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POSTHARVEST HANDLING SYSTEMS AND LOSSES OF EGGPLANT IN MAJOR

PRODUCING AREAS OF THE PHILIPPINES

Technical Report · October 2018

DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.13543.09128

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 Asian Journal of Postharvest and Mechanization

POSTHARVEST HANDLING SYSTEMS AND LOSSES

OF EGGPLANT IN MAJOR PRODUCING
AREAS OF THE PHILIPPINES
Edgar D. Flores1, Renita SM. Dela Cruz2, Ma. Cecilia R. Antolin3

ABSTRACT

Eggplant is one of the most popular lowland vegetables in the country. Like any other
vegetables, however, eggplant is perishable and has a very short shelf life once it detached
from the mother plant. An understanding on the existing postharvest handling practices and
systems of eggplant is an important method in identifying gaps in postharvest technology to
reduce losses. This paper analyzed the postharvest handling system of eggplant based on the
primary data obtained from 202 eggplant farmer-respondents. Actual loss assessment in
major routes of eggplant from farm to retail market was also conducted. These were the
routes from Pangasinan-Pasig City market, Pangasinan-Divisoria market, and Quezon-
Divisoria markets. Major postharvest problems identified for eggplant were noted including
their potential technological interventions. Along the postharvest handling systems, bulk of
harvested eggplants was mostly traded in Manila Central Markets such as Divisoria,
Balintawak, and Pasig City. The postharvest system’s loss of eggplant ranged from 4.78 to
8.05% for a period of two days from harvest at the farm to retail market level. Physiological
weight loss for two days was high at the retail level at a range of 4.47 to 7.53%. In addition,
quality deterioration such as shriveling also started to set in at the retail level. Reduced
quality was observed at the range of 1.67 to 12.58% of the volume handled by the retailer.
This qualitative loss has significant effect on the price of eggplant in the market as there is a
decrease in market value as quality deteriorates. With this concern, the recommended
potential interventions are the development of suitable packaging materials to reduce
physiological weight loss, validation of evaporative cooling technology using bigger volume
of eggplant and the evaluation of technically and financially viable surface coatings to retard
transpiration and evaporation of moisture from eggplant.

Keywords: Eggplant, Losses, Postharvest systems, Qualitative, Quantitative

Submitted for review on September 9, 2017, Accepted for publication on February 14, 2018
1Edgar D. Flores/Corresponding Author/ Science Research Specialist II/Socio-Economic and Policy Research
Division (SEPRD)/Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization; Email:egaydulayflores@yahoo.com
2 Renita SM. Dela Cruz/Co-Author/ Chief Science Research Specialist/SEPRD-PHilMech
3
Ma. Cecilia R. Antolin/ Co-Author/ Senior Science Research Specialist/SEPRD-PHilMech

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 Asian Journal of Postharvest and Mechanization

INTRODUCTION and moisture that would eventually soften

its texture. Eggplant is highly perishable
Eggplant (Solanum melongena L.)is because once it detached from the plant it
one of the non-tuberous species of the can no longer be stored for a long period
family Solanaceae with a wide range of of time. Ozcan (2007) mentioned that
varieties of fruit shapes and colors, ranging losses occur during harvest, preparation
from oval or egg-shaped to long club- for market, transportation of fruits and
shaped; and from white, yellow, green vegetables vary from 15 to 50%. Under
through degrees of purple pigmentation to Philippine situation, postharvest losses in
almost black (Kantharajah and fruits and vegetables could be up to 50%
Golegaonkar, 2004). Eggplant fruits are (Nuevo and Apaga, 2010).
known for being low in calories and rich in
minerals such as potassium, magnesium, Postharvest loss is a measurable
calcium and iron that are beneficial for quantitative and qualitative loss of a
human health (Zenia and Halina, 2008). product at any moment during the
postharvest chain. It includes the change in
The average annual production the availability, edibility, wholesomeness
worldwide of eggplant devoted to less than or quality of the food that prevents its
2.5 million hectares is 26,532,747 t (FAO, consumption (Troger et al. 2007). Both
2014). In the Philippines, eggplant is one quantitative and qualitative food losses of
of the most popular lowland vegetables extremely variable magnitude occur during
due to its inclusion as basic ingredients of postharvest stages, from harvesting,
the most popular vegetable food viand in handling, storage, processing and
the country called “pinakbet”. Philippines marketing, to final delivery to the
ranked as eleventh producer of eggplant in consumer. It was reported that improper
the world, with an average annual postproduction practices result in losses
production of 209, 783.40 t (BAS 2014). due to spoiling of the product before
Among the provinces, Pangasinan and reaching the market, as well as quality
Quezon are the major producers of losses such as deterioration in appearance,
eggplant, contributing 30 and 13% share of taste and nutritional value. Such improper
the total Philippine eggplant yield output, practices risk the quality of the product for
respectively. market, reduce the prices and storage
period of the products (Turan, 2008 as
Like any other crops, eggplants are cited by Buyukbay et al. 2011).
also exposed to postharvest losses during
harvesting and transportation from farms With this, it is important to know and
to market. These losses are mainly due to understand the existing handling practices,
physical damage, weight reduction and problems and concerns of the eggplant’s
improper postharvest handling systems stakeholders to identify gaps in postharvest
that led to both qualitative and quantitative technology. An assessment of the
losses. Freshly harvested eggplant have quantitative and qualitative losses has to
high respiratory rate that releases both heat be established to serve as basis in

