Vol. 38 No. 2 (2024): Advances in Horticultural Science
Articles

Pigmental composition and physico-chemical characteristics of Bittergourd (Momordica charantia L. cv. Jadeite) during postharvest period as influenced by illumination colors

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  • J.G. Ponteras,
  • J.D.C. Quisil,
  • F. Salas
J.G. Ponteras
Agriculture Department, Institute of Agricultural Technology and Entrepreneurial Studies, Southern Philippiness, Agribusiness and Marine and Aquatic School of Technology, Malita, Davao Occidental, Philippines.
J.D.C. Quisil
College of Agriculture, Central Mindanao University, University Town, Musuan, Maramag, Bukidnon, Philippines.
F. Salas
Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, College of Arts and Sciences, Visayas State University, Baybay City, Leyte, Philippines.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.36253/ahsc-15691
Categories

Published 2024-07-01

Keywords

  • Bittergourd,
  • LED,
  • pigmental composition,
  • postharvest quality

How to Cite

Ponteras, J., Quisil, J. D., & Salas, F. (2024). Pigmental composition and physico-chemical characteristics of Bittergourd (Momordica charantia L. cv. Jadeite) during postharvest period as influenced by illumination colors. Advances in Horticultural Science, 38(2), 155–167. https://doi.org/10.36253/ahsc-15691

Copyright (c) 2024 John Ponteras, John Donald Quisil, Felix Salas

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

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Abstract

Fruits and vegetables that exhibit a higher chlorophyll content, as reflected in their visual appearance, are the preferred choice of consumers. The study aimed to evaluate the effects of Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) on the physical, chemical, and pigmentation quality of bitter gourd using white, blue, and red at 1.5 W/135 lumens (Foshan Electrical and Lighting Co., Ltd [FSL], China). Bitter gourd, with a short postharvest life of 4-5 days due to physical and chemical disorders, was harvested weighing 300–400 g and 25 x 5 cm from the farm and subjected to varying illuminations within a 4-hour period for five days, with measurements taken daily. Statistical differences between treatments were observed in physicochemical parameters such as fruit shrivelling, yellowing, visual appearance, weight loss, dry matter content, total chlorophyll, pH values, and TA. The quality and shelf-life of bitter gourd fruits were found to be improved by the white LED. The visual appearance was maintained, and fruit shrivelling and yellowing were delayed, with lower weight loss observed. Slight changes in chlorophylls and carotenoids, vitamin C, and a shelf-life of 5 days were recorded.

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