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Abstract. Plantain and banana are
important food crops in the humid zone of sub-Saharan Africa.
A major problem of plantain and banana is that the fruits are
highly perishable. Researchers, therefore, look for ways to extend
storage life. Several methods can be used to extend storage life.
The most important physiological functions affecting product
quality during storage are respiration and transpiration. To
extend storage life, these functions should be reduced. This
can be done by controlling temperature, humidity, ventilation,
and atmospheric composition during storage. Chemical and physical
treatment of fruits are other methods used to extend storage
life. Postharvest handling processes can also be improved to
extend storage life. |