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 Asian Journal of Postharvest and Mechanization

formulating loss reduction program and agents/middlemen). Visits were done in

development of control measures and the LGUs to determine the major growing
interventions that are appropriate, efficient areas. Surveys and FGDs were conducted
and with high reduction impact in the in top producing municipalities with each
handling system of eggplant. three top producing barangays. A
minimum of 10 farmers/growers or 10% of
This study aimed to establish baseline the total farmers in each top producing
information on the postharvest handling barangay were gathered and interviewed
systems and losses of eggplant as basis for using structured questionnaires. Among
developing and providing appropriate and the information gathered were the
viable postharvest technologies. production, postproduction and marketing
practices of eggplant famers/growers,
Specifically, it aimed to: estimated losses as perceived by farmers
1. Identify and characterize the and the possible causes of losses in each
postharvest handling systems of operation. The information generated and
eggplant from the farm to the the commodity flow established was
market; served as input for the selection of study
2. Determine the quantitative and area for loss assessment studies.
qualitative losses at major points in
the postharvest handling system of Actual loss assessment
eggplant; and
3. Identify problems and constraints Loss assessment studies for eggplant
in postharvest handling of eggplant were conducted in first two highest
and their potential interventions. producing provinces of Pangasinan and
Quezon where majority of crop is grown
METHODOLOGY for commercial market. Prior to the
conduct of this study, KII was first done
Data Collection and Analytical Tools with barangay officials, farmers and
traders to determine who among the
Data and information were collected farmers had schedule of harvests of
through desk research, key informant eggplant during the period of study. An
interviews (KII), survey and focus group arrangement on how the study would be
discussions (FGD). Interviews were done conducted was explained to the selected
with 202 eggplant farmers and other farmer-cooperators and trader-cooperators.
stakeholders who are very familiar, Concurrently, an interview was done on
knowledgeable and immersed in the the production, postproduction practices
production, postproduction and marketing and market destinations of the crop.
activities of eggplant. They include key
officials of Department of Agriculture Postharvest losses were measured
(DA), local government units (LGUs) and using the procedure developed by BPRE
traders (i.e. wholesaler, retailers, viajeros, and PHTRC in 2009 (Paz, et al. 2009).

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 Asian Journal of Postharvest and Mechanization

