The Crop Science Cluster (CSC)’s Postharvest Horticulture Training and Research Center (PHTRC) emerged as the big winner during the 3rd UP REPSS Annual Scientific Conference and 7th General Assembly Meeting held last March 29-30 at Estrellas de Mendoza Playa Resort, Laiya, San Juan, Batangas. The PHTRC swept the two major awards at stake – the Best Paper for the entry entitled Browning Control in Minimally Processed Eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) and the Best Poster entitled Postharvest Quality and Safety of Ampalaya (Momordica charantia L.) Harvested in Liliw, Laguna and Transported to Tanauan City, Batangas.
Both of the winning entries were outputs of projects led by Dr. Perlita A. Nuevo and Dr. Matilde V. Maunahan. The Best Paper, co-authored by Gloria D. Masilungan and Jennelyn M. Resorez, focused on the use of anti-browning agents such as sulfites and sulfite substitutes in fresh-cut eggplant. While sodium metabisulfite, which is commonly used by traders in local markets, was found to be most effective in controlling browning, the research team noted the potential of ascorbic acid and calcium chloride as an alternative. The winning paper was part of the results of a recently concluded two-year project entitled “Appropriate Postharvest Technologies and Mitigating Measures to Ensure Quality and Food Safety in Intact, Fresh-cut and Sprout Vegetables” which was funded by the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology. On the other hand, the Best Poster written by Dr. Nuevo, Dr. Maunahan, Resorez and Regin Ruis B. Oliveros documented the supply chain of ampalaya from the farm in Liliw, Laguna to the market in Tanauan City, Batangas. Cross-contamination probably due to improper handling along the chain could have resulted in food safety issues as samples were found positive for Salmonella after harvest and for E. coli at retail. Thorough washing and proper cooking are thus recommended to ensure safety for consumption. The poster was an output of a current project entitled “Minimizing Food Safety Hazards in Selected Vegetables through Postharvest Handling Systems Improvement” which is supported by the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Agricultural Research. With the theme, “Enhancing REPS Capabilities for ASEAN Integration”, the UP REPSS conference gathered research, extension and professional staff (REPS) from the different UPLB colleges and units to highlight their accomplishments, and to provide a venue for interaction, sharing of experiences and discussion of welfare concerns. The event is timely and is seen to go a long way in enhancing the productivity and promoting the development of the REPS sector in line with the UP’s mandate of being a research university. (MV Maunahan)