Reliable data on the extent of post-harvest
losses of the edible aroids is very limited. Published estimates on magnitude
of post-harvest losses in taro ranges from 12 to 15% (NAS, 1978). Different
levels of corm wastage and losses have been reported for different lengths of
storage and for the different types of edible aroids (Table 14).
Table 14: Storage losses of corms under traditional storage methods in ambient conditions.
|
Type of aroid |
Length of storage |
Nature of losses |
|
Taro |
5-10 days |
became unfit for human consumption |
|
Taro |
1-2 weeks |
became unfit for human consumption |
|
Taro |
2 weeks |
decayed rapidly |
|
Taro |
6 weeks |
28% fresh weight loss & 53% decay |
|
Taro |
2 months |
50% loss |
|
Taro |
3 months |
more than 30% wastage |
|
Taro |
5 months |
95% loss |
|
Tannia |
2 weeks |
5% decay |
|
Tannia |
6 weeks |
35% fresh weight loss & 40% decay. |
Source: Compiled from (Passam, 1982; Gollifer and Booth, 1973; Baybay, 1922; Rickard, 1983).