rrl

H. Review of Related Literature

Strawberries are a viable crop in most areas of the United States. Cultivars have been developed to suit most agro-climatic conditions. In many locations, demand for locally produced berries far exceeds available supplies; small-scale producers can thus get higher returns from strawberries than from most other crops.
( http://attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/strawberry.html)


Strawberries are small-fruit crops that lend themselves well to small-scale and part-time farming operations. Initial investment is high but is primarily related to the cost of land preparation, planting, and installing an irrigation system. Also, equipment needs on a small-acreage farm are not very great. Strawberry plantings should produce commercialquality fruit for three to five years. Increasing demand for strawberries in recent years has kept fresh-market prices relatively stable. Growing strawberries is not for everyone however, as they have special production requirements, as well as a short shelf life and marketing season. (http://pubs.cas.psu.edu/FreePubs/pdfs/ua290.pdf)

Cacti, cultivated by people worldwide, are a familiar sight as potted plants, houseplants or in ornamental gardens in warmer climates. They often form part of xeriphytic (dry) gardens in arid regions, or raised rockeries. Some countries, such as Australia, have water restrictions in many cities, so drought-resistant plants are increasing in popularity. Numerous species have entered widespread cultivation, including members of Echinopsis, Mammillaria and Cereus among others. Some, such as the Golden Barrel dekha Cactus, Echinocactus grusonii, are prominent in garden design.
Cacti are commonly used for fencing material where there is a lack of either natural resources or financial means to construct a permanent fence. This is often seen in arid and warm climates, such as the Masai Mara in Kenya. This is known as a cactus fence. Cactus fences are often used by homeowners and landscape architects for home security purposes. The sharp thorns of the cactus deter unauthorized persons from entering private properties, and may prevent break-ins if planted under windows and near drainpipes. The aesthetic characteristics of some species, in conjunction with their home security qualities, makes them a considerable alternative to artificial fences and walls.( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cactus).
Opuntia ficus indica (L.) Miller is a cactus species widely utilized in semi-arid zones as a fruit and forage crop. It is one of the few crops that can be cultivated in areas which offer little growth possibility for common fruits and vegetables.
Nutritive value of its fruits (prickly pear) and cladodes continues to be studied in attempt to better use this species. Research studies related to the histological and physiological aspects of the growth and adaptation of Opuntia ficus indica to drought were carried out by several authors.
In Tiznit (south Morocco), Opuntia ficus indica species is represented essentially by two ecotypes called 'Aissa' and 'Moussa'. They could be distinguished by the flowering time and the period of fruit maturation which is respectively June to August and September to December. In addition, the presence and absence of spines on cladodes is a frequently used character in the ecotype identification. However, the expression of such characters could be more or less influenced by the environmental conditions. At actual time there is no marker-assisted breeding program for Opuntia ficus indica. (http://bbplaboratory.ifrance.com/opuntia.html)

Food spoilage may be defined as any change that renders food unfit for human consumption. These changes may be caused by various factors, including contamination by microorganisms, infestation by insects, or degradation by endogenous enzymes. (http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/560730/spoilage)
The heat resistance of endo-polygalacturonase (endo-PG) of the strawberry spoilage fungi, Rhizopus sexualis, R. stolonifer and Mucor piriformis, was compared to that of isolates of R. arrhizus, R. stolonifer and R. oryzae known to cause breakdown of canned apricots. All species produced endo-PGs in culture medium which showed marked heat tolerance and a bimodal heat stability. Heating for 10 min at temperatures between 30-120°C indicated that maximum inactivation occurred at 50-60°C. Stability increased from 70°C to 100°C and then declined, but in some cases activity remained even after heating at 120°C for 10 min. Similar trends in heat resistance were recorded for endo-PGs in infected tissue of apricot, peach, tomato and cherry fruits, whereas those in infected tissue of strawberry, raspberry and plum were rapidly inactivated at all temperatures above 40°C. The possible reasons for differences between fruits are discussed. (http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/113323635/abstract)

definition of terms

G. Definition of Terms

Fragaria ananassa. English name is strawberry.

Mucilage. A thick water-based solution.

Opuntia ficus indica. Cactus specie and a long domesticated crop plant important in agricultural economies.

Replicate. One of several identical experiments.

Edible coating. help preserve fruits and vegetables.

scope and limitation

F. Scope and Limitation

This research is going to be conducted at the laboratory. The research study generally focused on the effect of cactus mucilage on the shelf-life of F. ananassa using four set ups with one replicate each. Three of the set ups are the experimental group under different potential differences while the remaining one is the controlled set up. The comparison of variables among F. ananasa which subjected and not subjected to cactus mucilage will be also done.

significance of the study

E. Significance of the Study

The study mainly aimed to determine if cactus mucilage can help in preserving strawberries. It also aimed to determine if cactus mucilage affect the growth of strawberries in terms of color, texture and quality.
The success of this study will benefit people who like to produce with no anxiety if it will last long. It can provide additional income to them. It is a help to develop the use of cactus mucilage subjecting the strawberry to prolong its freshness. Therefore, it is a big help to search for other easy ways to prolong the freshness of the strawberries.

objectives

D. Objectives

1. To determine the effect cactus mucilage on the preservation of Fragaria ananassa.

2. To determine cactus mucilage subjecting the starwberry will affect the freshness of the starwberries after the coated.

hypotheses

C. Hypotheses

Hi: Subjecting F. ananassa to cactus mucilage will have a significant effect on the color of strawberry.
Ho: Subjecting F. ananassa to cactus mucilage will not have a significant effect on the color of strawberry.

Hi: Subjecting F. ananassa to cactus mucilage will have a significant effect on the texture of strawberry.
Ho: Subjecting F. ananassa to cactus mucilage will not have a significant effect on the texture of strawberry.

