Strides in driving transformative change within the Philippine horticulture industry's postharvest value chains were showcased through the collaboration between the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) and its partner state universities and colleges (SUCs).
The Year 1 review of the program, "Strategic Postharvest Research for Innovative and Novel Technologies for Horticulture Industry Development (SPRINT-HORT)," was held recently at the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD).
Subsequent presentations of the cooperating agencies discussed the intricacies of Project 1, revealing the accomplishments of the project team and the intricate value chain maps and comprehensive needs and loss assessments for key fruit and vegetable crops. These include: 'Queen' and 'Smooth Cayenne' pineapples; 'Satsuma' and 'Szinkom' mandarins; carrots; mango; calamansi; eggplant; tomato; bitter gourd; lettuce; and cabbage.
Dr. Matilde D. Maunahan, (PHTRC) presents the accomplishments of Project 1: Postharvest Systems Improvement of Selected Horticultural Value Chains. (Image credit:ARMRD, DOST-PCAARRD)
The preliminary findings have highlighted critical points where significant losses occur and identified percentages of harvest lost in the process of preparing the products for the market. In Camarines Norte, Queen pineapple postharvest losses are estimated at 47%. Satsuma mandarins lost 10% of marketable products every step of the postharvest process before even reaching the market shelves.
The review further shed light on ongoing Projects 2 and 3, which aimed to create storage systems and natural preservation systems for fresh horticultural produce that will reduce these reported losses.
For Project 2, Engr. Ryan Anthony O. Lualhati of the Postharvest Training and Research Center of the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB-PHTRC) presented promising results from its efforts in developing low-cost cooling and storage systems for horticultural produce. The project conducted verification trials to assess the effectiveness of integrated packaging and storage techniques. Comprehensive documentation was undertaken to capture essential postharvest storage practices, conditions, and technological requirements.
The team also took significant strides in innovation by drafting designs for a cold room technology and an evaporative humidifier. These prototype cold rooms and Commercial Evaporative Humidifier built by PHTRC are being developed, marking a crucial step toward sustainable and affordable storage solutions in the agricultural sector.
Discarded pineapples due to small size. (Image credit: UPLB)
During the project’s first year of deployment, research on chitosan and modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) was conducted and showed remarkable potential in minimizing weight loss, reducing respiratory activity, and preserving the quality of tomatoes, pineapples, and mandarins.
On the other hand, SPRINT-HORT’s Project 3, spearheaded by Ms. Wella A. Morales of UPLB-Institute of Crop Science (ICrops), unveiled encouraging findings on natural preservation techniques utilizing chitosan, virgin coconut oil, and pili pulp oil. The development of a novel nano-based formulation of chitosan further expands the project's potential, offering an organic tool to preserve the freshness of fruits and vegetables that are safe for consumers.
These achievements were presented to DOST-PCAARRD’s Deputy Executive Director Juanito T. Batalon and its program evaluators Mr. Joselito A. Payot and Dr. Emma Ruth Bayogan.
SPRINT-HORT’s program review was participated by external reviewers, DOST-PCAARRD’s Agricultural Resources Management Research Division (ARMRD), and representatives from five partner SUCs in the Philippines, namely, Benguet State University, Camarines Norte State College, Central Luzon State University, Nueva Vizcaya State University, and Visayas State University.
Generally, the SPRINT-HORT program review delved into the rigorous needs and loss assessments within specific value chains of commodity crops across nine provinces. The program identified critical points of produce deterioration that enabled targeted adaptation and implementation of appropriate postharvest technologies.
With this program, DOST-PCAARRD continues to guide the horticulture industry toward efficient resource utilization, equitable income distribution, and strategic investments in infrastructure, research, and capacity building.
Dr. Juanito Batalon, DOST-PCAARRD’s Deputy Executive Director for Research and Development, together with SPRINT-Hort Program evaluators Mr. Joselito Payot and Dr. Emma Ruth Bayogan, during the open forum. (Image credit: ARMRD, DOST-PCAARRD)