to the final destination. The VQR scales

Loss assessment were done following
and its description are summarized in
three to four routes, treating the routes as
Table 1 while the quality traits in
replicate for a given postproduction
describing the quality profile of eggplant
operation. The assessment of
postproduction losses of eggplant (both
from farm to retail level are presented in
qualitative and quantitative) began from
Table 2. The average rating for the
farm to retail level. The actual operations,
samples monitored is calculated using
practices and facilities used in handling the
equation 1.
commodity were observed and noted.
(𝑊𝑐)(𝑅𝑐)+. . (𝑊𝑐) + (𝑅𝑐)
Ambient conditions such as 𝑉𝑄𝑅 = (1)
𝑇𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑤𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑠𝑎𝑚𝑝𝑙𝑒𝑠
temperature, relative humidity (RH),
where the crops are exposed were also Where: Wc = weight of the commodity
monitored. The distance traveled, nature of per rating scale;Rc = rating of the
the road network, the time required to commodity
harvest and transport the commodity from
farm to market, losses due to mechanical, Quantitative losses are due to the
physical and physiological damage and reduction in weight (e.g. spillage, moisture
weight loss due to moisture reduction were loss, etc.) of the total produce from
determined. The commodity handlers such different points of the commodity flow.
The measurements of losses are
as farmers, traders, wholesalers, and
determined from weight differences of the
retailers were also interviewed to initial and final weight of the whole stock
determine related information such as produce. The following equations were
price and market quality standards. used in the computation of loss at each
handling point:

Qualitative losses are due to Harvesting loss (HL) – these are the
physiological changes that make the eggplant that were left in the farm
appearance, taste or texture of the produce unaccounted during harvesting activity.
less desirable to the end users. Visual Harvesting loss is the ratio of the total
quality rating (VQR) and quality profile weight of uncollected or left marketable
crops at the farm by the total weight of
(QP) were used in determining the quality
marketable produce multiplied by 100. It is
loss.The evaluation quality in the losses calculated using equation 2.
was performed at the determined points of
the commodity flow. VQR refers to the 𝑈𝐶𝑀ℎ
𝐻𝐿 (%) = 𝑥 100 (2)
𝐶𝑀ℎ + 𝑈𝐶𝑀ℎ
physical attributes of the commodity as
affected by handling or mechanical Where UCMh is the uncollected
damage during harvest and handling marketable commodity during
operations. Five to 10% of the stocks harvesting; and CMh is the collected
were subjected to VQR. Samples in each marketable commodity during
container were labelled and rated by harvesting.
trained staff in every operation from farm

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 Asian Journal of Postharvest and Mechanization

Table 1. Rating scale used in VQR of samples for eggplant

Scale Description
Excellent condition, fresh, minor defects (which will include insect
5
infestation, physical damage, injury)
4 Fair moderate defects
3 Minimum level of marketability
2 Minimum limit of edibility
1 Non-edible

Table 2. Quality traits used in describing QP of eggplant

Pre-harvest Postharvest losses
losses Mechanical damage Pathological defects Physiological defects
Immature Deep dents Soft rot
Sunscald Compression damages Wilting Shrivelled
Curled Bruises Signs of disease
Overmature Punctures
Double Cuts
Wind scar Cracks
Healed crack
Insect damage
Snail damage

Sorting loss (SL) – these are the market standard. Non-edible rejects are
marketable eggplants that were non-edible eggplants totally damaged by
accidentally sorted as non-marketable bacteria or (fruit borer) and pre-harvest-
rejects. This can be a combination of big,
related defects that cannot be accepted in
medium and small sizes of eggplants. It is
calculated using equation 3. the market standard. It is calculated using
equation 4.
Where ASRs are eggplants accidentally
𝑁𝑅𝑠
sorted as rejects; and SMCs are eggplants 𝑁𝑅 (%) = 𝑥 100 (4)
𝑆𝑀𝐶𝑠 + 𝑁𝑅𝑠
sorted as marketable commodity.

𝐴𝑆𝑅𝑠
Where NR is the non-marketable
𝑆𝐿 (%) = 𝑥 100 (3) reject; NRs is the sorted non-
𝑆𝑀𝐶𝑠 + 𝐴𝑆𝑅𝑠
marketable commodity reject during
Nonmarketable rejects (NR) – sorting; and SMCs is the sorted
These are composed of edible and non- marketable commodity.
edible rejects. Edible rejects are those
eggplants slightly damaged with visible Weight loss (WL) – loss that
bacterial specks and with low physical contributes to the reduction of weight or
quality caused by pre-harvest-related volume during the operations from
defects that cannot be accepted in the

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 Asian Journal of Postharvest and Mechanization

harvesting up to the point of sale to the RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS

consumer and calculated using equation 5.
Postharvest Handling Systems
𝐼𝑊 − 𝐹𝑊 of Eggplant
𝑊𝐿 (%) = 𝑥 100 (5)
𝐼𝑊