Hi: Subjecting F. ananassa to cactus mucilage will have a significant effect on the quality of the strawberry.
Ho: Subjecting F. ananassa to cactus mucilage will not have a significant effect on the quality of the strawberry.

statement of the problem

B. Statement of the Problem

Generally, this research entitled “The Effect of Optunia ficus indica Mucilage Coating on the Fragaria ananassa Shell-life” aimed to determine the effects of optunia ficus indica mucilage on color, texture and, quality of the strawberry.

Specifically, the study sought to answer the following questions:

1. If F. ananassa will be subjected to cactus mucilage:
a. Will the color of the strawberry change?
b. Will the texture of strawberry change?
c. Will the quality of strawberry change?

2. After the strawberries are harvested, will the cactus mucilage be a good way in preserving strawberries?

background of the study

A. Background of the Study

Strawberries supplies here in the Philippines are limited because of lack of knowledge on cultural methods of growing cactus. This reason caused us to get our general commercial demand of strawberries from other countries. Strawberries need considerable climate to grow because of their different habitat compared to other plants. Most of the strawberries, after being harvested lose its freshness after four to five days.

The problem that the researcher had observed, urged her to propose the study about using cactus mucilage to slow down the spoilage of the fruits. The researcher thought that it would be really a big help for all of us.

intoduction

INTRODUCTION

Edible coating have long been known to protect perishable food products from detoriation by retarding dehydration, improving the texture quality and helping retain the volatile flavor compounds and reducing the microbial growth. In this way, the application of edible coatings on fresh fruits like starwberries can provide an alternative method to extend the post-harvest, reducing quality changes and quality losses.

Food preservation is critical for keeping the global food supply safe and available for consumers. Food scientists study production and processing to develop new technologies that improve the quality and quantity of healthy food products. The main goal is to safely increase yields with effective quality control and to preserve the environment and fulfill consumer expectations.

Both consumers and food producers require more research about fresh-cut produce. Producers demand inexpensive and effective technologies to safely preserve the quality of the products. In the same manner, consumers want quality low priced fresh-cut produce. The rsearcher attempts to solve problems in freshcut processing and quality preservation.
The research proposal entitled “The Effect of Optunia ficus indica Mucilage Coating on the Fragaria ananassa Shell-life” aimed to determine the effects of optunia ficus indica mucilage on color, texture and, quality of the fruit.

This research proposal focused mainly mucilage which slows down the spoilage of fruits.

i love you the most!!

I love you the most. In every second of my life you're not right here by my side, my heart is bleeding. I know we should have our limitation. That's why I'm taking this for better. Please wait for me. You're the only one I need. You're my life, my soul. I know others will just say it is just a dramatic words of yours. But it is the truth. Should I hide my true feelings? It is better to tell the truth than to tell a lie which will worsen your life. Yet short but meaningful.

poems with thought...

You are the one,
In my dreams at night.
You are the one,
I'm holding so tight.

You are the one,
I want to be kissin'
You are the one,
I don't want to be missin'

You are the one,
Who holds the key.
You are the one,
I want with me.

You are the one,
I want to touch.
You are the one,
I need so much.

You are the one,
That I'll forever love.
You are the one,
Sent from heaven above.


I really miss him..

a poetry makes me feel good..

You are like the diamonds that shine and glisten in my rings
You are my Angel, You are truly my everything
You are like the fine bubbles in my wine
You are all that I ever have on my mind
You are like a warm summer blowing breeze
You are all my heart will ever need
You are like the shinning stars in the sky
You make me feel so loved and so alive
You are like a beautiful waterfall that overflows
You are truly in my heart and in my soul
You are like a soft elegant Rose bud
You are and always will be my one and only Love
You are like a dream that I pray will be true
You have no Idea how much I'm in love with you

NOSEBLEED!!Before I publish this, I made a draft. I started to do it last December. I just finish it now.

I dedicate this to my one and only love..

research problem..

I would like to present my problem which is the usage of cactus. Since the cactus is edible, I come up with the cactus tea. Cactus helps to digest food. I choose this problem because I would like to use cactus as an ingredient in a tea. It is in the field of botany and biology. The date today is 12, 2007. It is all about the extract of cactus as an alternative main ingredient of tea.
Target n= greater than or equal to 30.

Sir, I hope you accept.

friendship do lost..

You used to be so independent. You not to get attached. One boy comes along and on your true friend you turn your back. We used to be one. we used to have fun. Me and you used to play. You let him enter your world, and you pushed me out. So our friendship is over. No questions. No doubts. Like sisters we stood, like leaves we fell. Just remember when things got rough, I was holding you up like a nail. To me, you were my sister, my blood so I lifted you back. Before he twisted your heart and played games with your head, you were my other half, now I'm better off dead. We were like twins. We were better than friends. Just remember, when he drops you, due to him, you lost me too. Same goes for me. You were my seat when I was falling. You were my conscience when trouble is calling. You were my tissue when I am crying. And what hurt the most, you were my angel when I feel like dying. We were partner in crime. We were sisters for life. Now your with him, so all by myself I'll do my time. You deny putting him first. They said love is blind. The next time you need help, don't have me in your mind.

do friendship ends??

I really don't know what's happening right now. I don't know who's right or wrong. I don't know the reasons behind that CHANGE. Even my classmates don't know the story behind. The only thing I can see is my closeness to Jam. I'm not sure. Correct me if I'm wrong to those who will read this. From the start, whenever she's mad at me, she never answered my questions to her. She wont even talk. If I wrote to her, she wont answer. If I text her, she wont reply. What should I do? It is better to be her school mate than to be her classmate. At least, she won't be jealous or get mad from my attitude. She never asked sorry. I'm always the one who asked sorry even though it's not my fault. Where will I place?