CRITIQUE PAPER

Physico-chemical properties of Guava fruits

from organic and conventional cultivation
systems
Group Members: Rubia, Analie /Reporter
Danio, Mark Angelo / Reporter
Bocalig, Gerelle / Editor
INTRODUCTION

Recently, the demand for organic food products has been expanding worldwide
because of consumer awareness of health and diet. Consumers are willingly to pay high
prices for organic foods due to the perception that they are superior to conventional foods in
terms of flavors, nutrition, health benefits, cleanliness, safety and environmental-friendly
production. Organic agricultural production is also recommended as part of the solution to
reach the sustainable development goals.Many studies had compared differences in physico-
chemical and organoleptic properties between organic and conventional fruits and vegetables.
However, the results in some produces were inconsistent. This may due to the differences in
production scale, soil type and cultivation management. Therefore comprehensible guidelines
should be recommended for obtaining better comparison studies.
Guava (Psidium guajava L.) is a common fruit cultivated in many tropical and
subtropical regions of the world. It is well known for its nutritional values, rich source of
antioxidants, vitamin C, dietary fiber and minerals such as calcium, phosphorus and iron.

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INTRODUCTION

Its high concentration of pectin somehow enhances cholesterol reduction and that reduces the
risk of cardiovascular diseases.Thailand is one of the leading producers of guava to the global
market. The typically recognized varieties in Thailand are ‘Klom Salee’, ‘Paen Srithong’ and
‘Kim Ju’. ‘Paen Srithong’ and ‘Kim Ju’ have been cultivated in both organic and conventional
systems. And, the organic ones are sold at a higher price than the conventional ones due to less
yield and higher attention. However, like other organic produces, organic guavas are limited
sold in a niche market. Many Thai consumers do not clearly understand about organic
agricultural management. A lot of them are confused the organic agriculture with safe
agriculture and integrated agriculture. The main benefit for health that most Thai people
understand and believe is that the organic production can reduce the risk of chemical residues.
But, having better quality than conventional fruits is quite skeptical. Therefore, this study aimed
to evaluate physico-chemical properties of guava fruits, 'Paen Srithong’ and ‘Kim Ju’, from
organic and conventional cultivation Systems. The study focused mainly on a comparison
between the cultivation systems on the qualities of these two cultivars. Hoping that the result
may provide more information on organic guava fruits and gain more consumers and
consequently would enhance more sustainable agricultural practices in Thailand.

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Hello!
I AM ANALIE
I am going to critique the Problem statement and
Purpose, Hypothesis, and Conclusion section.

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 Physico-chemical properties of Guava fruits
“ from organic and conventional cultivation
systems

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Problem statement and purpose

1. What is the problem and/or purpose of the research study?

The purpose of this study aimed to evaluate physico-chemical properties of Guava
fruits, ‘Paen Srithong’ and ‘Kim Ju’, from organic and conventional Cultivation Systems.
To be able to analyze the physical properties and chemical properties of guava fruits.

2. What significance of the problem, if any, has the investigator identified?

The significance is that the researchers will be able to evaluate and analyze the soil
attributes, physical properties of guava fruits; weight, density, sphericity, total soluble
solids and mechanical testing and chemical properties: ascorbic acid and pectin
contents of guava fruits.

3. Does the problem or purpose statement express a relationship between two or more
variables? If so, what is/are the relationship(s)? Are they testable?

Yes.

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Hypothesis or research question

1. What hypotheses or research questions are Stated in the study?

If organic had better textural properties than conventional cultivation systems. If conventional
cultivation systems can really reduce nutritional quality and flavor of the fruits and to the physical
properties of it. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate physico-chemical properties of guava fruits, ‘Paen
Srithong’ and ‘Kim Ju’, from organic and conventional cultivation Systems. The study focused mainly on
a comparison between the cultivation systems on the qualities of these Two cultivars.

2. If research questions are stated, are they used in addition to hypotheses or to guide an exploratory
study?
Yes, the research questions in this study will be used to guide an exploratory study of Physico-chemical
properties of Guava Fruits from organic and conventional cultivation systems.

