Abstract

The aim of this review is in threefold: First, to explore the effect of different preharvest treatments on postharvest quality of fruits and vegetables. Second, the principles of biological, chemical and biochemical changes in banana during development, maturation, ripening and storage were reviewed. Third, postharvest handling and factors affecting quality of banana were examined. These include disinfecting, packaging and storage temperature. Pre- and postharvest treatments were found to have an effect on postharvest quality of banana, suggesting that postharvest quality of produce subjected to preharvest treatments should be assessed from a quality improvement, maintenance and consumer safety point of view. Literature recommends an integrated agro-technology approach towards improving quality at harvest and maintenance of qualities of banana.

Key words: Banana, fruit, postharvest handling, packaging, storage.