 21.159 million. The project was implemented by Dr. Aman Ullah Malik, Professor of Horticulture, University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF) to increase shelf life of fresh vegetables and fruits for the export to distant markets.  The project has collaboration with National Institute of Food Science and Technology (NIFS&T), Plant Pathology department of UAF and METRO Cash & Carry Pakistan. The project has to determine the SOP for the CA conditions to extend the storage life of locally produced apples, mangoes, kinnow (orange) mandarins and chilies.  The specific problems to be addressed through this project were:

v  Determine optimum CA-conditions for different fruits and vegetables

v  Extend shelf life and maintain quality of mangoes, enabling its sea-freighting for reducing cost of shipment to high end markets

v  Establish local infrastructure/facilities to continue R&D in the area of CA technology

The project has successfully completed this year and overall results are very encouraging. The coordinated approach of PARB, hardworking of team scientists, extensive and planned monitoring of PARB, and support of Chief Executive PARB Dr. Mubarik Ali has made the project a great success. Dr. Ali said that the successful establishment of the SOP for CA technology for fresh produce would greatly benefit the Pakistani exporters in future”. He further explained that without these SOPs, the export of fresh fruits to far distant market had largely failed in the past. It will generate a good return of money invested on research, enhance our exports and create sound recognition for Pakistani fresh products in international markets.

The overall results on mango varieties suggest that storability and marketability of mango can be improved through appropriate use of CA technology. This has created a potential for long distance shipments (up to 4 weeks) followed by 5-6 days of shelf life.  Chilies performed better under CA conditions with storability up to two weeks followed by 2 days shelf life. The technology on kinnow did not get too much success due to sensitivity of the fruit, however alternatives such as initial precooling, wax and proper Ventilation can increase its shelf life. Effect of CA conditions on apple varieties can also enhance the storability of Kala Kulu and Shin Kulu up to 9 months followed by 2 weeks shelf life at ambient conditions.

A recent success story linked with the project is that a commercial CA shipment of ‘Sindhri’ mango using the SOPs developed under this project was sent to Netherlands.  General remarks about shipment were very good; fruit was firm green, attractive in appearance and developed good taste. There was complete control on disease and importer was pleased with outcome, interested to import large volumes of mangoes next year. The successful arrival of the shipment after 36 days (29 days in transit and 7 days in shelf) is a great breakthrough in the mango export industry. Just one 40-feet container of mangoes saved Rs. 2.00 million in freight charges, compared to the same quantity delivered by air, said Dr.Amanullah Malik, the Project Manager. He emphasized that investing Rs. 20 million in the project to develop SOPs will induce many more containers to be exported to far fetch destinations thus will bring large return in the form of foreign exchange to the economy. This is also a great achievement and a sense of pride for researchers and PARB who helped in the planning, implementation, and coordination stages of the research activities of the project, proudly stated by Dr. Amanullah. 

Explaining the success of the project, Dr. Amanullah said that the information regarding this project has been demonstrated by arranging seminars, trainings, workshops, meetings and visits for the local growers/ store keepers/ cold store operators/ traders and exporters. Another remarkable achievement is publication of two research papers in the 7^th International postharvest Symposium in Malaysia. A modern Controlled Atmosphere R & D infrastructure has been developed at Institute of Horticultural Sciences (UAF) to meet the long term national needs, he maintained.

Many output oriented PARB projects related to agriculture, forestry, fisheries and livestock are in the pipeline for the purpose of to increase yield, earn foreign exchange and bring prosperity for our stakeholders. Dr. Mubarik Ali, the Chief Executive of PARB, ensured that all thes projects are being completed successfully according to timeline prescribed in every project. He believes that the outcomes of these projects can generate a revolution in the agriculture sector.

Maryam Naseer

Research Publication Officer

PARB

Ph: 0423-7232744 EXT. 616            Fax: 042-37247594

Email: rpo@parb.gop.pk; Maryam_naseer786@yahoo.com

3^rd Floor ZTBL 47, The Mall Lahore

BAP to control Wheat Aphid…. A strategy made through PARB’s project

By: Maryam Naseer

Agriculture, industry and commerce are pillars of the economy of every country and provide a strong base for development. If we talk about Pakistan, here, agriculture is the only pillar that can boost the dwindling economy and can play a vital role for its development. Many people are associated with agriculture as the main earning source of income and live hood.

