FEB 6533 QUIZ

Pre-harvest practices may seriously affect postharvest returns in quality and quantity and result in the rejection or downgrading of produce at the time of sale. Point out FOUR (4) pre-harvest effect to postharvest return.

Answer explanation

Water supply (Irrigation)

Soil fertility, use of fertilizers

Cultivation practices

Agricultural chemicals

Cultural practices are traditional agricultural methods used in agriculture. Describe cultural practices in pre-harvest practices.

Answer explanation

Cultural practices are traditional agricultural methods used to enhance crop productivity.

Through conserving water and soil to improve crop health/ productivity by reducing weeds, pests and diseases.

They are simple and do not require a lot of technical skills or use of chemicals.

Examples include bush fallowing, crop rotation, intercropping, contour ploughing, terracing, use of organic manure, etc.

Define Maturity Index.

Answer explanation

Maturity index refers to the parameters used in making an estimate of the appropriate level of maturity for the harvest of a crop.

The crop maturity index is different according to the type of crop and species.

Overall, there are three methods to determine the maturity of the plant. The THREE (3) methods are:

Answer explanation

Physical

Chemical

Physiology

Describe the best timing to harvest a crop produce.

Answer explanation

Harvesting activities are carried out when the plants have reached the desired level of maturity. This activity is divided into three stages, namely before, during and after harvest.

Identify the best harvesting techniques for this agricultural produce.

Answer explanation

Those which develop below soil level, if they are small, are best  grown in raised beds, so that a digging tool can be easily pushed  underneath to lift them when they can be freed from the soil  without damage.

Identify the best harvesting techniques for this agricultural produce.

Answer explanation

Leafy vegetables like spinach in which individual leaves are  picked by hand, or lettuce and cabbage where the main stalk  is cut through with a sharp knife.

Analyze the best maturity index of papaya for long storage purpose. with your own rational.

Answer explanation

Sorting based on their maturity stage is important step because it affects the storage period and quality of  fruit after storage. Fruit can be harvested early at colour index 2. Fruit harvested at colour index 4 and 5  unsuitable for long storage period because it ripens rapidly. Thus, the only harvested fruit at colour  index 2 and 3 were suitable for storage purpose