Current Status of Apples Damaged by Natural Disasters and Problems with Utilization of Damaged Fruits

Abstract

Concerns about damage to agricultural products due to global warming are increasing year by year. In apple cultivation, high temperatures cause defects in color and other characteristics, and warm weather in winter causes a decrease in cold resistance, which is associated with damage due to low temperatures and frost. In addition, damage due to storms and floods occurs frequently. In Nagano Prefecture, various fruit varieties are cultivated using a relay system. Therefore, harvesting is intermittent from July to December. Since the rate of maturation varies among cultivars, the degree of maturity and degree of damage also differ depending on the timing of the occurrence of natural disasters. Most harvested fruits are immature, and there are many problems with food safety and taste. On the other hand, immature fruits contain a lot of polyphenols, which are used as functional materials. Regarding climate change countermeasures, advances have been made in terms of forecasting, prevention, items, varieties, and cultivation techniques. However, no progress has been made in examining ways to use damaged agricultural products. In the future, it will be necessary for national and local governments, production areas, and processors to work together to examine the safety and utilization of damaged agricultural products.