Wheat is important crop of Pakistan in terms of earning major foreign exchange and food for people. Wheat is grown at about 8.41 million hectare in Pakistan, out of which 6.27 million hectare (74%) falls in Punjab province (MINFAL). Its yield as well as production experienced substantial fluctuations during some years due to climatic changes. Among others, natural population of predators and parasitoids fail to manage aphid population to acceptable limits. Since independence, pest management techniques other than pesticide spray, such as development of resistant varieties and dependence on natural enemies of pests were successfully utilized against various pests of wheat on sustainable basis. Up to 90’s there was a good natural equilibrium between aphid population and its natural enemies. However, during recent past, this natural balance seems to be disturbed by extensive and indiscriminate use of non -selective pesticides on various crops. The wheat aphid attack as compiled by DG Pest Warning reveals that initially it was seen only in 10 districts till 2002, which increased up to 35 districts from 2004 to onwards.Wheat aphid is also becoming a potential threat as it started feeding on milky grain stage of crop when it’s not advisable to spray non selective pesticides on a large scale as a sole agent for its management. Therefore, we need scientific research to resolve the issue on permanent basis.

If we look at history, the Cotton Leaf Curl Virus (CLCV) was recorded for the first time during 1967 in Multan. But we did not take it seriously till it started economic damage in 1988 and until now, we are not succeeded to control this virus, resultantly losing billions rupees bales annually.  Similarly cotton mealy bug was recorded in Umar kot (Sindh) during 1980 but we did not try to study its lifecycle, weak links, parasites and predators till 2005 when it caused economic damage to our cotton crop. So far, we have not been able to find its proper control. So we need to adopt proactive approach and must be ready with control strategy before any organism poses serious threat to our agriculture.  In fact, we need to remain ahead of pests rather than following them. We need to learn lesson from our past experience where we ignored proactive research approach against hidden potential threat.

Wheat aphid is such other emerging problem and few progressive farmers already started pesticides spray for its control and spray area is continuously increasing every year (agri. Extension workers). The situation will further deteriorate if some timely, effective and safe management strategy other than sole dependence on pesticide spray will not be developed for aphid control. Furthermore, as mentioned above, wheat is sown on a very large area and as such it is neither feasible nor economical to manage pests on it through spray.  Therefore we need to develop a package of Best Agricultural Practices (BAP) including agronomic and bio control agents to tackle the problem on sustainable basis before it becomes epidemic.We also need to develop the loss of pesticides comparatively safe for bio agent and environment but effective against wheat aphid as a second defense to handle the situation if primary defense fails.

Luckily aphid species attacking Saron( Brassicanapus) are different from that attacking wheat crop, whereas natural enemies of both groups are the same. Furthermore, aphid appears on Brassica much earlier than on wheat crop. This phenomenon may be exploited fully by intercropping Brassica in wheat crop which will help to develop reservoir of natural enemies of wheat aphid before the appearance of aphid attack on wheat crop. Consequently, this reservoir may play an important role in aphid management on wheat crop. The preliminary data on intercropping of Brassica napus in wheat crop by Directorate Entomological Research Institute Ayub Agricultural Research Institute (AARI) Faisalabad, confirmed the aforementioned hypothesis to some extent.

Wheat aphid can damage crop by making the leave yellow, weak and affect the quality and production of crop. Aphid also spread various viral diseases, although not witnessed in Punjab but Peshawar has observed some viral diseases. Among all aphid types, four are prominent in Punjab province, including, Green Bug, Corn Leaf Aphid, Bird Cheery Oat aphid and English grain aphid whereas predators and parasitoids are environment friendly.

Wheat is an important crop and farmers should avoid spray of pesticides. In order to resolve this issue Centre for Applied Biosciences International (CABI) with the financial funding of Punjab Agricultural Research Board (PARB) started to work on a project “Integrated Pest Management of Aphid in wheat crop” since July 2009. The other collaborative institutes in the project were Adaptive Research Farm (Bhun, Sargodha, Gujranwala, Shekhpura and Vehari) and Wheat Research Institute Faisalabad. The project manager is Dr. Rana Muhammad Shafiq .

Development of Best Agricultural Practices (BAP) for management of Aphid attack on wheat has been completed. After analyzing results of studies the following BAP has been finalized for demonstration phase

·         Timely sowing of wheat crop up to 20^th November

·         Apply balanced fertilizers i.e N:P:k @ 69:46:25

·         Improved Brassica/canola intercropping in wheat by the following two methods

1.      Three lines of Brassica intercropped after every 100ft (4 kanals) distance

2.      A compact block of one kanal Brassica intercropped after every 400 ft (2 acres ) distance

If the aphid populations explode due to favorable environmental conditions, the insecticides, found to be safe for natural enemies, such as imidacloprid and pymetrozine can be used to control aphids effectively.

