Changes in Goji Berry Toughness and Ease of Picking Over Time

Greg Howard
17th July, 2024

Changes in Goji Berry Toughness and Ease of Picking Over Time

Image Source: Natural Science News, 2024

Key Findings

  • The study was conducted in a L. barbarum plantation in Qinghai Province during the 2023 harvest period
  • The separation force and hardness of L. barbarum fruits are influenced by harvesting time, fruit variety, and maturity level
  • Ningqi No.1 is best harvested in the late afternoon and evening (17:00-21:00), while Ningqi No.7 shows optimal results when harvested in the morning (7:00-9:00)
Lycium barbarum, commonly known as wolfberry or goji berry, is a fruit renowned for its nutritional benefits and is extensively cultivated in China. Despite advancements in mechanized harvesting methods that have reduced production costs, inconsistent quality remains a significant challenge. A recent study conducted by Beijing Forestry University aims to address this issue by evaluating the correlation between the separating force and hardness of L. barbarum concerning harvesting time, maturity, and variety[1]. By determining the optimal harvesting time, the study seeks to enhance the quality of selectively mechanized harvesting of this fruit. The study was carried out in a L. barbarum plantation in Qinghai Province during the 2023 harvest period. Researchers focused on the primary cultivars Ningqi No. 1 and Ningqi No. 7, examining three ripening stages of the fruit harvested at various times throughout the day. The findings revealed that the separation force and hardness of L. barbarum fruits are influenced by the harvesting time, fruit variety, and level of maturity. Specifically, Ningqi No.1 was best harvested in the late afternoon and evening (17:00-21:00), while Ningqi No.7 showed optimal results when harvested in the morning (7:00-9:00). This study builds on previous research into the optimal harvesting times and methods for various fruits. For instance, a study on blueberries indicated that the best time for picking fruits for table consumption and producing berries with elevated levels of bioactive compounds varies by cultivar and harvest time[2]. Similarly, research on mechanical harvesting of olives found that harvesting at dawn, when environmental temperatures are lower, reduced bruising and internal damage[3]. These findings underscore the importance of timing in harvesting to maintain fruit quality. The current study on L. barbarum expands on these insights by providing specific recommendations for different cultivars and times of day. The researchers measured the separating force and hardness of the fruits, which are critical indicators of fruit quality. A higher separating force and hardness generally imply better structural integrity and resistance to mechanical damage, which are essential for maintaining the fruit's nutritional value and marketability. Moreover, the study's focus on the correlation between these physical properties and harvesting time aligns with earlier findings on the impact of environmental conditions on fruit quality. For example, research on the postharvest storability of apples highlighted how changes in climate and ripening indicators could compromise fruit firmness[4]. By identifying the optimal harvesting times, the current study provides a practical solution to mitigate such issues for L. barbarum. Additionally, the study's findings have implications for the use of modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) to enhance the postharvest quality of fruits. Previous research demonstrated that elevated CO2 levels could maintain the physiological quality and antioxidant activity of wolfberry fruits during storage[5]. By understanding the optimal harvesting times, producers can better implement MAP techniques to further preserve the quality of L. barbarum. In conclusion, the study by Beijing Forestry University offers valuable insights into improving the quality of mechanized harvesting of L. barbarum by identifying the optimal harvesting times for different cultivars. These findings not only enhance our understanding of the factors influencing fruit quality but also provide practical guidelines for producers to achieve consistent, high-quality yields. By integrating these recommendations with existing postharvest technologies, such as MAP, the industry can better meet consumer demands for nutritious and high-quality fruits.

FruitsAgriculturePlant Science

References

Main Study

1) Temporal changes in Lycium barbarum fruit separation force and hardness during selective harvesting.

Published 16th July, 2024

https://doi.org/10.1111/1750-3841.17253

Related Studies

2) When Is the Right Moment to Pick Blueberries? Variation in Agronomic and Chemical Properties of Blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum) Cultivars at Different Harvest Times.

https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo12090798

3) Mechanical harvesting at dawn in a super-high-density table olive orchard: effect on the quality of fruits.

https://doi.org/10.1002/jsfa.12384

4) Relationship between the firmness of Golden Delicious apples and the physicochemical characteristics of the fruits and their pectin during development and ripening.

https://doi.org/10.1007/s13197-017-2758-6

5) Elevated CO2 Enhanced the Antioxidant Activity and Downregulated Cell Wall Metabolism of Wolfberry (Lycium barbarum L.).

https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox11010016


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