Postharvest Research Program at INRA

INRA has conducted research for many years to reduce post-harvest losses of cereals and legumes which still are major problems in Morocco. The responses to insect problems were essentially chemical.
 
INRA has also started a research program on post-harvest diseases of citrus fruits and apples. This work had led to the development of effective biopesticides against these diseases. Further work conducted with private companies has allowed the development of a strategy that uses different active ingredients in post-harvest.
 
-   Development of alternatives methods to chemicals in the post-harvest phase
-  Management of Resistance development to active ingredients used in post-harvest phase
-  Physiological disorder in Citrus and vegetables (Chilling injury)
 


Vegetable Research has focused on :
 
-Understanding factors that affect fruit quality
- Understanding the effect of harvest, handling and transportation on fruit post-harvest quality
- Studies related to protection of fruits from pathogens and post-harvest disorders
- Assess modern technologies such as Modified and Controlled Atmospheres for storage and transit - Studies of different means of preserving fruit quality (use of coatings, different physical treatments to reduce injuries and disorders)
 
Other ongoing research programs aim to identify the causes of post-harvest losses of onion, tomato, and citrus.

Food waste project: Morocco-FAO

​This project is to develop a national strategy and action plan to reduce food losses and waste (PAG) in Morocco. It was launched Wednesday, June 10 in Rabat, in partnership with the United Nations for Food and Agriculture. INRA is responsible for conducting and coordinating this study. The expected results consist of conducting a study on the PAG in Morocco for key food sub-sectors selected as a priority for the government as part of the Green Morocco Plan, identifying the main causes, analysis of measures in PAG to reduce post-harvest food losses and the assessment of their economic feasibility, acceptability regarding social dynamics and gender, as well as, their environmental impact.