Harvesting. Eggplant farmers from

Where WL is the weight loss in
Pangasinan and Quezon provinces used
percent; initial weight (IW) and final
similar maturity indices. Majority of
respondents (85%) harvested their
weight (FW) are the sample weights
eggplants based on the number of days or
before and after a period of observation,
maturity days. Other farmers (48%) also
respectively. Period may refer to time or
harvested their eggplant based on size of
operation.
the fruit. Eggplant is normally harvested
45 to 60 days after transplanting and has
The actual assessment of losses
attained a certain size. Other harvesting
(quantitative and qualitative loss
indices considered were breakage in the
measurement) was done from harvest to
calyx and glossy purple in color (Table 3).
retail level. The actual operations,
Both provinces have the same methods of
practices, and the available postharvest
harvesting.
technologies used in the handling of the
produce were also observed and noted.
In Pangasinan, picking of eggplant was
The exposure of the crop to the climatic
done by bare hands and using bamboo
conditions, temperatures and relative
basket and/or crates and sacks as in-field
humidity (RH), were also monitored. The
containers (Figure 1). Others also used
commodity handlers; farmers, traders,
crate as a container while picking. In
wholesalers, and retailers were also
Quezon, eggplant fruits were temporarily
interviewed to determine the current
put on the ground along rows, after which,
practices on handling the crop, price and
hauling was done when picking has been
the situations that cause changes, and the
completed. Majority of eggplant farmers
market quality standards.
(95%) preferred to harvest in the morning.
Harvesting was done as early as 5 AM to
Method of Analysis
10 AM, depending on the area of
production. About 8 to 10 harvesters a day
Data and information collected from
were needed to harvest one hectare of
the key informant interviews, surveys and
eggplant. Hired laborers are paid either in
FGDs were analyzed with the aid of
per kilogram, per container or daily basis.
Statistical Package for Social Sciences
In Pangasinan, a picker was paid Php 200
(SPSS). Qualitative and quantitative losses
per day while in Quezon, a laborer is paid
were presented using mean values.
at Php 2 to 3/kg of harvested eggplant.

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 Asian Journal of Postharvest and Mechanization

When the price of eggplant is too low, season harvesting was done for 25 to 35
the eggplants were no longer harvested by times.
the farmers, considering that the cost to be
incurred for labor and transport are greater Hauling. Most of the farmers
than the gross sale. Harvesting is done in a manually hauled their harvested eggplants
staggered basis. For the entire cropping to a temporary shed where sorting,
washing and packing are done (Figure 2).

Figure 1. Manual picking eggplant and using

bamboo basket as in-field container

Figure 2. Manual hauling eggplant

from farm to farmer’s house

Figure 3. Manual sorting of eggplant near the farmer’s house

Harvested eggplants were carried

manually when sorting, washing and In Pangasinan, labor for hauling
packing are done in the farm. However, if was paid Php 200.00/day while its
these were done in farmer’s house, hauling counterpart in Quezon was paid Php 2 to
was done by using cart, tricycle or hand 3/kg of harvested eggplant.
tractor with trailer.

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 Asian Journal of Postharvest and Mechanization

Sorting. While harvesting, all Washing of eggplant is done by dipping in

picked eggplants were hauled to a water to remove surface dirt around the
temporary shed in the farm or near the fruit (Figure 4). The eggplant was removed
house of the farmer for sorting, cleaning from water immediately and packed in
and packing. Depending on the proximity polyethylene (PET) plastic bag without
of the production farm to the packaging removing surface water.
shed, about four to six persons were
required to haul a batch of harvest in one Packing. Generally, eggplants were
hectare area. packed in polyethylene (PET) bag (Figure
5). Those classified as “good” and “semi-
After hauling, sorting was done in the good” are packed in 10-kg while rejects
packing shed located within the farm or (RR) are packed in 15 to 20 kg weight
near the farmer’s house (Figure 3). Most basis. Packing materials (PET bags) were
of the farmers sorted their produce usually provided by the farmers but there
according to quality (88.12%) and size are some cases where the plastic bags are
(75.74%). Fruits which were over-mature, provided by the buyers, depending on their
with insect pest and diseases were market arrangement. Packaging material
considered rejects. Those eggplants that costed Php 3.00 to Php 4.00 per piece. In
were infested minimally by pests but still Quezon, where the eggplant was brought
edible were packed separately and sold at to Sentrong Pamilihan ng Quezon in
lower price or sometimes given to the Sariaya, Quezon,the eggplant was packed
laborers. in PET bags labeled with “Sentrong
Pamilihan ng Quezon”. The PET bags had
Washing. All of the farmer- dimensions of 20 x 30 inches and
respondents of both provinces practiced thickness of 0.00125 gauge. About six to 8
washing with water before packing. persons were required to sort and pack one
batch of harvest from one hectare area.

Figure 4. Washing of eggplant by dipping in water

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 Asian Journal of Postharvest and Mechanization

Figure 5. Packaging of eggplant using polyethylene (PET) bag

Transport. Eggplants in Pangasinan transported using elf trucks or jeepneys

(Villasis, Asingan and Manaoag) were with travel time of 3.5 to four hour travel.
brought to Villasis or Urdaneta Market Majority of eggplants from the study areas
using tricycles or jeepneys which take 30 (Pangasinan Province and Quezon
to 45 min. Elf trucks or jeepneys were Province) were transported using jeepneys
used in transporting eggplant to Divisoria from farm to trading post markets in
and Pasig markets which usually takes 4.5 Urdaneta City, Tanauan City and Sentrong
to 6 h from Urdaneta market. Eggplants Pamilihan ng Quezon (Figure 6).
from Quezon were transported to Sentrong Transportation of eggplants from farms to
Pamilihan ng Quezon or to Tanauan these markets usually took half to one hour
market using jeepneys and tricycles of travel. Two persons were required to do
requiring travel time of 45 minutes to one the loading and unloading of a jeepney
hour. Eggplants to Divisoria market were load of eggplant, 40 to 50 packs of 10-kg
in 0.5 h.

(a) (b)

Figure 6. Transportation of eggplants (a) to local market and from (b) local to
commercial market

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 Asian Journal of Postharvest and Mechanization

Table 3. Postharvest handling practices of 202 eggplant farmers in Pangasinan and Quezon,
2014 (% reporting)
Pangasinan Quezon All Provinces
Operation
n=124 n=78 n= 202
Harvesting
Maturity indices
No. of days 94.35 69.23 84.65
Color of fruits 0.00 14.10 5.45
Size of fruits 41.94 56.41 47.52
Others: breakage on the calyx 0.00 43.59 16.83
Harvesting method
Picking using hands 100.00 100.00 100.00
Indicative time of harvest
Morning 100.00 87.18 95.05
Whole day 12.82 4.95
Container used*
Sacks 32.26 74.36 48.51
Crates 0.00 15.38 5.94
Bamboo basket 38.71 0.00 23.76
Hauling (to sorting area)
Carried by human 100.00 100.00 100.00
Washing
Washing with water 100.00 100.00 100.00
Where done?
Farm 100.00 100.00 100.00
Sorting/Grading*
Size 69.35 85.90 75.74
Quality 100.00 69.23 88.12
Packing
Container used
Plastic (PE) 100.00 100.00 100.00
* Multiple responses

Marketing. Eggplants from the farm in

Pangasinan were either sold to traders Overall, 70% of the produce from the
situated at trading post by the farmers farm was first brought to Urdaneta or
themselves or picked-up by the traders at Villasis markets by farmers or assembler-
the farm. Of the total eggplant produced in wholesaler-retailers before its final
Pangasinan, majority (80%) were traded distribution. The remaining 30 % was
and brought to Metro Manila (Divisoria, directly distributed by some assemblers-
Pasig and Balintawak), 5% in Ilocos wholesalers.
Region and 5% also in Baguio City. Only
10% of the produce went to the local
market (Figure 7).

