Annona Species Monograph.pdf - Crops for the Future

Chapter 13. Conclusions
13.1.3 Studies on crop management
a) Pruning for increased yield should be better developed for each species in
a range of environmental conditions. These studies would look for better fruit
distribution and supply, and help to stabilize prices in the markets and
profitability for growers.
b) Water management and modern irrigation techniques have not been fully
investigated or developed and need more attention. Intercropping and covercropping
systems should be better studied, both to support water
management and to improve fruit production.
c) A full range of organic production techniques and practices should be
examined and adapted to production of the major export annonas, especially
cherimoya. Locally, both sugar apple and soursop might benefit in specific
markets.
13.1.4 Postharvest and processing
a) Annona fruits do not ripen adequately when harvested at the immature
stage, hence identification of the best stage for picking is essential. On the
other hand, ripe fruits are particularly vulnerable to rot and decay, thus
quickly losing their shelf life and quality. This raises the need for adequate
on and off-farm facilities and technology to store and/or process these fruits.
b) Appropriate packaging techniques for long-distance transport are
necessary, especially for markets that demand better flavour and appearance,
due to the fact that fruits are nearer maturity when picked.
c) Currently, adding value through product diversification is a priority area
for research attention, although this should be done by the private sector.
However, in most less developed countries, the public sector must get
involved, preferably in partnership with the private sector.
13.1.5 Industrialisation and marketing
a) Better technology for pre-prepared juices is an urgent requirement, since
many annona flavour components are extremely volatile and are lost with
current preparation technologies. Capture and return of these volatile
components may be the key to preparing bottled and tetra-packed juices for
many markets, including export.
154