BANGKOK, Sept 11 (TNA) — Researchers have successfully applied irradiation to resume the export of ripe mangos to the United States after the export had been rejected for 12 years.
The success resulted from collaboration of the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT), the Biodiversity-based Economy Development Office, Naresuan University and the Thailand Institute of Nuclear Technology. The organizations announced the success today.
NRCT secretary-general Sirirurg Songsivilai said the US opened to ripe barracuda mango imports in 2008 but American consumers rejected such products, irradiated, from Thailand because of their black lines on mango skin and brown flesh.
The organizations then conducted a study on gamma ray irradiation to protect the conditions of the mangoes. Eventually the study came up with techniques to maintain good mango skin and golden flesh.
Consequently, the mango exports to the US resumed this year after a 12 years’ break, Dr Sirirurg said.
“This brings ample opportunities to Thai farmers and exporters because the United States is the world’s large market that always demands barracuda mangoes all year long,” he said.
NRCT was willing to share the irradiation techniques with interested operators as well as relevant cultivation and harvest techniques with farmers, he said. (TNA)