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 Asian Journal of Postharvest and Mechanization

In Pangasinan, farmers/growers are varieties. There was Php3.00 to

paid either in cash-on-delivery basis and/or Php5.00/kg price difference between farm
price and wholesale price, and about
paid later after the eggplants have been Php5.00/kg between wholesale and retail
sold by the traders. The farmgate price of price. Retailers usually added Php5.00/kg
eggplant in Pangasinan during peak to Php10.00/kg mark up. Retailers paid
months of June to October was as low as the wholesaler-retailers in cash. Retailers
Php5.00/kg and as high as Php60.00/kg handling small volume can dispose all
during lean months of December to their eggplants with no spoilage almost
January. The prices of “good” and “semi- every day. Retailers also paid a transport
good” eggplants differed by Php3.00 to fee of Php1.50/kg and a market fee at
Php 5.00/kg. Php250.00 for the stall. Since volume of
eggplant handled by the retailer every day
Retail price per kilogram ranges from was 100 kg, the market stall fee for
PhP5.00 to Php40.00 for the common eggplants is estimated at Php2.50/kg.
variety (morena, fortuner, casino, etc.) and
from Php20.00 to Php60.00 for the native

30% Manila market

(Divisoria, Pasig,
Pangasinan Balintawak (80%)
farms
Urdaneta/Villasis
(Villasis, Ilocos (5%)
market (70%)
Asingan,
Manaoag) Baguio (5%)

Local market (10%)

Figure 7. Geographical flow of eggplant in Pangasinan, 2015

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 Asian Journal of Postharvest and Mechanization

Eggplants from the farm in Quezon Overall, 54% of the produce from the farm
were brought by the assembler-wholesaler- were first brought to Sentrong Pamilihan
retailer or the famers to Sentrong ng Panlalawigang Agrikultura ng Quezon
Pamilihan ng Panlalawigang Agrikultura (SPPAQ), 19% to Tanauan City market
ng Quezon (SPPAQ) or Tanauan City and the remaining 27% was directly
Market in Batangas. From Tanauan City brought and distributed by assembler-
Market or Sentrong Pamilihan ng Quezon, wholesaler to their markets (Figure 8).
the eggplants were traded to Manila
Market (e.g. Divisoria, Balintawak, Pasig) In Quezon, eggplant farmer-sellers
by the truckers/viajeros, and to local were paid in cash. The farm gate price of
markets or other markets in nearby eggplant during peak months of April to
provinces. Retailers in Manila market or May was as low as Php4.00/kg and as high
other markets from nearby provinces as Php50.00/kg during the lean month of
purchased eggplant in Divisoria and sold it December. As in Pangasinan, the price
to household consumers. difference between farm price and
wholesale price was Php3.00 to PhP
Of the total eggplant produced in 5.00/kg and about Php5.00/kg between
Quezon, about 62% went to Metro Manila wholesale and retail price. The assembler-
(Divisoria, Balintawak and Pasig), 14 % to wholesaler-retailer normally set the
Cavite, 12% to Bicol region, 7% to Laguna farmgate price and retail price. Farmers
province and about 5% was traded locally. were often paid in cash upon delivery.

27% Manila Market

(Divisoria, Pasig,
Quezon Farms SPPAQ Market Balintawak (62%)
(54%)
(Tiaong, Cavite (14.0%)
Sariaya,
Dolores) Tanauan Market
Bicol (12.0 %)
(19%)

Laguna (7.0%)

Local Market (5.0%)

Figure 8. Geographical flow of eggplant in Quezon Province, 2015

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 Asian Journal of Postharvest and Mechanization

Quantitative and Qualitative Loss farm to retail, two days after harvest
(2DAH). This system’s loss was mainly
Table 4 summarized the percentage of contributed by weight loss (moisture loss)
losses in eggplant during the actual loss from farm to the retail level. Across the
assessment from farm to retail level. routes evaluated, highest postharvest loss
Quantitative and qualitative lossed were was observed at the retail level with 4.47
recorded and noted as the eggplant was to 7.53%, 2 DAH. In addition, quality
transported from the custody of farmers to deterioration such as shriveling also started
the subsequent stakeholders. to set in at the retailer level. Reduced
quality was observed at the range of 1.67
Results revealed that the total to 12.56% of the volume handled by the
postharvest system’s loss ranged from 4.73 retailer. There was a decrease in market
to 8.05% (average of 5.83%) from the value as quality deteriorates.

