Estudio del efecto del tratamiento poscosecha por irradiación gamma sobre la vida útil de la cebolla perla ecuatoriana de exportación (Allium cepa L.)

Abstract

In this research project the effect of gamma radiation, field curing and storage conditions on the postharvest quality of Ecuadorian export pearl onions (Allium cepa L.) from Manabí was studied. Cured and uncured onion bulbs were irradiated with different doses of gamma rays (50, 100, 150 and 200 Gy) and stored under refrigeration (6 ° C and 70% R.H.) and environmental conditions (19 ° C and 60% R.H.) for 180 days. The results showed a significant reduction in weight loss, sprouting and rotting on irradiated bulbs compared with control samples. The treatment that let to extend shelf life up to 135 days on control (75 days) was cured and irradiated bulbs with a dose of 50 Gy and storage at refrigeration (6 ° C and 70% R.H.). The sensorial analysis showed no significant differences between the samples irradiated and their control. The economic feasibility analysis by the cost-benefit ratio showed that irradiation treatment allows higher profits through export to Brazil and the United States compared to the alternative without irradiation and local sale.