Selection of 10 sites for sowing of wheat to demonstrate BAP has been identified and completed in six districts of Punjab including, Attock, Faisalabad, Chiniot, Gujranwala, Khanewal and Bahawalpur. A total of 13 farmer’sday was arranged against a target of 10 in all districts of Punjab to create awareness among farmers and agriculture extension workers about BAP. Almost 50-60 farmers participate in the event. Besides this, 5000 brochures containing BAP information has been prepared and distributed among participants.

The project is just going to be finished with encouraging results for the safety of wheat crop. Research is only a single way to combat challenges and problems related to agriculture and other sectors. This project was a mutual work of a team of scientists, PARB’s monitoring and the support of Chief Executive PARB Dr. Mubarik Ali. PARB has funded 53 output oriented research projects in crops, livestock, forestry and fisheries sector under the Chairmanship of Minister for Agriculture Punjab Malik Ahmed Ali Aulkah. These all projects will be helpful in boosting our agriculture sector and it is hoped that Punjab government will fund more project from PARB’s platform in future so that the emerging problems can get resolve on urgent basis.

Agriculture is our main sector to make us a developed nation and bring huge foreign exchange for Pakistan. But we have to pay attention to secure this sector by solving the problemsotherwise many cash crops will suffer from low productivity, viral diseases and other potential threats.

Maryam Naseer (Author)

About Author:

Maryam Nasser Currently Work as Research Publication Officer at Punjab Agriculture Research Board (PARB), Contact: 042-37232744 ext. 616, Email: rpo@parb.gop.pk

