Post-Harvest Profile of Grapes - Agmarknet

2) Water loss: Humidity and temperature are the important factors which
decide the degree of water loss. Low temperature and high relative humidity
lower the water loss in grape berries. Due to water loss, the berries become
soft shriveled and unattractive and quality deteriorates considerably. This
water loss can be reduced and the quality can be maintained by quick
movement of grape from the vineyard to pre-cooling after harvest. To
minimize post-harvest loss, irrigation one day before harvesting should be
avoided. It will reduce fungal infestation in packing also.
3) Berry cracking: It results due to heavy rain fall or irrigation at the final
stage of development of grape berries. Formation of high pressure in the
berries on the un-stretchable skin results in berry cracking. The moisture
should be controlled at the harvesting stage to reduce this problem.
B) POST-HARVEST CARE
To minimise post- harvest losses, the following measures should be followed.
The crop should be harvested on attaining maturity.
While cleaning, harvesting or trimming bunches should be held by their
stalk.
During harvesting wear rubber gloves, to reduce erasing the fine waxy
coating from the berry surface. Otherwise, it leads to rapid loss of water
through the skin of berries and they shrivel during storage
Use hygienic packaging material for storage and transport to avoid
infestation.
Before storage grapes should be pre-cooled.
Grapes should be stored in cold storage (Temp.: 0 -2 o C and Humidity:
90-95%).
Use proper techniques while handling (loading and unloading).
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