Means of transportation affects the physical qualities of watermelon (Citrullus lanatus [Thunb]) fruit within the Tamale Metropolis in the Northern Region of Ghana

Abstract

The high perishable nature of fruits and vegetables in the agricultural sector is a major concern to scientists and the various stakeholders along the value chain. Postharvest handling practices and transportation systems are some of the factors responsible for some postharvest losses. This study therefore sought to identify the various means of transport used by traders and also to assess the kinds of mechanical damage that confront watermelon fruits during transportation within the Metropolis. Field survey collected information on handling practices and the means of transportation. It revealed that the means of transport used by watermelon traders included Kia mini truck (0.80 t), Motor King (Tricycle) (0.45 t) Kia mini truck (1.5 t) and Mini Pickup truck (1.00 t). It was also observed that majority (35%) of watermelon traders used Kia mini truck while Mini Pickup truck was the least used (15%). It further revealed that Motor King (0.45 t) recorded the highest percentage of cracks (0.08%) while Kia mini truck (1.5 t) had the least (0.03%).  Additionally, Kia mini truck (0.80 t) had the highest percentage of bruises (0.14%) while Kia mini truck (1.5 t) had the least (0.53%).

Keywords: mechanical injury, hinterlands, transport, cracks and bruises