Harvest maturity, harvesting and field handling of rambutan

 

 

Jürgen Pohlan, Eva JM Vanderlinden and Marc JJ Janssens*

University of Bonn, Institute of Crop Science and Resource Conservation (INRES), Unit of Tropical Crops, Auf dem Hügel 6, Bonn, Germany

 

Abstract

Purpose of the review: This review provides a better understanding of rambutan fruit growth, maturity and quality indices for harvesting, nutritional content and composition of major rambutan cultivars. The importance of harvesting methods, plant protection in the field and careful postharvest handling techniques are illustrated in relation to retaining fruit quality after harvest.

Findings: Improved clonal material has been exchanged among Australia and South-East Asian countries. In other continents, there is still a need for improvement as illustrated by the case of rambutan production in Mexico. Commercial grading during the packing operation also needs further attention in some of the newer rambutan producing countries.

Directions for future research: Clonal adaptation to the growing environment requires intensive field trials in the newer producing countries outside South-East Asia and Australia. Postharvest technology, which encompasses all operations involving packing, storage and transportation, remains of paramount importance due to the delicate nature of the rambutan fruit.

 

Keywords: rambutan; fruit growth; maturity indices; fruit quality; harvest handling; storage

 

Stewart Postharvest Review 2008, 2:11

Published online 01 April 2008

doi: 10.2212/spr.2008.2.11