47 Questions
Which factor can affect the taste of different cultivars?
Genetics
What effect does cool temperature have on banana fruit filling?
Slowed degreening
Which nutrient increases the acidity in citrus?
Nitrogen
What is the main cause of internal dryness in Imperial mandarins?
Granulation
What happens to the juice sacs in mandarins affected by internal dryness?
They become granular and opaque white
Which method is NOT used for postharvest temperature management?
Freezing
What is the optimal temperature for chilling insensitive produce?
-3 to -0.5°C
Which region is more likely to have chilling sensitive produce?
Tropical
What is the arbitrary threshold temperature between chilling sensitive and insensitive produce?
12°C
Which factor is NOT part of the transport cold chain for temperature management?
Refrigerated distribution & retail
Which organic acids are stored in the vacuole of fruits and vegetables?
Citric and malic acid
What happens if the tonoplast (vacuolar membrane) is damaged during storage?
Leakage of acids damages the cell
Which method can be used to suppress ethylene and slow down ripening?
All of the above
Which fruits require a storage temperature of 7°C?
Avocado, pepper, pineapple, pomegranate, snap bean
What is the purpose of administering ethylene to fruits like tomatoes and avocados?
To induce ripening
Which gas is used as an ethylene inhibitor to delay ripening and fruit drop in some plants?
1-MCP
At what concentration can ethylene have a detrimental effect on produce shelf-life and quality?
0.5 ppm
Which ethylene scrubber is starting to be incorporated into active packaging?
KMnO4
What is the registered trade name for Aminovinylglycine (AVG), an ethylene inhibitor applied preharvest to delay ripening and fruit drop in some plants?
ReTain
When should ReTain be applied to delay apple maturity and allow further growth?
21-28 days prior to harvest
Which pigmented phytochemical is responsible for the green color in plants?
Chlorophyll
Which pigmented phytochemicals are responsible for the red/orange color in plants?
Carotenoids
Which pigmented phytochemicals are responsible for the yellow color in plants?
Carotenoids
Which pigmented phytochemicals are responsible for the red/mauve/blue/purple color in plants?
Anthocyanins
What causes the yellowing of bananas during ripening?
Loss of chlorophyll
What causes the yellowing of bananas during ripening?
Loss of chlorophyll
Which pigmented phytochemicals are responsible for the red/orange color in plants?
Carotenoids
What is the purpose of administering ethylene to fruits like tomatoes and avocados?
To delay ripening
Which of the following is a cause of enzymatic browning in fruits and vegetables?
Physical damage due to mishandling
Which factor is mainly associated with transportation damage in fruits and vegetables?
Vibration
Which fruit is particularly challenging to handle postharvest due to its shape?
Banana
Which of the following is most closely associated with the firmness and texture of fruits and vegetables?
Cell wall structure and composition
Which components make up the primary cell walls in plants?
Cellulose microfibrils and pectins
What is a common mechanism for modifying cell wall structure and strength during ripening?
Depolymerisation of matrix glycans
What is the main cause of textural change in fruits and vegetables during storage?
Desiccation
What are the consequences of water loss in produce during storage?
Shrivelling, softening, loss of appearance, loss of saleable weight, toughening
Which factor affects the rate of water loss in produce during storage?
Surface area to volume ratio
What are the two main factors that determine a fruit's characteristic flavor?
Sugar/acid balance and production of aroma volatile compounds
What is the purpose of GC-MS in analyzing ripe fruit?
To identify volatile compounds contributing to flavor and aroma
What is the role of diacetyl in fruit flavor?
Imparts a buttery flavor
What is the role of furaneol in fruit flavor?
Imparts a strawberry flavor
How many volatile compounds may a ripe fruit contain that contribute to its flavor and aroma?
>100
Which of the following factors can affect the flavor of fruits and vegetables?
Genetics and environment
What happens to the synthesis of aroma volatiles during the ripening process?
It increases dramatically
How does the time between harvest and eating affect the flavor of fruits and vegetables?
It decreases the flavor
What can cause off-odours in fruits and vegetables during the postharvest period?
Fermentative metabolism
What is the difference between the shelf-life of flavor and appearance in fruits and vegetables?
Appearance shelf-life is longer
Test your knowledge on preharvest factors that affect the quality of crops! Explore how genetics, climate, crop nutrition, and agronomy techniques can influence the taste, shape, sweetness, acidity, and photosynthesis of various crops. Gain insights into the impact of preharvest factors on crop quality with this informative quiz!
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