Table 4. Quantitative and qualitative loss, Pangasinan and Quezon, Philippines, 2015
Farmer Assemble/Wholesaler Wholesaler/Retailer Retailer Total Sys
Route
Level Retailer (Market 1) (Market 2) (DAY1-2) Loss
1. PANGASINAN-PASIG
Postharvest
Quantitative loss (%) nil 0.35 0.17 7.53 8.05
Qualitative loss (%) nil nil nil 6.05
2. PANGASINAN-DIVISORIA
Postharvest
Quantitative loss (%) nil 0.21 0.05 4.47 4.73
Qualitative loss (%) nil nil nil 1.67
3. QUEZON-DIVISORIA
Postharvest
Quantitative loss (%) 0.44 0.09 0.08 5.15 5.76
Qualitative loss (%) nil nil nil 12.56

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 Asian Journal of Postharvest and Mechanization

Aside from quantitative loss, the 3.28 at the retail level 2DAH (Figure 8).
quality of marketable eggplant from farm Preharvest defects caused by shoot/fruit
until its disposal at the retail market was borers, curled and windscar were noted at
monitored. About 10% of the total volume the farm level. Postharvest defects such as
of good quality eggplant for trading was dents, cracks/cuts, bruises, punctures and
subjected to VQR and QP at different compression damage were also observed
handling points [e.g., farm to trading post, but found minimal. These defects
from trading post to Manila markets increased as the eggplants transported to
(Divisoria, Pasig, Balintawak), to retail Urdaneta City and Pasig markets. Despite
markets]. The VQR of eggplant was the reduction quality ratings and the
assessed at specified handling point using observed defects, the eggplants were still
the developed quality rating for eggplant acceptable in the market. Physiological
ranging from (1 as poor quality) to (5 as defect such as shrivelling was first
excellent quality). observed one day after harvest (1DAH) at
the retail level and increased further
For Pangasinan-Pasig route, the VQR 2DAH. Though the samples of eggplant
of eggplant at the farm level was 4.32 and were disposed immediately 2 DAH at the
declined to 3.90 upon reaching Urdaneta retail market, some samples had reduced
City Market. VQR further decreased to market value due to shriveling.

5.0
Visual quality rating (VQR)

4.5
4.0
3.5
3.0
2.5
2.0
1.5
1.0
0.5
0.0
0 DAH 0 DAH 0.5 DAH 1 DAH 2 DAH
Farmer Wholesaler WS-Ret (Pasig) Retailer Retailer
(Urdaneta)

Figure 8.VQR of eggplant in Pangasinan-Pasig market route; 2015

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 Asian Journal of Postharvest and Mechanization

For Pangasinan-Divisoria route, the Mechanical defects due to compression

same trend of defects was observed as in during handling and transporting were also
the case of Pangasinan-Pasig market route noticed. There was an increased degree of
(Figure 9). VQR at the farm level was shriveling and rotting and reduced the
relatively higher at 4.87 than Pangasinan- quality of eggplant at the retail level.
Pasig route, indicating better quality of
harvested eggplants. Minor mechanical In summary, the results of profiling
defects such as dents, bruises and indicated that most of the defects at farmer
punctures were noted after transporting to level were due to preharvest factors
Urdaneta market and Divisoria. specifically caused by pest and diseases.
Physiological defects like shriveling was Minor postharvest defects such as
noted on the second day at the retail level bruising, compression, and dents were
where about 2% of the volume handled by observed at the wholesaler and wholesaler-
the retailers had reduced market value. retailer level after transporting. However,
the effects of mechanical and
For Quezon-Divisoria route, VQR at physiological factors contributed to quality
every handling point also decreased until it deterioration of eggplant which was
reached the retail level (Figure 10). observed at the retail level.
5.5
5.0
Visual quality rating (VQR)

4.5
4.0
3.5
3.0
2.5
2.0
1.5
1.0
0.5
0.0
0 DAH 0 DAH 0.5 DAH 1 DAH 2 DAH
Farmer Wholesaler WS-Ret Retailer Retailer
(Urdaneta) (Divisoria)

Figure 9. VQR of eggplant; Pangasinan-Divisoria market route; 2015

5.0
4.5
Visual quality rating (VQR)

4.0
3.5
3.0
2.5
2.0
1.5
1.0
0.5
0.0
0 DAH 0 DAH 0.5 DAH 1 DAH 2 DAH
Farmer Wholesaler WS-Ret Retailer Retailer
(Tanauan City) (Divisoria)