PARB encourages scientists’ inputs in global agri events

Most of the scientists cannot participate in international conferences/seminars/workshops due to lack of funds. Our weak R&D system cannot afford the cost of such international events. Aim of every scientist is to reach there, present his/her research paper, build collaboration and to get motivation from the work going on at international level. Punjab Agricultural Research Board (PARB) has taken a leading step in this regard and is releasing funds as travel grant to agri scientists. In this way they can participate in International events, represent Pakistan and gain experience to learn innovative things. This initiative proves to be very successful in building strong linkages with International stakeholders. In future, such collaborations can provide platform for strengthening research and to introduce innovations. PARB is trying to fund travel grant to as many scientists as it can, within its capacity in future. During about last two month, following scientists have participated in International events: 2nd International Congress of Food Hygiene Venue: Al-Razi Conference Hall, Tehran Medical University, Iran Theme of the Conference: Global Efforts for Food Safety Topics of the Conference: · Food Microbiology · Food Chemistry, Toxicology Contaminants · Additives and Preservatives · Water Safety · Epidemiology of Food-borne infections & Intoxications · The role of probiotics in Hygiene and Nutrition · Organic Foods · Safety of Food Chain · Food Control Systems · The role of Veterinary Medicine in Food Safety · Food Name of the Scientists: Three scientists were provided grant from PARB to attend this International Congress a). Dr. Aqeel Javeed, Assistant Professor Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, UVAS Lahore. Dr. Aqeel Javeed presented his research paper on “Polarity Based Solvents Extraction of Opuntia Dilleni and Zingiber of Ficinale for In-Vitro Antimicrobial Activities”. b): Dr. Muti-Ur-Rehman Assistant Professor UVAS, Lahore. He presented his research paper on “Food Borne disease (Salmonellosis) as a Public Health Problem through consuming the Meat & Egg of Catrrier’s Birds”. c). Dr. Muhammad Hassan Mushtaq, Assistant Professor of Epidemiology and Public Health, UVAS Lahore. He presented his research paper on “Microbiological quality of different snack foods in Urban areas of Pakistan”. Summarizing scientist’s views: The theme of World Veterinary year was the basic objective of the of the Congress, i.e “ Vet for health, Vet for Food, Vet for planet”. The congress gives a good opportunity to have a close interaction with global scientist, involved in food hygiene and safety and to discuss the latest research on that issue. The keynote speakers given important message of not using antibiotics for production purpose and especially medically important antimicrobial drugs usage is against the public health interests. While giving suggestions based on the lessons learnt to improve research in Pakistan, Dr. Mati Ur Rehman said that “level of research in our country is not as high as at abroad. This congress has identified new areas of research which will be utilized to conduct the thesis work of post-graduate students”. He also said that many professors have given chance to their students for presentation; it’s a healthy sign for getting experience and exposure at student level. He suggested establishing collaboration between local and international research centers to improve research skills and standards. Dr. Muhammad Hassan Mushtaq said that participation in such conferences is a source of global interaction for scientists. He said, “During my visit to college of Veterinary Medicine at Tehran University, Iran, I discussed with them about the research areas of their interest and also briefed them about research projects of our University”. He also commented that Pakistani Universities have not appropriate facilities for R & D and should establish collaborations on urgent basis. He suggested that Pilot testing should be done before any study in order to validate the study design, statistical analysis and techniques. He requested PARB to facilitate scientists and students to attend training programmes in the field of research. He appreciated PARB efforts for facilitating scientists to attend international conferences/seminars. “World Aquaculture for Changing World” Venue: Natal Convention Center, Natal, Brazil Theme of the Conference: Aquaculture for a Changing World · Salient features of the Conference according to scientist: This international conference was jointly hosted by the World Aquaculture Society (WAS), WAS-Latin American & Caribben Chapter and Association Criadores de Camaroes, in conjunction with Feira International de Aquaculture and Fenacam · The conference assembles world Aquaculture community with the basic aim of Aquaculture for changing world, where different aspects of aquaculture was discussed in several technical sessions. · There were more than 50 scientific sessions focusing on innovative aquaculture systems and management · Topics include economics, sustainability, engineering, reproduction, health, nutrition, genetics, microalgae · A total of 1250 papers were accepted for oral presentations resulted in wide range of sessions. Over 900 posters and 300 exhibitions in trade show demonstrated the latest and greatest innovations and products for aquaculture · International shrimp farming symposium covered main topics of the world shrimp farming industry with a great variety of subjects jointly organized by FENACAM’11 and WAS · The conference provide us an excellent forum to interact with world most famous aquaculture scientists, industry people, suppliers and other stakeholders involved in finfish and shell fish aquaculture with latest techniques and equipments · Aquaculture is the fastest growing food industry worldwide. It is the need of the time to manage our culture system environment friendly and sustainable to cater the world increasing population. Aquaculture is more close to agriculture than any other farming practices and integration with agriculture is very important for future sustainability of two systems. · An excellent forum for presenting my research work and introducing my department, University and country in this mega event · The conference was very fruitful and productive to my academic and research career · I have develop linkages with scientists of Turkey, USA, World Fish Centre (Malaysia), India, Thailand, who shows their willingness for developing joint research collaboration in future. Names of the Scientist: Dr. Noor Khan, Assistant Professor, Department of Fisheries & Aquaculture, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences Lahore. He presented his research paper on “Comparative Growth Performance and Body Composition of Indian Major CARPS (Catla Catla, Cirrhinus Mrigala and Labeo Rohita) Fingerlings when fed an Artificial Feed Under Monoculture Production”. His recommendations to improve research in Pakistan are as follows: · We should plan our research as per international level. At present due to lack of facilities and non- cooperation among different institutions, quality of research is not so much productive · Problem oriented research should be conducted with the cooperation of industry and international collaborations · We should replace the traditional research into new lines with latest techniques and brings new species and culture techniques into our system · Like other countries our post-graduate students should be given a chance to present their research in such conferences. This will definitely improve their skills of presenting data and research capabilities. · It gives me motivations to organize a Pakistan Fisheries and Aquaculture Society and affiliated it with WAS for organizing conferences, workshops on fisheries and aquaculture for further enhancement of this sector in Pakistan. Postharvest Unlimited Venue of the Conference: Leavenworth, Washington, USA Theme of the Conference: The main theme was to highlight new scientific and technological research for development and encourage interaction among various postharvest disciplines and industry participants Name of the Scientist: Dr. Nadeem Akhtar Abbasi, Professor/Chairman Department of Horticulture PMAS Arid Agriculture University Murree Road, Rawalpindi. He presented his paper on “Foliar spray of ethanol affected fruit growth, yield and postharvest performance of “Sahil” tomato”. Salient Features of the Conference according to scientist: · Postharvest storage and distribution · Experimental and applied Postharvest physiology · Postharvest quality assessment · Understanding storage stress and its implications · The future: Beyond Systems’ Suggestions and recommendations based on the lessons learnt to improve research in Pakistan · Processing, grading packing and transportation of fruits must be of international standard. Advanced techniques should be adopted to maintain quality and food safety until it reaches the consumer · Edible grade chemicals must be introduced along with newly introduced more effective methods like use of 1-MCP · Special facilities must be developed for transportation at airports and shipping places like cold storage CA etc · The standards for handling during harvest, processing, packing and storage must be developed for different varieties according to the environmental conditions, the fruit was produced · Research in Pakistan should have a focus in the area of postharvest of perishable commodities. After that, technologies should be developed on the basis of successful results of the research that can be used by the horticulture industry. Source: http://www.pakissan.com/english/allabout/livestock/prab.encourages.scientists.inputs.in.global.agri.events.shtml