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Effect of UV-C Light Treatment on Postharvest Quality of Dragon Fruit
(Hylocereus polyrhizus)
Tan Jack Sink
Supervisor: Dr. Ng Lee Chuen
Bachelor of Science Agrotechnology (Postharvest Technology)
School of Food Science and Technology
Dragon fruit is the host for fruit fly and also susceptible to postharvest diseases. The
objectives of this study were to determine the best UV-C light treatment dosage and
the effect of UV-C light in reducing the postharvest decay and prolonging the shelf life
of dragon fruit. Dragon fruits were treated with different UV-C light dosage (0, 0.25,
0.5, 0.75, 1.0 kJ/m 2 ). Results indicated that 1.0 kJ/m 2 UV-C dosage was significant to
reduce the fruit rot (scale 1.25) as compared with the control (scale 2.67). 1.0 kJ/m 2
UV-C has also significant effect in maintaining total soluble solids, pH, firmness, and
preserving the bract appearance. However, no significant differences were detected
in titratable acidity and surface colour of the fruit at different UV-C light dosage. In
conclusion, UV-C light dosage at 1.0 kJ/m 2 has the potential to be used as commercial
method to reduce postharvest decay and prolong the shelf life of dragon fruit.
1075 | UMT UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH DAY 2018