3. Are the hypotheses testable?

Yes.

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Hello!
I AM MARK ANGELO
I am going to critique the Sample, Research Design,
Instrument, and Analysis of Data section.

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Sample

1. How was the sample selected?

Fifty guava fruits of uniform size from two cultivars, ‘Kim Ju’ and ‘Paen Srithong’, were purchased
directly from orchards under an organic and a conventional cultivation system. The fruits were freshly
harvested at a commercial mature-green stage (approx. 100 days after anthesis). They were placed on a
granite table in a room at a constant temperature of 25oC. All measures were conducted within 48 h.

2. What type of sampling method is used? Is it appropriate to the design?

The method of sampling that is used in the research is a stratified sampling where the population is
divided in to subgroups and the subgroups here is the two cultivars f guava that is used in the research.
Using this type or method of sampling, the researchers may vary upon the difference of the results of the two
diffirent cultivars to determine the best type of guava in organic and conventional garden system.

3. Does the sample reflect the population as identified in the problem or purpose statement?
Based on the research, the sanple that is used in the research is in mature green stage where is the best
stage of the guava maturity. The research intends to show the importance of cultivation or the type of garden
system in the growth of guava fruit. The researchers also want to illustrate the good things or effect of
otganic garden system in the growth of different fruits.

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Research Design

1. What type of design is used?

The type of research design that is used in this study is an observational research design. This type of
research design draws a conclusion by comparing subjects against a control group, in cases where the
researcher has no control over the experiment.

2. What type(s) of data-collection method(s) is/are used in the study?

The type of data collection method that is used by the researchers in this study is observational data
collection method. Observational data are captured through observation of a behavior or activity. It is
collected using methods such as human observation, open-ended surveys, or the use of an instrument or
sensor to monitor and record information. The researchers used different data-collection instruments to

determine the physico-chemical properties of guava fruits

3. Are the data-collection procedures similar for all subjects?

The data-collection procedures that is used in the data-gathering stage is different in every physico-
chemical characteristics. But similar in both types of cultivars.

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INSTRUMENT

Different instruments are used in this research to show the physico-chemical

characteristics of guava fruit based on the cultivations that is used. The following are the
instruments that is used in different characteristics:

1. The 3 dimensions of each fruit sample were measured with a vernier caliper.

2. The weight of each fruit sample was measured on an electronic balance (BSA3202S, Sartorius, Thailand).

3. The density was determined using the water displacement method.

4. The color attributes, L*, a* and b* values, of each sample were obtained using a spectrophotometer

5.The puncture testing was conducted by pressing a cylindrical, stainless steel, probe.

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Analysis of Data

1. Does the author report the level of significance set for the study? If so, what is it?
The author doesn't report or put the significance of the study, but as a critique, this study is very
significant or important to the people specially to those who seeks goodness in their food. This research
shows the difference in nutritional value, physical and chemical characteristics of the cultivars where
organic garden system is used that conventional garden systems.

2. If tables or figures are used, do they meet the following standards?

The tables and figures used meets the standards that is needed in order to put a good research. The tables
and figures are clear and concise, and shows the difference in each subgroups.

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Conclusion and implications

1. What recommendations for future research are stated or implied?

The evidences on the study confirm positive consumer perceptions. This information can be used for
promoting organic guava fruit. Organic guava fruit will be perceived as worth purchasing since its quality
fulfills consumers’ health benefits. And, this could significantly contribute to organic agricultural
sustainability.

2. What risks/benefits are involved for patients if the research findings would be used in practice-
- The costumer will benefit this research findings because they will know which is better to use
between organic and cultivation system in agriculture especially if the costumer wants to know about the
healthful benefits and risk of using the organic and cultivation systems in guava fruit. The patients will
become knowledgeable about the effects of the organic and cultivation system to the physical and chemical
properties of guava fruit.

3. Should these results be applied to nursing practice?

Yes, because this study will be helpful in the agriculture.

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Thanks!

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