Post harvest treatment of crops
AssigneeAstraZeneca UK Limited
InventorVernon KEATING
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Novel processes and combinations of matter for treating fresh produce to seal fresh-cut stems to reduce moisture loss and inhibit fungus, mold, rot and insect infestation at the site where the produce was separated from the plant stalk. Natural and commercially produced waxes are modified with elastomers to render efficacy for sealing produce at ambient and refrigerated temperatures, thus reducing moisture loss, reducing oxygen beneath the wax, and thus preventing infestation. The result is reduced loss of fresh produce due to moisture loss and infestation; and a safe, economical, and environmentally superior alternative to fungicides and biocides and brand enhancement opportunities in the general marketplace.
Claims15
A post-harvest treatment method for the suppression of biological infestation and subsequent rot in harvested crops comprising applying to the harvested crop a formulation comprising a mixture o f (a) a wax and (b) an e lastomer, with the proviso that said formulation after applied to at least a portion of said crop, will provide a substantially solid sealing layer which exhibits elasticity and flexibility over a temperature range of from about 38 degrees Fahrenheit to about 120 degrees Fahrenheit, and said sealing layer reduces the incidence and severity of rot by sealing in moisture and reducing the amount of oxygen available to support fungal growth.
A composition of matter useful for treating harvested crops in order to reduce infestation thereof, which composes a mixture of (a) wax and (b) elastomer, with the proviso that said mixture, after applied to at least a portion of said crop, will provide a substantially solid, non-sticky barrier layer which exhibits elasticity and flexibility over a temperature range of from about 38 degrees Fahrenheit to about 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.