Figure 10. VQR of eggplant in Quezon-Divisoria market route; 2015

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 Asian Journal of Postharvest and Mechanization

Table 5. Problems or inefficiencies in eggplant industry and their potential interventions,

2015
Problems and constraints Potential interventions
Existing Practices Problems Available Technologies Potential Intervention
Sprinkling/wetting the Weight loss due Cold storage can Development and
eggplant with water is to moisture loss in prolong shelf life of improvement of existing
the usual practice of eggplant is about eggplant with systems/ technologies to
farmers and traders to 4.47 to 7.53% . recommended prolong the shelf life of
prevent eggplant from temperature and eggplant.
shriveling or making it relative humidity.
dull even for a short
period of time.
Shriveling with
Eggplant is perishable minor defects due Evaporative cooling Evaluation or validation
and has short storage life. to moisture loss storage system was of some surface coatings
Quality losses occur ranged from reported to reduce to retard the transpiration/
more on the part of the 1.67% to 12.58% weight loss of eggplant evaporation of moisture
traders most especially by at least two-fold from eggplant.
during peak season. compared to open Validation of evaporative
Traders must sell their storage (ambient cooling technology using
eggplant stock on a day condition). bigger volume of
or two to recover their eggplant.
capital and realize
income.

Problems and constraints of eggplant eggplant production was identified and

production and their potential potential interventions were formulated.
interventions As results, bulk of harvested eggplants was
mostly traded in Manila central markets
Based from the results of survey and (Divisoria, Balintawak, and Pasig).
postharvest loss assessment conducted, the Postharvest loss in eggplant ranged from
problems and constraints of postharvest 4.73 to 8.05% which largely contributed
handling system of eggplant with their by physiological weight loss (moisture
potential interventions were drawn and loss) especially at the retail market level.
presented in Table 5. Among the major handling points,
physiological weight loss for two days was
CONCLUSIONS AND high at the retail level at a range of 4.47 to
RECOMMENDATIONS 7.53%. Likewise, quality deterioration
such as shrivelling also started to set in at
The study focused on the the retail level. Reduced quality was
postproduction operations of eggplant. observed at the range of 1.67 to 12.58 % of
Quantitative and qualitative losses at major the volume handled by the retailer.
postharvest handling points were
determined. Some major constraints in

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 Asian Journal of Postharvest and Mechanization

With this concern, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

recommended potential interventions were 2014. World Production Volume of
the evaluation of technical, environmental Eggplant. Accessed date: May 2016.
and financial viabilities of surface coatings
to retard the transpiration/evaporation of Kantharajah A.S and P.G. Golegaonkar.
moisture from eggplant, research and 2004. Somatic embryogenesis in
development of suitable packaging eggplant review. J. Sci. Hortic. 99:
materials to reduce physiological weight 107-117.
loss (e.g. use of films, biological surface
coatings, etc.) and validation of Nuevo P. and A.R.M. Apaga. 2010.
evaporative cooling technology using Technology Reducing Postharvest
bigger volume of eggplant. Losses and Maintaining Quality of
Fruits and Vegetables (Philippines),
The information generated from AARDO Workshop on Technology on
this study can be used by the Reducing Postharvest Losses and
government/policy makers in providing Maintaining Quality of Fruits and
appropriate postharvest and mechanization Vegetables (Philippines) 154-167
technologies to improve the eggplant
industry of the country. Oscan M. 2007. Affects on Quality and
Durability of Harvest and Postharvest
ACKNOWLEDGMENT Practices in Horticultural Products,
http://www.carsambaziraatodasi.
The authors are grateful to Ms. com/ab1_1.asp, (Accessed: May 2016).
Daisy O. Tesorero, Carol Joy C. Feria, Mr.
Cesar F. Neric Jr., and Mr. Gerbert Paz, R.R., R.Q. Gutierrez, G.B. Calica, M.
Aninipot who helped gather the data and to V. Ramos, R.O. Vereña, P.C. Castillo,
the Philippine Center for Postharvest E.S. Corpuz, C. L. Domingo and R.S.
Development and Mechanization Rapusas. 2009. Qualitative and
(PHilMech), for providing financial Quantitative Loss Assessment of
support for this research undertaking. Selected High Value Food Crops.
Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija:
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