Fruit Quality Problems of the Windward Islands' Banana Industry

Abstract

Since its revival in the early fifties, the Windward Islands' banana industry has expanded rapidly. Exports have risen from 97,400 tons of fruit in 1959 to over 183,600 tons in 1968. Fruit quality which follows a seasonal pattern has been declining steadily from 1961 to the present time; deterioration over the years could have been due to any or all of 4 main factors: (a) improper handling of the fruit, (b) increased fungal activity, (c) inadequate plant nutrition and (d) higher grading standards employed by the marketing agents. Improved handling techniques aimed at providing greater protection to the fruit are being introduced into the islands. The bulk of Windward Islands' fruit is shipped on the stem because trials with box packaging have been unsuccessful in the past, however recent fruit boxing trials with thiabendazole have given very encouraging results; with continued success with the compound and if its use on export fruit is permitted in the UK, it is estimated that the Windwards will convert fully to box packaging of fruit within 3 years.