Bioscience Methods 2025, Vol.16, No.1, 41-51 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/bm 46 5.4 Effect of post-harvest handling practices Post-harvest handling practices, including curing, drying, and storage methods, play a vital role in maintaining sweet potato quality. Curing at temperatures around 13°C has been shown to reduce decay rates and maintain quality. Advanced drying techniques such as vacuum, infrared, and freeze drying, along with pretreatments like ultrasound and osmotic dehydration, have been developed to improve drying efficiency and preserve nutritional qualities (Rashid et al., 2022). Storage conditions such as pit storage have been recommended for their effectiveness in reducing weight loss, sprouting, and spoilage while maintaining better physicochemical and sensory acceptability (Eyesa and Badebo, 2022). Additionally, modifications in atmospheric pressure and composition during storage can influence the concentration and bioaccessibility of carotenoids, impacting the nutritional quality of sweet potatoes (Drapal and Fraser, 2019). 6 Case Study 6.1 Background and regional importance of sweet potato cultivation Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) is a vital crop globally, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. It is valued for its nutritional content, including high levels of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. In regions like Central Europe, Malaysia, and Tanzania, sweet potato cultivation is crucial for food security and economic stability. For instance, in Central Europe, sweet potato cultivation has been adapted to local climatic conditions, contributing to the diversification of agricultural practices and providing a reliable food source (Krochmal-Marczak et al., 2020). Similarly, in Malaysia, sweet potato varieties such as Keledek Anggun 3, Keledek Jingga, and Keledek Kuning are integral to local diets and agricultural economies. In Tanzania, sweet potatoes are a staple food, and their cultivation supports the livelihoods of many smallholder farmers. 6.2 Storage techniques applied locally Various storage techniques are employed to maintain the quality of sweet potatoes post-harvest. In Central Europe, sweet potatoes are stored at controlled temperatures of 5°C and 15°C to minimize weight loss and preserve quality. In Malaysia, different storage temperatures (5°C, 15°C, and 30°C) are used to study their effects on moisture content, soluble solids content, color, and texture of sweet potatoes (Sanchez et al., 2021). In Tanzania, traditional and improved storage methods such as ventilated bags, bamboo buckets, and raised platforms are evaluated for their effectiveness in preserving white-colored sweet potato roots. Additionally, innovative methods like high-voltage alternating electric field (HVAEF) treatment are explored to maintain the physiological and biochemical integrity of sweet potatoes during cold storage. 6.3 Outcomes and implications for quality maintenance The outcomes of these storage techniques vary significantly. In Central Europe, storing sweet potatoes at 15°C has been found to reduce tuber waste and weight loss, while maintaining higher dry matter and total sugar content compared to storage at 5°C (Table 4). In Malaysia, storage at 15°C also showed favorable results in maintaining the quality parameters of sweet potatoes, with significant effects on moisture content, soluble solids content, and textural properties. In Tanzania, ventilated bags were identified as the most effective storage method, resulting in the lowest weight loss and spoilage rates, and maintaining better overall quality compared to other traditional methods (Richard et al., 2023). The HVAEF treatment demonstrated promising results in preserving the quality of sweet potatoes by maintaining cell membrane integrity, reducing respiration rates, and delaying starch and water loss. 6.4 Lessons for broader application The findings from these case studies offer valuable lessons for broader application. Firstly, the importance of temperature control in storage cannot be overstated. Consistently, storage at moderate temperatures (around 15°C) has been shown to effectively maintain the quality of sweet potatoes across different regions. Secondly, the use of innovative storage technologies, such as HVAEF, presents a promising avenue for enhancing the shelf life and quality of sweet potatoes without relying on chemical treatments (Pang et al., 2021). Thirdly, the adaptation of
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