Management of temperature and
relative humidity
Temperature
Temperature is the most important
environmental factor that influences the
deterioration of harvested commodities.
Most perishable horticultural
commodities last longest at
temperatures near 0ºC. At temperatures
above the optimum, the rate of
deterioration increases 2- to 3-fold for
every 10ºC rise in the temperature.
Temperature influences how other
internal and external factors influence
the commodity, and has a dramatic
effect on the spore germination and
growth rate of pathogens. Temperatures
outside the optimal range can cause
rapid deterioration due to the following
disorders: