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<p>Postharvest weight loss in mangoes presents a&#xa0;significant challenge for Ghana’s mango industry; affecting profitability, processing efficiency, and export competitiveness. This study examined the extent, causes, and implications of mango weight loss across three key mango producing regions in Ghana; which are Eastern, Volta, and Bono East. A&#xa0;mixed method involving a&#xa0;quasi-experimental quantitative, and qualitative method; which combines field sampling, laboratory analysis, and farmer interviews was used to assess physical, physiological, and handling factors influencing postharvest deterioration. The results showed that environmental factors (temperature, humidity), physiological traits (variety, ripeness, moisture content), and postharvest practices (chemical use, harvesting time, transportation) collectively influence weight loss. The&#xa0;quantitative data indicated that the Volta region experienced the highest average loss (up to 13.2%), while the Eastern and Bono East regions had comparatively moderate losses (up to 3.6% and 5.2%, respectively). The&#xa0;regression results revealed significant discrepancies between predicted and actual weight trends, confirming the role of uncontrolled environmental exposure in transpiration and respiration. Laboratory findings also indicated that mangoes with higher total soluble solids (TSS = 19.9 °Brix) and lower acidity (pH = 4.7) are more susceptible to dehydration. The study concludes that poor chemical management, delayed harvesting, and inadequate cold-chain logistics accelerate moisture loss and reduce processing yields. It recommends adopting temperature-controlled transportation, improved packaging, and providing farmer training on best postharvest practices to enhance mango quality, reduce economic losses, and strengthen Ghana’s position in the regional dried-fruit value chain.</p>

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Weight Loss in Mangoes: Causes, Implications, and Assessment in Ghana

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年12月8日

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  • Michael Tuffour,
  • Samuel Joe Acquah,
  • Adwoa Oforiwa Antwi,
  • Solomon Owia Bondzi-Quaye

摘要

Postharvest weight loss in mangoes presents a significant challenge for Ghana’s mango industry; affecting profitability, processing efficiency, and export competitiveness. This study examined the extent, causes, and implications of mango weight loss across three key mango producing regions in Ghana; which are Eastern, Volta, and Bono East. A mixed method involving a quasi-experimental quantitative, and qualitative method; which combines field sampling, laboratory analysis, and farmer interviews was used to assess physical, physiological, and handling factors influencing postharvest deterioration. The results showed that environmental factors (temperature, humidity), physiological traits (variety, ripeness, moisture content), and postharvest practices (chemical use, harvesting time, transportation) collectively influence weight loss. The quantitative data indicated that the Volta region experienced the highest average loss (up to 13.2%), while the Eastern and Bono East regions had comparatively moderate losses (up to 3.6% and 5.2%, respectively). The regression results revealed significant discrepancies between predicted and actual weight trends, confirming the role of uncontrolled environmental exposure in transpiration and respiration. Laboratory findings also indicated that mangoes with higher total soluble solids (TSS = 19.9 °Brix) and lower acidity (pH = 4.7) are more susceptible to dehydration. The study concludes that poor chemical management, delayed harvesting, and inadequate cold-chain logistics accelerate moisture loss and reduce processing yields. It recommends adopting temperature-controlled transportation, improved packaging, and providing farmer training on best postharvest practices to enhance mango quality, reduce economic losses, and strengthen Ghana’s position in the regional dried-fruit value chain.