ISHS Acta Horticulturae 517: XXV International Horticultural Congress, Part 7: Quality of Horticultural Products
QUALITY OF HORTICULTURAL PRODUCTS |
| Author: | A.A. Kader |
| DOI: | 10.17660/ActaHortic.2000.517.1 |
| Abstract:
Quality, i.e., the degree of excellence or superiority, is a combination of attributes, properties, or characteristics that give each commodity value in terms of its intended use. The relative importance of each quality component depends upon the commodity or the product and how it is utilised and varies among producers, handlers, and consumers. To producers a given commodity must have high yield and good appearance must be easy to harvest, and must withstand long-distance shipping to markets. Appearance quality, firmness, and shelf life are important from the point of view of wholesale and retail marketers. Consumers judge quality of fresh fruits, ornamentals, and vegetables on the basis of appearance (including ‘freshness’) at the time of initial purchase. Subsequent purchases depend upon the consumer's satisfaction in terms of flavour (eating) quality of the product. Consumers are also concerned about the nutritional quality and safety of fruits and vegetables and their products. Quality of planting materials (seeds and propagules) is based on viability, vigour, and freedom from diseases and insects. A positive return on investment is essential in judging quality of production inputs (such as starting materials, fertilisers, pesticides, and equipment) and harvesting and postharvest handling machinery. | |
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