2013, Vol. 1, Issue 6, Part A

author(s)
Shikha Markam

abstract
`Litchi is delicate and highly perishable, with a short storage life, hence, fruit should be sent to consumers on the day of harvest to avoid physiological loss in weight and ensure for maximum fruit quality. Insects, diseases, disorders, nutrition deficiencies, injuries due to transit and storage environment may shorten the post harvest life of litchi. All these have to be controlled by proper pre and post harvest treatment and management to give litchi long shelf life without any loss of nutrients, shape, colour, size and other things. Post-harvest diseases occur due to heat produced owing to accelerated rate of respiration, high temperature in transport containers and storage place. Post harvest technologies involve cooling the fruit, use of various packages and packaging materials and the application of fungicides and other chemicals. The objective of post harvest management should also include the preservation of litchi in the form of various products.