Iran Alia Tejacal, from the Autonomous University of Morelos, Cuernavaca Campus and a member of the Researchers National System (SNI) level 1, presented the keynote lecture, Postharvest Studies on Mexican plum ( Spondias purpurea), in the Food Technology auditorium of the Autonomous University of Nayarit (UAN )
The speaker said he had chosen this investigation because the Spondias purpurea was native to Mexico and had a wide diversity in this species of plum. He explained that, due to the existing variety, there were different types of training in postharvest handling; a broad field where, he considered, he could evolve as a researcher.
He stressed that this fruit had a low cost of production as developed easily in dry lands. He noted that he began this research in 2008, but that it had strengthened in 2011 thanks to a PROMEP (a Teacher Improvement Program), which called for research networks, along with other projects.
The investigation evaluated 14 variables to form five groups typified by the fruit's colour, mass and concentration. He said he had found that the respiration rate was higher in two groups, which speeded the plum's ripening process, and showed the importance of climate in post-harvest.
Finally, he spoke about several projects in which he had participated, including research that focused on Poinsettias, the main objective of which was to detect their genetic diversity in the different areas of the state of Morelos.
Source: UAN